Blog

Mar 05, 2024

University of Cambridge’s West Cambridge gets new LED lighting system from Signify

The University of Cambridge’s West Cambridge site is now illuminated with energy-efficient outdoor LED lighting following a project with Signify, the global lighting manufacturer which has its UK HQ

The University of Cambridge’s West Cambridge site is now illuminated with energy-efficient outdoor LED lighting following a project with Signify, the global lighting manufacturer which has its UK HQ in Guildford, Surrey.

Over a period of six months – from initial discussions through to project completion – more than 300 new and upgraded lights have been installed across the site, generating significant cost savings on energy costs, reducing maintenance time and providing an improved night-time experience for those using the facilities.

Dating back to 1920, West Cambridge is a significant part of the University of Cambridge estate, with university and private tenants accessing roads, footpaths, parking and bus routes. The site’s enhanced lighting design is part of a long-term development masterplan that aims to create a high quality, well-connected research environment that will enable the university and community to grow and flourish.

Decades of different generations of outdoor lighting, and a mix of technologies, had created a legacy with an inconsistent look and feel. They have been replaced by Philips TownTune luminaires lighting the campus’s roads, paths and car parks as part of a site-wide development to provide consistency of design, improve wayfinding, and reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. In addition, the luminaires have an upward light output ratio of zero, minimising sky glow and the impact on the night sky.

Signify is the company name for what was Philips Lighting and is the world leader in connected LED lighting systems, software and services. The company changed its name to Signify in 2018 and has 37,000 employees with sales of €7.5bn in 2022. Signify achieved net carbon neutrality last year and continues to manufacture lighting under the Philips brand.

“We’re very proud to have partnered with an institution as prestigious as the University of Cambridge,” said Dervan Alleyne, director public & sport lighting solutions UK at Signify.

“It is extremely rewarding to see the lighting overhaul at West Cambridge bringing the site together with beautiful light and coherent design. It’s fitting that the next generation of engineers will enjoy a learning environment that is so well-adapted for their needs.”

Each of the new luminaires is equipped with a unique QR code connected to the Signify Service Tag application. Site managers can scan the QR code to access documentation and data, configure the luminaire directly at the installation site, and access the latest spare part information, including any new generation updates.

The Service Tag application also supports asset management data, allowing organisations to document information to better manage lighting assets.

“The team at Signify worked with us to help meet our goals – including energy savings and a reduction in carbon emissions,” said Adam Fjaerem, building energy manager at the University of Cambridge. “Working with Signify was more like a partnership between two teams going after the same mission.

“We are looking forward to working with them on the next phase of the project.”

Assessing the background to the collaboration with the Dutch multinational LED specialist, Adam said: “The University of Cambridge Estates Division is committed to making a positive impact through outstanding environmental sustainability performance.

“In parallel, we are facing an unprecedented rise in energy costs. We want to reduce our overall carbon emissions and also the amount we spend on gas and electricity. As a result, we realise we must take action to reduce energy consumption in university buildings and this site’s enhanced lighting design is part of a long-term development masterplan.”

The system doesn’t involve operating the lamps remotely, though that is an option and they are GPS-enabled.

“Service Tag is an app you can download to your phone or tablet and is used to scan the QR code, thus accessing product information as well as accessing the latest installation guides, trouble-shooting guides and spare part information,” explains Adam. ”Each luminaire has a unique code. The service tag label is placed on the luminaire and on the box at the factory. Spare labels are also provided for locating at the base of the lamp-post, for easy access.

“During maintenance, scan the code at the base of the lamp-post to access the service manual and trouble-shooting guide. The latest spare parts can easily be identified – it’s an online system, so always up to date. Plus a new driver can be programmed with the settings from the old driver using NFC technology, so no power is required to the driver.”

By simplifying maintenance any faults can be identified and rectified more quickly, thus keeping the lights in operation and helping users to feel safe.

The 300 lights are expected to generate annual energy cost savings of around £22,000, with some residual older lights at West Cambridge due to be updated during 2023.

“In addition, the new LEDs require less maintenance time and will provide an improved night-time experience for the users of the site,” concluded Adam.