The Requirement
A secondary school engaged RCRProjects to investigate recurring failures within its football pitch floodlighting system. The affected floodlight formed part of a six-column installation critical to supporting year-round use of the school’s sports facilities, particularly during the winter months.
The client required independent technical advice to understand the cause of the failure, assess associated risks, and identify a practical long-term solution that would improve reliability, performance and operational efficiency.
Review
During the investigation, it was determined that the fault was due to the poor condition of the floodlight lamp fittings, with evidence of condensation causing the failure. RCRProjects identified the floodlight as unsafe and recommended a replacement. Once RCRProjects identified the fault, the team isolated the apparatus at the control unit and made the area safe until they agreed a reactive works plan. During this period, two additional floodlights developed similar faults, and RCRProjects confirmed they were no longer fit for purpose.
Advise
RCRProjects proposed replacing the existing fluorescent floodlight lamps with new energy-efficient LED floodlighting. The proposed solution would improve asset performance, reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs and provide a longer service life, supporting both sustainability objectives and long-term value. The new LED system also provided improved light quality with a higher colour rendering index (CRI), creating clearer, more natural lighting across the sports facilities.
As highlighted by the Carbon Trust, LED lighting systems can significantly reduce energy usage and ongoing maintenance demands when compared with traditional lighting technologies.
To minimise disruption to ongoing school activities, RCRProjects developed a detailed installation programme covering scaffolding requirements, lifting equipment, safety measures, RAMS reviews, and plant hire coordination. RCRProjects appointed qualified specialist contractors to complete the installation while maintaining site security requirements.
Support
RCRProjects delivered the project through our Review > Advise > Support approach. The team carefully planned each stage from initial investigation through to completion to meet the client’s efficiency and sustainability goals.
RCRProjects worked closely with the client to complete a detailed cost-benefit analysis for the LED upgrade. The review considered installation costs, projected energy savings, ROI, and the client’s sustainability goals.
The Solution
RCRProjects delivered these reactive works as part of its ongoing annual PPM maintenance support for the client’s hard FM assets.
Through our Review > Advise > Support approach, the client re-established control of a deteriorating floodlighting asset and gained greater confidence in its long-term performance.
The LED upgrade delivered a safer, more reliable and energy-efficient solution. Additionally, it improved operational resilience while reducing long-term maintenance and energy costs.
RCRProjects continues to support the client in managing its Built Environment through planned maintenance, asset management and practical technical advice.
