The essentials at a glance
At Basel Messe, existing luminaires in a exhibition hall were upgraded to LED rather than replaced entirely. The work took place over several weeks while in operation and involved 1,400 luminaires. The result: around 50% lower energy consumption, DALI control, less maintenance and a lifespan of over 50,000 hours.
What sets this project apart from a standard renovation: the existing lighting solution should be visually preserved, even though the technology was clearly outdated. This is precisely where the added value of renovation solutions from smarterion ag lies: reuse the existing, improve light quality, and do not unnecessarily interrupt operation.
Why was an LED upgrade necessary?
The lighting in the exhibition hall had been in use for many years and was no longer up to date. Requirements were greater efficiency, high light quality, sustainability, and the ability to control individual luminaires. At the same time, the appearance had to remain stable, because the room’s general illumination needed to continue to function and feel familiar.
It is possible to upgrade existing lighting to LED in a sustainable way. You don’t have to throw away 1,400 luminaires; with a kit you can use the existing setup. That is sustainability for us.
What solution was chosen for Basel Messe?
| Topic | Before upgrade | After upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting technology | FL with old technology | LED instead of FL |
| Energy demand | high consumption | about 50% less energy consumption |
| Control | not up to date | DALI, individual luminaires controllable |
| Maintenance | lamp replacement needed | no lamp replacement needed anymore |
| Lifespan | outdated stock | over 50,000 hours |
Before the decision, sample luminaires were used for an extended period. A ceiling field with nine converted luminaires was tested in continuous operation before the solution was applied to the hall. This is relevant for planners and builders because it allows validation not only of the technology but also of light effect and everyday practicality.
How was the implementation carried out while operating?
We have often seen in our projects that logistics is the real sticking point, not the technical retrofit. In this case it was particularly clear because the work ran during ongoing operation over several weeks. A professional cleaning system was built specifically for cleaning the large reflectors so that the parts could be processed cleanly and in the required quality.
- Old light sources and ballast/removable devices dismantled
- Reflectors cleaned
- New LED light sources and power supplies installed
- Luminaires individually tested and delivered
- Retrofit rolled out over 1,400 luminaires in operation
The most common misconception in such projects: people think a complete replacement is automatically the simplest solution. In practice, a cleanly planned retrofit can be faster, more sustainable, and operate more smoothly if geometry, optics and the existing situation speak for it.
What was the learning for smarterion ag?
For smarterion ag, this project was more than a single retrofit. The team is better prepared for similar tasks after implementation, because the cleaning system was developed specifically and the workflows for operation during renovation work. This is exactly the point where a special solution shows its value: it not only solves a lighting problem but also makes the team more resilient for future renovations.
Frequently asked questions
Who is such a retrofit suitable for outside a trade fair?
Why not simply buy everything new?
What role did the DALI control play in the project?
What does the longer lifespan mean in practice?
Basel Messe shows that an LED retrofit of existing luminaires does not have to be a stopgap solution but can be a technically clean special solution. Those who think about stock, operation and light quality together can achieve a better overall solution with lower energy consumption and significantly less maintenance.
Planen Sie eine LED-Sanierung Ihrer bestehenden Leuchten?
smarterion ag, Mels