The University of Wolverhampton has completed a major lighting upgrade at its Harrison Library, achieving an 84 per cent reduction in annual energy consumption with a retrofit lighting upgrade of 340 luminaires.
The £1.6 million refurbishment included new study zones, meeting areas, and a full lighting renewal. The institution upgraded its outdated fluorescent fittings with a SmartScan-controlled Thorlux LED system designed to improve efficiency and reduce maintenance requirements.
To deliver the project, Thorlux Lighting supplied a mix of standard SmartScan luminaires and bespoke retrofit LED light engines compatible with the library’s existing linear ceiling fixtures.
More than 340 retrofit units were installed across the building’s ground and first floors.
The reuse of the original luminaire housings avoided the need for full replacement, significantly reducing material waste during refurbishment.
Each SmartScan luminaire incorporates integrated sensors to monitor occupancy and ambient light levels, ensuring illumination is provided only when and where needed.
The wireless control system enables centralised monitoring of performance and energy consumption data.
According to the university, the upgrade has cut the library’s annual lighting energy use by 84 per cent delivering cost savings of approximately £63,500 per year and reducing carbon emissions by over 45 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. The initiative aligns with the institution’s sustainability objectives and demonstrates the practical benefits of retrofit-based lighting improvements in large educational environments.
Founded in 1992, but with origins in the early 19th century, the University of Wolverhampton serves around 20,000 students across seventy subjects. The Harrison Library project reflects the university’s ongoing investment in efficient, technology-led campus infrastructure. Located in the city centre, the Harrison Library is the university’s largest learning facility.
The project forms part of the university’s wider £125 million investment programme to modernise facilities across its campuses.
