The London Underground has undergone a transformative upgrade in advertising illumination, replacing fluorescent tubes with high-efficiency LED systems across 272 stations
Designed specifically for the challenges of the underground environment, the LED system delivers consistent brightness, low flicker, and high reliability, all while drastically reducing energy use.
Built on the Bright Green Grid platform, the system is engineered to comply with strict safety and performance standards – including the use of all metal components to meet fire safety requirements.
Modularity ensures that the LED system is adaptable to a range of display sizes and is fast to install in the challenging underground environment. The electronic design optimises energy efficiency and extends the lifetime compared to conventional LED technology.
The result is sustainable illumination without compromise, delivering on our mission to support the transition of transport infrastructure to cleaner, smarter lighting solutions.
The London Underground has undergone a landmark sustainability transformation through a network-wide LED retrofit led by Global, in partnership with Transport for London and Bright Green Technology. Spanning 272 stations, this project replaced traditional fluorescent advertising illumination with high-efficiency LED systems, achieving significant reductions in energy consumption, carbon emissions, and maintenance costs. More than an infrastructure upgrade, the initiative demonstrates how cutting-edge lighting technology can enhance both environmental performance and visual quality, setting a new global benchmark for sustainable transport and advertising environments.
This shift was driven by the urgent need to replace outdated fluorescent technology, which consumed excessive power, generated heat, and had been withdrawn from sale in the UK. Rising energy costs and tightening environmental regulations further strengthened the case for change. By adopting LEDs, the Underground not only reduced its carbon footprint by over 1,400 tonnes annually but also improved network efficiency, freeing up electrical capacity for essential station improvements and future digital infrastructure. The upgrade ensures brighter, more consistent displays that enhance the passenger experience while supporting London’s net-zero ambitions.
Beyond operational benefits, the retrofit delivers strategic value for both advertisers and the city’s image. With vibrant, flicker-free displays and maintenance-free operation, the project has elevated London Underground’s reputation as a global leader in sustainable innovation. It provides a scalable model for transit systems worldwide – showing that environmental responsibility, visual impact, and financial efficiency can coexist. For Bright Green Technology, this achievement reinforces its position as an international pioneer in energy-efficient backlighting solutions, lighting the way toward a brighter, greener future for public transport and media infrastructure.
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Advertising has always been central to the London Underground experience – shaping its identity, funding its operations, and connecting millions of passengers with brands every day. For more than 160 years, it has served as both a creative canvas and a vital revenue stream, helping to maintain and modernise the network. Today, this tradition continues with a renewed focus on sustainability and quality. In partnership with Global, Bright Green Technology has delivered a major lighting upgrade across 272 stations, replacing nearly 16,000 fluorescent tubes with energy-efficient, long-life LED panels. Spanning over 2,500 backlit poster sites, the project has dramatically improved visual performance, reduced maintenance, and cut energy use, all while enhancing the passenger experience.
This transformation represents a new chapter in what Bright Green Technology calls the “Virtuous Circle Line” — where innovation benefits everyone involved. The London Underground gains a more sustainable and efficient network; advertisers enjoy brighter, higher-impact displays; and passengers experience a cleaner, more engaging environment. By combining commercial success with environmental responsibility, the project redefines how public transport spaces can operate – proving that world-class advertising and sustainability can move forward together, keeping the Underground at the forefront of global transit innovation.
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