Case Study - Transforming Sports Lighting at Merville Barracks

Delivering a More Sustainable Future for Military Sports Facilities

When Sodexo required a complete lighting upgrade across multiple sports facilities at Merville Barracks, Colchester, they needed more than just brighter floodlights. The objective was to reduce energy consumption, improve playing conditions, extend the lifespan of the installation, and deliver a future-proof solution capable of supporting military training and recreational sport for years to come.

The Challenge

The existing metal halide floodlighting systems had become increasingly inefficient, consuming high levels of electricity while requiring ongoing maintenance. Sodexo needed a modern LED solution that would reduce operational costs, improve sustainability and provide lighting that met recognised sports performance standards.

The project covered several key sporting facilities, including:

• Athletics track and field events area

• Jumping pits

• Tennis courts

• Three 5-a-side football pitches

Each area required a bespoke lighting design to maximise performance while delivering significant long-term energy savings.

Our Solution

SJB Floodlighting designed and specified a complete LED refurbishment using premium Philips LED luminaires, all backed by a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Rather than replacing the entire infrastructure, we engineered a solution that reused the existing columns, cabling and switchgear wherever possible. This reduced waste, minimised disruption and delivered greater value for the client without compromising performance.

Our scope of works included:

• Removal of existing metal halide floodlights

• Installation of new Philips LED floodlights

• Professional aiming using computer-generated lighting designs

• Reuse and adaptation of existing column infrastructure

• Electrical testing and certification to BS7671

• Full commissioning and after-dark illumination testing

• Operating manuals and staff training on completion

The Results

The completed project delivered substantial reductions in power consumption across every sports facility while significantly improving lighting quality and reliability.

Across the project, the new LED systems dramatically reduced electrical demand while maintaining the lighting standards required for safe, high-quality sporting activity.

Project Highlights

• 53.09 kW reduction across the athletics track and field lighting system.

• 13.30 kW reduction for LTA competition-standard tennis lighting.

• 18.10 kW reduction for LTA community-level tennis lighting.

• 1.43 kW reduction per 5-a-side football pitch, delivering long-term savings across all three pitches.

• Up to 75% reduction in energy consumption.

• Reduced maintenance through premium LED technology with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.

• Improved lighting quality and uniformity across every sports facility.

• Reuse of existing infrastructure reduced installation costs and environmental impact.

• Fully tested, commissioned and certified installation compliant with BS7671.

The Outcome

By investing in modern LED floodlighting, Merville Barracks has significantly reduced its energy consumption, lowered operating costs and created a more sustainable sporting environment for military personnel and community users alike.

The project demonstrates how thoughtful engineering and intelligent lighting design can transform existing sports facilities without the expense of replacing the entire infrastructure. Through careful planning and high-quality installation, SJB Floodlighting delivered a solution that provides immediate operational savings while ensuring reliable, high-performance lighting for many years to come.

Looking to Upgrade Your Sports Lighting?

Whether you’re responsible for a military base, school, university, local authority or sports club, SJB Floodlighting designs and installs bespoke LED sports lighting solutions that reduce energy costs, improve playing conditions and future-proof your facilities.

Get in touch with SJB Floodlighting today to discover how an LED upgrade could transform your sports facility.