14 Feb 2016

FA set to trial energy efficient floodlights

The FA is set to trial the use of energy-efficient LED floodlights at a grassroots facility.

The trial will monitor both the energy and cost efficiencies of LED lighting versus traditional Metal Hallide floodlights and is being part funded by The FA and through a grant from The Department for Energy and Climate Change.

Mark Pover, the FA’s Investment and Facilities manager said: “We are currently assessing which ground will be most suitable for the trial. What we hope to do is make a compelling argument to clubs of the long term economic value of using LED as well as saving energy and the environment.” 

The costs associated with the use of floodlights vary across the season and also by the level of pitch usage. 3G pitches tend to generate higher bills as, by their nature, they are used more frequently. Typically, the annual bill of using metal halide lighting may range from £2,000 to over £6,000 per pitch.

“As it is relatively new, at present LED floodlights costs more to install, but costs will inevitably come down in cost over time as demand increases. What we hope to determine is how much cheaper running costs will be in the long term – making business as well as the green case for clubs to switch when they upgrade,” added Pover.