Signify brings efficient outdoor lighting to Cambridge University

Eindhoven, the Netherlands – Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, has teamed up with the University of Cambridge’s Estates Division to illuminate the University’s West Cambridge site with energy-efficient outdoor LED lighting. With more than 300 new and upgraded lights, the project was delivered in six months – from initial discussions through to project completion – and is expected to generate significant cost savings on energy, annually (based on 2021 rates), which is all the more important against the backdrop of an ongoing energy crisis. In addition, the new LEDs require less maintenance time and will provide an improved night-time experience for the users of the site.

Dating back to 1920, West Cambridge is an important 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.

Over the decades, different generations of outdoor lighting have been installed around the site, leading to a mix of technologies and an inconsistent look and feel. Philips TownTune luminaires will light 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, therefore minimizing sky glow and the impact on the night sky.

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 organizations 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.”