Leading the Charge Towards Sustainable Sport

Aberdeen Sports Village is a hub of sporting excellence and community engagement. It has embarked on a mission to combat the climate crisis by striving for carbon neutrality by 2030. A critical aspect of this journey involved implementing energy-efficient lighting across its diverse facilities, including an indoor football pitch, sports hall, and running track. Zumtobel was an indispensable partner, aligning with the Village's commitment to sustainability, flexibility, and innovation.

Committed to fostering inclusivity and well-being, the Aberdeen Sports Village aims to inspire individuals of all ages and abilities to embrace an active lifestyle. However, recognising the urgency of the climate crisis, the Village embarked on a mission to mitigate its environmental impact, setting a bold target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

With its expansive facilities, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, diving pool, indoor football pitch, sports halls, and running track, the Village faced unique challenges in its quest for sustainability. With a fluorescent lamp ban looming, among these challenges was the need for an energy-efficient lighting solution to replace outdated T16 fluorescent fixtures nearing the end of their lifespan.

Helen Duffield, Key Account Manager Zumtobel Group, explains, "As the existing installation was approximately ten years old, the client would start to notice an increase in the frequency of failures, resulting in increased maintenance costs, so this was the optimum time to replace the luminaires."

Illuminating Sustainability

Zumtobel was entrusted with transitioning the lighting infrastructure across three key areas of the Village: the indoor football pitch, indoor athletics facilities, and sports halls. This project was not just about upgrading luminaires but about embracing a holistic approach to sustainability while enhancing the overall user experience.

Loyalty and Trust: The Foundation of Collaboration

The selection of Zumtobel for this transformative project stemmed from longstanding relationships built on trust and reliability. Claud Hamilton Electrical (CHES) enlisted the help of Zumtobel for a cutting edge, energy efficient lighting design on behalf of their client The Aberdeen Sports Village, a joint partnership between Aberdeen city council and the University of Aberdeen

Addressing Challenges with Expertise

While every project faces its share of challenges, Zumtobel approached the Aberdeen Sports Village initiative with unwavering confidence. Through meticulous planning and innovative design, Zumtobel provided a comprehensive lighting solution that surpassed the client's expectations. By extending the guarantee to 10 years and addressing every requirement, Zumtobel ensured peace of mind for the Village.

Luminaires of Choice: CRAFT II and RESCLITE PRO

Zumtobel's award-winning CRAFT II luminaires, leveraging the Venturi and Coandă effect for self-cooling and cleaning, emerged as the cornerstone of the lighting upgrade. CRAFT II Plus was selected for the running track and indoor football pitch, whereas CRAFT II Performance was used for the indoor sports halls and square.

Paired with RESCLITE PRO emergency luminaires, these fixtures not only met stringent performance criteria but also enhanced the spaces' aesthetics.

Mike Tweed, Managing Director of CHES, a part of the FES Group, commented, "The CRAFT luminaires are looking great," he remarked, "The client is very impressed with the scheme, and it has been nothing but positive feedback from them and their customers."

Unlocking Benefits Beyond Illumination

The transition to LED technology delivered many benefits for the Aberdeen Sports Village. Not only did it drastically reduce carbon emissions and operational costs, but it also ensured optimal lighting levels and minimal maintenance requirements.

Key deliverables by area:

Sports Hall

57.6% Reduction in co² emissions & utilised power

£112,524 Money saved (over ten years)

1.77 Years return of investment

Indoor athletics

7.4% Reduction in co² emissions & utilised power

£61,451 Money saved (over ten years)

Immediate return of investment

Indoor football pitch

69.8% Reduction in co² emissions & utilised power

£686,957 Money saved (over ten years)

1.27 Years return of investment

With immediate returns on investment and substantial long-term savings, the decision to invest in sustainable lighting solutions was a testament to the Village's commitment to responsible stewardship.

Looking Ahead: A Brighter, Greener Future

As Aberdeen Sports Village continues its journey towards carbon neutrality, the successful implementation of Zumtobel's lighting solutions demonstrates the power of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. By prioritising environmental responsibility without compromising on quality or performance, the Village sets a leading example for sports facilities.

Danny Costello, Director of Service Aberdeen Sports Village, commented, “We are delighted with the newly installed LED lighting system at Aberdeen Sports Village. It delivers an environment ensuring athletes and spectators experience the highest quality of lighting. The LED lights provide brighter and more consistent lighting compared to our original lighting system, significantly improving visibility and enhancing the overall experience for the customer.

Aberdeen Sports Village is committed to becoming net zero and reducing its energy consumption. One of the standout features of the new LED lighting system is its remarkable energy efficiency. This upgrade not only offers immediate energy savings but also supports long-term environmental goals.”

To find out more about the Zumtobel lighting solutions please visit: For further information on any of the products please visit: https://z.lighting/en/zumtobel/