University of Bath
Bath, United KingdomA Strategic Partnership for a Smarter, Sustainable Campus
For more than 15 years, Helvar has partnered with the University of Bath to develop and optimise a campus-wide lighting control solution spanning the majority of its estate. What began as a small trial has grown into a data-driven platform managing over 100,000 devices, helping the University progress towards its ambitious Net Zero 2040 target.
Building on a Strong Foundation
The partnership began in 2008 with a trial focused on automating emergency lighting testing. Following its success, Helvar was selected as the University’s standard for lighting control, with rollout beginning around 2010 and continuing steadily across the campus.
Today, Helvar lighting controls are embedded throughout the estate, including:
• Lecture theatres and teaching spaces
• Libraries and Academic and research buildings
• Student accommodation and communal areas
• Sports Training Village
• The Students’ Union and social spaces
This long-term consistency has allowed the University to scale its lighting infrastructure confidently, ensuring reliability and future readiness.
The Challenge
Managing a large, diverse, and constantly evolving university estate presents unique challenges. Spaces often change function at short notice, while energy efficiency, carbon reduction, wellbeing, and operational efficiency remain top priorities.
The University required:
• A single, centralised lighting control platform across multiple buildings
• Reliable performance at scale
• Deep visibility into energy use, space utilisation, and maintenance
• Flexibility to adapt spaces without costly reinvestment
• A long-term partner aligned with its sustainability and Net Zero ambitions
Lighting Control Solutions
Helvar’s DALI-based solution was selected for its flexibility, robustness, and compatibility across both existing and new buildings.
Key components include:
• Modular push-button panels for intuitive local control
• Multi-sensors for presence detection and daylight harvesting
• Helvar routers and application controllers linking DALI and Ethernet networks
• Integration with AV systems in lecture theatres for automated scene setting
In 2025, the University trialled Helvar’s 945 and 950 Application Controllers in busy halls of residence. This project provided a powerful illustration of the advancements in Helvar’s DALI-2 technology. While the 950’s capacity to manage four subnets made it a perfect replacement for two older 910 routers, the trial also showcased the shared benefits of the new platform, including the 945’s ability to seamlessly handle complex existing wiring systems.
“We are highly satisfied with the 945 performance”, said James Short, Building Management System Supervisor, at the University of Bath. “Its enhanced capacity, reliable operation, and user-friendly features make it a robust and innovative solution for lighting control, setting a new standard for DALI lighting control performance.”
The installation demonstrated the platform’s advanced diagnostic capabilities, identifying and resolving a previously unnoticed wiring issue. This ensured a flawless operation in a demanding environment. The inclusion of an LCD display further enhances usability, making the 945 and its features a clear progression over previous models and a powerful asset for any DALI-2 project.
Data-Driven Control with Helvar Insights
As the next phase of its lighting journey, the University is now upgrading its existing infrastructure with Helvar Insights, transforming lighting control into a powerful source of operational intelligence.
“With an estate of over 100,000 devices, having reliable data is essential. Helvar Insights allows us to understand how our spaces are actually used, particularly around absence and occupancy, so we can optimise what we already have. That’s a key part of making our Net Zero strategy real.” – Tony Griffin, Deputy Director of Campus Infrastructure – Operations, University of Bath.
“With Helvar Insights, it gives us so much information. Room utilisation, energy data, emergency lighting reports — it’s fantastic. It’s made maintenance, monitoring, and control a lot easier.”– James Short, Building Management System Supervisor, University of Bath.
This data-driven approach supports smarter decision-making, helping the University optimise existing buildings rather than expanding unnecessarily, a key principle in its sustainability strategy.
Supporting Net Zero and Campus Wellbeing
Lighting control is central to the University’s carbon reduction strategy. Early Helvar installations delivered average energy savings of 30%, aided by LED upgrades, daylight harvesting, presence detection, and intelligent scene control.
With Helvar Insights, the University is now going further by:
• Identifying underutilised spaces
• Adjusting lighting schedules and brightness levels
• Reducing operational energy waste
• Supporting flexible use of spaces without compromising comfort
Beyond energy, lighting also contributes to wellbeing. Human-centric lighting strategies help create comfortable, productive environments for learning and living.
“It’s important to remember as a university that people live here. It’s their home. Giving them control over lighting might seem small, but it has a huge impact on comfort, wellbeing, and productivity.”– Ben Spicer, Head of Engineering, University of Bath.
A Partnership for the Future
Through a trusted, long-term partnership, Helvar is helping the University decarbonise its estate, optimise space usage, enhance wellbeing, and deliver a truly world-class campus experience.
“A successful partnership is built on trust, transparency, and shared goals. Helvar have worked with us for over 15 years, listening to what we need and evolving with us. They’re not just supplying technology, they’re working alongside us to deliver the best possible outcomes. They are very much, for me, a strategic partner.” – Tony Griffin, Deputy Director of Campus Infrastructure – Operations, University of Bath.
With Helvar Insights and continued collaboration, this 15-year journey is only the beginning of a smart, sustainable, and data-driven campus future.
Bath, United Kingdom
