Smart office lighting for UITP: energy-efficient and ready for the future

The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) is a global umbrella organisation for public transport operators. From its headquarters in Brussels, UITP works towards a future of sustainable and efficient mobility.

UITP carried that forward-looking vision into the renovation of its offices in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean. Together with Project Nekton, the organisation opted for smart office lighting that increases comfort and saves more than 50% energy compared to a conventional on/off solution.

But the ambition went further. The wireless lighting infrastructure also provides a digital foundation that can later be expanded with energy monitoring, data analysis and predictive maintenance. The investment delivers results today and can grow with the needs of the building.

The challenge: preparing an existing office for the future

In a renovation, the existing infrastructure, the interior design and the technical possibilities all have to fit together. At UITP, the options for new cabling were limited. At the same time, the lighting had to support a variety of spaces and usage patterns.

The assignment was therefore broader than installing energy-efficient lighting. UITP was looking for a solution that:

• Creates a comfortable working environment;
• Reduces energy consumption and operating costs;
• Responds flexibly to how the spaces are used;
• Leaves room for future digital applications.

The starting point: improve today, without limiting the possibilities of tomorrow.

Our approach: insight as the basis for every decision

We started with an extensive lighting study and ROI analysis. This allowed us to map out what each space needed and how design choices could contribute to comfort, energy efficiency and return on investment.

For each zone, we developed a tailored lighting strategy based on the function of the space, the amount of natural light and its daily use.

Scalability was also built into the design. The installation had to support current needs while laying a foundation that UITP can build on in the future.

The solution: lighting that adapts to how spaces are used

For UITP, we delivered a dynamic LED lighting system with presence detection, daylight control and wirelessly connected luminaires.

The system automatically adjusts the lighting to what is happening in the space. When a room is not in use, the light dims or switches off. When enough daylight comes in, the artificial lighting is reduced. This keeps the lighting environment comfortable while limiting unnecessary consumption.

The wireless control also offered a practical advantage during the renovation: less need for new cabling and more flexibility to tailor the lighting to how the office is used.

More than 50% energy savings compared to conventional on/off lighting

Thanks to the smart control system, UITP achieves more than 50% energy savings compared to a conventional on/off solution.

Presence detection and daylight control ensure the lighting only provides what is needed at any given moment. This lowers energy consumption and the associated costs, without employees having to constantly adjust settings themselves.

The impact is tangible: less energy spent on lighting and a pleasant lighting environment that automatically adapts throughout the working day.

A digital infrastructure that can grow with you

The wireless infrastructure offers more than lighting control alone. It can later be expanded with gateways for energy monitoring, consumption insights, data analysis and predictive maintenance.

This expansion can help UITP track consumption more closely, identify patterns and further refine the management of the installation. Data can also help flag maintenance needs in good time.

These features are not part of the current setup, but the foundation is already in place. UITP can add them whenever the organisation needs them.

That is what makes the solution future-proof: a scalable digital infrastructure that new applications can connect to, with smart lighting as the first concrete step.

One point of contact, from design to fine-tuning

For this project, we worked together with UITP, interior architect Space Refinery and technology partner Signify (Interact).

Project Nekton guided the entire process: from lighting design and technical analysis to installation, handover and fine-tuning of the smart controls. With a single point of contact, we kept coordination simple and connected the interior concept with UITP’s technical and practical needs.

The result: immediate impact and room for further development

UITP now has comfortable office lighting that saves more than 50% energy compared to a conventional on/off solution. At the same time, a digital foundation is in place for further monitoring, analysis and maintenance.

The project shows how a renovation is an opportunity to look beyond current needs. By combining energy efficiency, comfort and scalability, you get an installation that delivers value today and can continue to evolve with the building.

Want to save energy today and prepare your building for tomorrow? We’re happy to help you explore smart lighting and a digital infrastructure that grows with your plans. LED’s talk.

Final note

The UITP case shows that smart office lighting not only improves comfort, but also plays a key role in reducing the total cost over the entire lifespan of an installation. In our blog on the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of lighting, you’ll discover why the right lighting solution goes beyond the purchase price and how smart choices today create lasting long-term value.

Understanding the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of Lighting