Lord’s is set to become the first UK men’s Test cricket ground to switch to LED floodlights, as part of a deal between Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and Abacus Lighting.
Abacus Lighting will upgrade the existing metal halide floodlight system at Lord’s to state-of-the-art LED technology.
MCC said the switch will boost its sustainability efforts, with the LED floodlights more energy efficient and fully recyclable. The amount of glare and light pollution will also be reduced with the new system.
The work to install Abacus Lighting’s Challenger Mako floodlight has been ongoing since December and will be completed in time for the County Championship fixture between Middlesex and Glamorgan on April 5.
Abacus Lighting chose the Challenger Mako floodlight due to its lightweight fitting, which is said to be ideal for elite sporting venue retrofit solutions. The new lights will meet the lighting controls required by Westminster City Council and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Robert Ebdon, estates director at the MCC, said: “Reducing energy consumption across the Lord’s estate is a key priority for the club as we work towards our goal of being carbon neutral by 2030 and net zero by 2040, if not earlier.
“The new LED floodlighting system is one of the many areas that we’re upgrading to help make Lord’s more sustainable and energy efficient while also improving our visitors’ and local residents’ experience.
“We’re the first UK men’s Test ground to install LED floodlights that will reduce glare while enhancing visibility and clarity, giving spectators and players a brighter and more consistent lighting experience, providing optimal conditions for world-class cricket.”
Chris Anderson, sales director at Abacus Lighting, added: “The specification criteria at Lord’s were stringent, where it was required to improve the lighting levels to the field of play in line with the latest ECB standards, reduce energy consumption, and ensure the current Abacus Telescopic lighting masts operated within capacity whilst controlling the lighting to Westminster planning guidelines.”
Featured image credit: MCC/Jed Leicester
