Connected LED lighting helps sports teams score ambitious sustainability goals—and brings Europe closer to its energy efficiency ambitions
Article contribution by Signify, proud sponsor of Renovate Europe Day 2025
Sports have always had the power to inspire. From the roar of the crowd under dazzling stadium lights to the shared excitement of victory, few events capture the imagination quite like a match in full swing. But behind the spectacle lies an often-overlooked reality: it takes an enormous amount of energy to power game day. Globally, the sports industry accounts for an estimated 0.6% of total emissions, or about 300–350 million tonnes of CO₂e per year which is approximately as much as the entire country of Spain.
In Europe alone, sports buildings represent nearly 10% of annual energy consumption, underscoring the enormous potential for savings through renovation and modernisation. The good news is that technologies to unlock those “negawatts”—the energy saved through taking efficiency measures—already exist, and they’re scaling fast.
The Copenhagen Commitment, a recent pledge from Europe’s energy efficiency and construction industries, reinforces that message. Signatories from across the continent have committed to delivering the products, investments, and skills that will make Europe’s building stock, including its stadiums and arenas, more efficient, affordable, and future-proof. The goal is to cut operational costs, reduce emissions, and secure Europe’s energy future through accelerated renovation.
Connected LED lighting: an effective method of lowering energy consumption
Among the most impactful and immediate steps a sports venue can take is to switch from conventional lighting technologies to connected LED lighting. Lighting typically accounts for a significant portion of a stadium’s energy use, for example the 107,000-seat American football stadium at the University of Michigan consumed approximately 5,400 kWh per hour during home games in 2010. Replacing outdated fluorescent or metal-halide systems with smart, centrally managed LEDs can reduce lighting energy consumption by as much as 80%.
But the benefits go far beyond the meter. Connected lighting systems can adjust illumination dynamically based on occupancy, event schedules, or daylight availability, maximising efficiency without compromising the fan experience. They also enable remote monitoring and predictive maintenance, eliminating the need for on-site troubleshooting while enhancing reliability, which is critical in venues that host millions of fans each year.
These are precisely the kinds of digital, automated efficiency solutions the Copenhagen Commitment highlights as essential to Europe’s clean energy transition. As the pledge states, “energy efficiency products and technologies such as lighting, digital tools, and building management systems are already available and in use.” The challenge now is scale. The lighting industry is ready, and sports organisations are well positioned to lead by example.
From local clubs to global leagues: the momentum builds
Sports organisations are demonstrating how making the switch to connected LED lighting can yield outsized results.
- In Europe, FC Bayern Munich reduced electricity use by 60% at the Allianz Arena with LED façade lighting, avoiding 362 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.
- In the US, the Denver Broncos cut 1.34 million kWh of annual energy use by retrofitting their Mile High Stadium with LED lighting.
- On the global stage, Formula 1 has pledged to reach net-zero by 2030, with racing venues already reducing emissions through the use of LED track lighting and other energy-efficiency solutions.
Driving the energy transition from the sidelines to the spotlight
Renovating stadiums and arenas aligns perfectly with the EU’s drive to lower operational costs and reduce strain on the grid. Improving building performance could save €44.2 billion annually in avoided grid investments. Stadiums, which are high-profile, high-consumption facilities, offer visible and immediate proof of those savings in action.
Each 1% improvement in energy efficiency can also cut gas imports by 2.6%, which is a powerful argument for reducing energy dependence and enhancing resilience.
By integrating connected lighting, advanced controls, and efficient building management systems, the sports sector can contribute meaningfully to Europe’s collective goals while enjoying lower bills, enhanced fan experiences, and improved environmental credibility. It’s a triple win: for climate, cost, and community.
In it to win it
Sports have a unique platform to lead climate action. Every LED upgrade, every connected system, and every efficiency gain sends a powerful message: sustainability is not a sideline issue. It is central to performance.
As half of the buildings that will exist in 2050 have yet to be constructed, including new arenas and training facilities, now is the moment to embed energy efficiency from the ground up. As outlined in the Copenhagen Commitment, clear legislation, predictable financing, and strong partnerships can set the path for the next generation of sports infrastructure to be smarter, cleaner, and more resilient.
The stadiums that host the world’s favorite games can also showcase the way to a net-zero future. The technology is ready. The commitment is in place. Now it’s time to play and win.