22 April 2011

London's iconic Tower Bridge to get eco lighting makeover
London's iconic Tower Bridge is to undergo an eco makeover in time for next year's Olympic Games with the installation of a new energy-efficient lighting system.

As well as helping to cut carbon and reduce energy costs, the project will enhance this global icon's architectural features at night.

The Mayor of London has announced the deal yesterday between City Hall, City of London Corporation, EDF and GE to upgrade the bridge with the state-of-the-art lighting.

Tower Bridge is one of the world's most instantly recognisable landmarks and has recently undergone major re-painting. A funding deal has now been brokered by the Mayor Boris Johnson, between the bridge owners, City of London Corporation, London 2012 Sustainability partners EDF and GE to upgrade the famous structure's 25-year old lighting system.

If given planning permission, this will deliver LEDs and flexible lighting and a new cabling system to complement the bridge's features - such as its gothic turrets, central aerial walkway and suspension chains - in colours sensitive to its listed building status.

The lighting system will be flexible, allowing for both varying colours and intensity of light, enabling Tower Bridge to respond to special events in a unique and spectacular manner.

Currently Tower Bridge has traditional, static flood-lighting which can flatten the architecture. The use of energy efficient LED technology will reduce the energy consumption of the existing lighting system by an estimated 40 per cent on todays usage.

The project must now obtain the necessary planning permissions but if successful, work could start by September and be completed by spring 2012, in time for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Commercial agreements have now been signed between all relevant parties and a detailed planning application is being drawn-up.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "I want London to look its very best in 2012 as the eyes of the world are upon us. Tower Bridge is one of this citys most stunning landmarks, recognised the world over and therefore deserving of a star role in these year-long celebrations.

"I am thrilled to have brokered this deal at no cost to the taxpayer - to bathe Tower Bridge in eco-friendly light to create a fresh perspective of this wonderful icon. This is another great legacy for London stretching for decades beyond the Olympic year."

In the first step of the project, global lighting experts Citelum has been appointed to design and subject to planning approvals, begin installation works. Citelum has a worldwide reputation for ambitious lighting projects on historic buildings including the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, Petronas Tower in Kuala Lumpur and the Eiffel Tower.

Stuart Fraser, chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee of the City of London, said: The founders of the ancient Bridge House Estates charity that pays for the five City bridges would be amazed to see how the world has changed since 1097.

"But I am sure they would want London to be as smart as possible for next year and this partnership achieves that at no cost to taxpayers, a fact that will surely double everyones pleasure at Tower Bridges elegant new look."

EDF Energy, the UK subsidiary of EDF and a leading electricity supplier in London, will also become the lighting electricity supplier for Tower Bridge and will match every unit of electricity that it supplies to Tower Bridge with power generated from low carbon sources.

Vincent de Rivaz, Chief Executive at EDF Energy, the UK subsidiary of EDF Group, said: "Following our partnership with the London Eye, EDF is delighted to be involved in this exciting project to help reduce the carbon footprint of another iconic London landmark ahead of the Games.

"As the first sustainability partner of London 2012, EDF is making real its low carbon vision for the capital. We hope that the new energy efficient lighting will make Tower Bridge a shining symbol of sustainability, encouraging visitors and residents to think about how they can live a lower carbon lifestyle."

Mark Elborne, President and CEO of GE in the UK, said: "The spotlight is going to be firmly on London in 2012, so it is the perfect time to be able to highlight one of Londons most iconic global landmarks. We are very proud that our LEDs and equipment will be used to enhance Tower Bridge, helping to create a sustainable and flexible legacy."

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