LED Lighting Case Study
Harbour Car Park
Multi-Storey Car Park
%
Annual savings
217,707 kWh
118.2 Tonnes CO2
1.79 years payback
Solas was appointed to design and deliver a complete LED lighting upgrade for Sutton Harbour Car Park in Plymouth, a multi-storey facility with 340 spaces. The project aimed to improve lighting quality, enhance safety and visibility, and reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs through the use of intelligent, sensor-controlled LED technology.
The Client & Challenge
Sutton Harbour Holdings plc manages a diverse range of commercial, leisure, and property assets along Plymouth’s waterfront. The company sought to modernise its Harbour Car Park facility to provide a safer and more welcoming environment for visitors while reducing its operational footprint.
A site audit carried out by Solas identified that the car park was using outdated and inefficient lighting, including twin 58 W fluorescent fittings, 150W SON units, and various 28W and 38W bulkheads. The ticket machine areas also lacked adequate illumination, creating an opportunity to improve both efficiency and user experience.
We felt it was a priority to ensure the facility was as welcoming and safe as possible, especially given that the car park remains open until 11.30pm each night. Investing in energy-efficient LED lighting and reflective finishes has improved the experience for our customers while reducing carbon emissions and electricity use.
– Paul James, Asset Manager, Sutton Harbour Holdings plc
The Solas Solution
Solas designed and installed a comprehensive LED lighting system to replace all legacy fittings and deliver consistent, efficient illumination across the facility.
Lighting Design
Outdated fittings were replaced with LED bulkheads, LED batten fittings with integrated sensors, and LED emergency exit signs to ensure full compliance and coverage throughout the car park.
Control System
Intelligent sensor controls were introduced to maximise energy savings by automatically adjusting light levels based on occupancy and ambient light.
System Benefits
The solution improves visual clarity and colour rendering, enhances safety for users, and significantly reduces maintenance requirements and energy consumption.
Project Delivery
Installation was planned and completed with minimal disruption to the operation of the facility. The Solas team worked efficiently and safely to complete the upgrade within programme, ensuring all areas were fully commissioned and operational before handover.
The works also formed part of a wider refurbishment programme, including the use of reflective finishes to further improve visibility and create a cleaner, safer environment.
Results & Impact
The LED upgrade has significantly improved the overall user experience within the car park, delivering uniform illumination, greater visibility, and reduced shadowing across all levels. Maintenance intervals have been extended, and the facility now operates more efficiently, with measurable reductions in energy use and carbon emissions.
77% reduction
in annual lighting energy use
217,707 kWh
saved each year
118.2 tonnes of CO2
reduced each year
1.79 years
payback
Lighting the Way to Safer, Smarter Spaces
The project demonstrates how intelligent LED technology can improve both safety and sustainability within public infrastructure.
The upgraded lighting provides a dependable, energy-efficient system that enhances the user experience while delivering long-term cost and carbon savings for Sutton Harbour Holdings.
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