Modernising Multi-Level Car Park Lighting

Background

Reducing the Cost of 24-Hour Car Park Lighting

Big Green Electrical was approached to design a more efficient lighting solution for a large multi-level public car park in Surrey.

The existing lighting system was operating continuously, regardless of occupancy. This created unnecessary energy use, high running costs, and increased pressure on maintenance teams.

As a busy public facility, the car park also needed to maintain suitable lighting levels at all times. Any upgrade had to reduce electricity consumption without compromising safety, visibility, or compliance with emergency lighting standards.

Projected annual savings of over £61,000
Designed for a large multi-level public car park
Lighting strategy developed to exceed required lux levels
Smart controls specified to reduce unnecessary energy use

The Solution

Installing Smarter LED Lighting

Rather than replacing the existing fittings on a like-for-like basis, Big Green Electrical developed a smarter lighting strategy based on how the car park is actually used.

The proposed system combined efficient LED lighting with intelligent controls, allowing lighting levels to respond to movement, occupancy, and site conditions. This meant areas could remain safely illuminated when in use, while reducing wasted energy during quieter periods.

The design focused on three key priorities: lowering running costs, improving user safety, and giving the client a lighting system that would be easier to manage over the long term.

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Project Delivery

Greater Control for Each Floor

The smart lighting design was developed to support both day-to-day operation and long-term compliance.

Occupancy-based control allowed fittings to increase output when movement was detected, then reduce to a lower standby level when areas were not in use. This helped cut unnecessary energy consumption while keeping the car park safe and practical for visitors.

The system also supported emergency lighting requirements, with lighting designs showing delivery of over 130 lux in main areas. This gave the client confidence that the upgrade could improve efficiency while continuing to meet the required standards for a public car park environment.

Where advanced controls were required, wireless monitoring and automated emergency light testing could also be incorporated to simplify reporting and reduce the maintenance burden on site teams.

Results

The smart lighting strategy gave the client a clear route to reducing operational costs while improving the performance and management of the car park lighting system.