Lighting system brings energy savings for Clapham Junction

The busiest train station in the UK is set to cut its lighting costs by 35% with the introduction of a new “intelligent” lighting control system. The new system will […]

The busiest train station in the UK is set to cut its lighting costs by 35% with the introduction of a new “intelligent” lighting control system.

The new system will allow Clapham Junction (pictured) to automatically dim the lights down when the station is not in operation or switch the lights off when the station is completely closed – something that couldn’t be done previously.

It is also expected to provide the exact light levels required across the station, matching lighting use to train timetables, daylight levels and passenger presence.

Installed by lighting control company Open Technology, the LiGO system has been introduced at 25 different stations and train maintenance depots across the Wessex Route. It is part of a wider South West Trains and Network Rail’s climate change and energy reduction strategy – estimated to achieve total annual savings of £7 to £12 million and a payback of approximately six years.

Amy Dickinson, Environment Manager Southwest Trains, Network Rail Alliance said: “Reducing our energy consumption is a challenging but crucial aspect of our business. Intelligent lighting has enabled us to save, on average, 20% at each location.

“An automatic control keeps it simple for us. It enables us to save as much energy as possible, by dimming down and turning off automatically when not in use. It also tracks usage, which helps us to spot any areas for improvement and understand how our buildings are being used.”

Network Rail has also installed solar arrays at Kings Cross and Blackfriars stations in a bid to cut emissions by 25% per passenger by the end of the decade.

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