Indigo is an international player specializing in parking management and mobility solutions, operating across the globe. In Belgium, Indigo manages numerous underground and above-ground parking facilities for both public and private clients.
Project Nekton was brought in to thoroughly optimize the lighting system at the Indigo underground parking Diestsestraat in Leuven, with one clear goal: to achieve maximum energy savings without compromising safety or user comfort.
The starting point: lighting without smart control
Before the optimization, lighting in the undegrround parking garage used to stay on 24/7, even during night hours with little to no activity. The lack of smart control led to:
- Unnecessary energy use during periods of absence
- Higher energy costs without operational benefit
- Accelerated wear of lighting fixtures and components
The challenge: smart savings without sacrificing safety
Indigo’s key question was clear: How can we drastically reduce energy consumption without compromising user safety or the functionality of video surveillance?
Additionally, Indigo wanted a future-proof solution with real-time monitoring and the ability to perform preventive maintenance.
The solution: from static to smart lighting
To make Indigo Leuven’s lighting system more efficient and future-ready, we designed a fully integrated, tailored solution with a two-step approach: a fixture upgrade and the implementation of smart lighting control.
1. LED hardware upgrade
In the first phase, Project Nekton replaced the existing lighting fixtures with energy-efficient LED solutions.
2. Smart dynamic lighting control
The second phase added intelligence to the system through dynamic control. Motion sensors now ensure that lights are only active when needed. During nighttime hours, the system switches to a night mode where light levels are reduced to 20%—enough to maintain safety and surveillance, but with significant reductions in energy use.
Remote monitoring & maintenance
In addition, a remote monitoring platform was integrated, allowing real-time tracking of energy consumption and system health.
Through this connected system, Indigo can now:
- Monitor energy usage in real time
- Track the health status of the installation
- Schedule maintenance proactively based on usage data
The results: 80% energy savings and full control
The combination of smart lighting control and energy-efficient LED technology led to a remarkable 80% total energy savings, achieved through two complementary upgrades:
- 35% savings from switching to LED lighting
- 45% extra savings thanks to motion detection and a night mode dimming lights to 20%
The most significant impact was seen during nighttime hours. Whereas lights used to run at full capacity around the clock, the smart system now ensures that only the necessary areas are lit—without compromising safety or visibility for surveillance systems.
Beyond energy consumption, operational costs dropped significantly. Because fixtures now operate fewer hours and are used more efficiently, their lifespan is extended. This results in fewer replacements, lower maintenance needs, and long-term cost savings.
The integrated monitoring system also provides valuable insights. Facility managers can track usage by zone, detect issues faster, and make proactive adjustments. The installation is not only energy-efficient, but also fully under control—ready for future expansions or integration with other smart building systems.
Ready for the future
Thanks to a well-considered combination of smart technology and durable hardware, Indigo Leuven achieved a powerful lighting optimization. Energy costs dropped dramatically—without compromising safety or comfort.
Once again, Project Nekton demonstrated that smart lighting isn’t an abstract promise, but a tangible lever for sustainability, efficiency, and control.
Curious how much energy your parking or building is wasting—and what you can do about it? LED’s talk.
Final note
The Indigo case also highlights how important it is to view lighting as an intelligent system within a broader energy strategy. In our blog on light waste during autumn, we dive deeper into how these kinds of smart solutions lead to less waste, more control, and greater comfort across sectors.
Light waste in Autumn: How smart controls eliminate invisible energy loss
