At BP’s International Centre for Business and Technology in Sunbury, the challenge was to upgrade their lighting sustainably, efficiently, and at scale.
For DRK, this project became a defining example of how sustainable lighting can be delivered through innovation and remanufacturing rather than replacement.
The Opportunity: Retrofit Over Replacement
With the majority of UK commercial buildings already in use, the real opportunity lies in retrofit lighting, not new construction. In fact, most buildings in use today will still be standing in 2050 – making circular lighting and lighting remanufacture essential strategies for reducing carbon.
At BP Sunbury, this thinking shaped the entire approach.
The Challenge
BP faced a complex set of issues across its 10-building campus:
- Outdated, incompatible lighting control systems
- No effective dimming and multiple system failures
- High operational costs, including £125,000 per year for emergency testing
- A clear requirement to avoid full luminaire replacement
The brief called for a solution that aligned with carbon-neutral lighting goals – without disrupting operations.
The Solution: Lighting Remanufacture at Scale
DRK delivered one of the UK’s largest lighting remanufacture projects, upgrading over 8,500 luminaires on-site.
As an experienced lighting remanufacturer, DRK transformed existing fittings into high-performance, energy-efficient assets.
This included:
- Converting fluorescent systems into renewable lighting solutions using advanced LED technology
- Retaining and upgrading existing luminaires through refurbished lighting and lighting restoration techniques
- Cleaning and restoring components to extend lifespan and improve performance
- Enhancing output with diffusers and optimised light distribution
Smart, Modular, and Future-Ready
The project also introduced a cutting-edge controls system, creating a fully intelligent lighting environment.
- Deployment of Bluetooth mesh controls (HubSense) across the buildings
- Integration with existing infrastructure using open APIs
- Use of PIR sensors and daylight harvesting for efficiency
This became the largest single-site deployment of Bluetooth smart lighting controls in Europe.
By combining upgrades with advanced controls, we delivered a system that adapts in real time, reducing energy use while improving user experience.
The Results: Performance Meets Sustainability
The outcomes demonstrate the power of commercial lighting done differently:
- Energy use reduced from 6.83 million kWh to 1.46 million kWh annually
- Over £1.5 million in yearly energy savings
- Payback achieved within one year
- £600,000 saved by avoiding full replacement
- £125,000 annual saving on emergency compliance
This is what sustainable lighting looks like when applied at scale.
A Circular Approach to Reducing Carbon
Beyond cost and performance, the environmental impact was substantial:
- 8,500 luminaires saved from landfill
- Approximately 30 tonnes of hardware were reused
- Around 150 tonnes of CO₂ were avoided in manufacturing
- Over 1,000 tonnes of CO₂ saved annually
- More than 10,000 tonnes of CO₂ reduction over 10 years
Through circular lighting and remanufacturing, DRK delivered a sustainable strategy – proving that sustainability doesn’t require compromise.
Minimal Disruption, Maximum Impact
All work was completed on-site using DRK’s bespoke remanufacture kits, ensuring minimal disruption to BP’s operations and reducing transport emissions.
This approach highlights the advantage of working with a UK Lighting Manufacturer that understands both manufacturing and on-site delivery – this bridges the gap between design and implementation.
Setting a New Standard for Sustainable Lighting
This project shows how:
- Retrofit lighting can outperform replacement
- Refurbished lighting can deliver premium results
- Lighting remanufacture supports both cost savings and sustainability
- Intelligent systems unlock the full potential of modern commercial lighting
Lighting the Future – with the past
As a forward-thinking Lighting Manufacturer and Remanufacturer, DRK continues to lead the way in sustainable lighting in London, combining innovation, expertise, and environmental responsibility.
In a world where existing buildings hold the key to carbon reduction, the future lies in smarter solutions.
If you would like to learn more about Remanufacturing, head to our dedicated page here.
