Parking Obertor
Client
Parkhaus Obertor
Project location
Bremgarten, Schweiz
Project date
2024
Electrical installer
Elektro FUX AG
Renovation of the Parking Garage
Conservation of resources and a significant reduction in electricity consumption—that was the goal of the lighting renovation at the parking Obertor
The centrally located Obertor parking garage in the city of Bremgarten opened in 1987 and consists of four levels, each with 2,480 m² of parking space. After many years of continuous operation, the lighting system had become outdated and needed to be renovated. In addition to reducing electricity consumption, the primary focus was on improving the illumination of the driving lanes and providing better, standard-compliant lighting with high uniformity.
Reusing the TECTON light track
For the renovation, the existing TECTON continuous-row lighting track could be reused, and the control system was easily integrated. A major advantage is the plug-and-play installation, which combines the conservation of material resources with reduced installation effort. The comprehensive solution—utilizing the old track in combination with new light modules from the original manufacturer—meets all necessary compliance requirements, thereby offering the operator additional peace of mind and a new warranty.
All luminaires were replaced with TECTON free-beam light bars featuring a high efficiency of 169 lm/W and supplemented with a new control system and emergency lighting integrated into the track system with a central battery. Thanks to the wide beam angle of the new luminaires, the ceiling is illuminated, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere in the room. A “cave effect” is thus avoided.
Unlike earlier fluorescent lighting solutions, the plastic housing of the LED luminaires provides impact and shatter protection, ensuring a long service life in combination with high-quality technology.
Areas without continuous lighting tracks, such as the stairwells and the rotunda, were retrofitted with the Poppack light strip. A luminaire from sister brand Thorn is also used in the garage entrance: the IP66-rated Aquaforce combines a robust housing with efficient lighting technology. The emergency lighting was implemented in accordance with standards using RESCLITE safety luminaires and CROSSIGN safety sign luminaires. The luminaires were integrated into the TECTON system and mounted on the ceiling away from the tracks. Power is supplied via a central eBox.
The expected high level of electricity savings was to be substantiated by measurements in this project. To this end, the company eLight recorded and documented consumption before and after the renovation. The measurements were taken separately for lighting only and showed a significant reduction of 74% for the parking areas. This was made possible by an optimal control setting that minimizes delay times and illuminates the usable areas in accordance with standards.
The 24-hour load profile measurement clearly shows how the original 134 kWh/day was reduced to 34 kWh/day and how the newly configured control system reacts more dynamically and precisely compared to the old installation. When no one is present, the system dims to the defined minimum, ensuring that spatial orientation is maintained while significantly saving electricity. Additionally, by dividing the parking areas into zones, the system ensures that lighting is only dimmed to a higher level where people or vehicles are currently moving, leading to further savings.
Subsidy Programs and Carbon Footprint
In Switzerland, SIA 387/4:2023 serves as the basis for cantonal regulations, as well as for Minergie and subsidy programs. A comparison of the achieved values with SIA standards clearly demonstrates the advantages of an efficient solution. For parking areas, the target value of 25.2 MWh/a is significantly exceeded with a consumption of 12.4 MWh/a, resulting in a 74% savings compared to the previous consumption of 48.9 MWh/a. Thus, SIA and Minergie requirements and criteria for receiving subsidies are very easily achievable. In addition to electricity savings, the carbon footprint is increasingly coming into focus.
When examining the carbon footprint of a typical light fixture, it becomes clear that, over its entire lifecycle, approximately 90% of the emissions—depending on the fixture type—occur during operation. Thus, the high efficiency of a new LED solution also makes a significant contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions. This allows for savings of several tons of CO₂ per year.
The Obertor parking garage in Bremgarten impressively demonstrates: Renovation pays off! Lower electricity and maintenance costs combined with reduced CO₂ emissions, while simultaneously providing better lighting, greater comfort, and a heightened sense of security—a positive outcome confirmed by satisfied building owners and users.
Significant potential for energy savings in Swiss parking garages
In recent years, electricity consumption for lighting in Switzerland has been reduced by 300 GWh per year, and there remains significant potential for further savings. To achieve the -50% or -3.5 TWh/a target defined under the energylight initiative, it is essential to fully tap into this remaining potential. In addition to applications such as industry and offices, the renovation of parking garages is another promising area. According to an estimate by Parking Swiss, in addition to the many private ones, there are approximately 2,000 public parking garages in Switzerland, many of which are still equipped with outdated technology. By using the latest LED technology, ideally in combination with sensors, significant savings are possible here.
In addition to energy efficiency, light quality is also very important, making cars, people, and obstacles clearly visible. Furthermore, good lighting facilitates orientation and enhances the sense of safety. With a modern lighting concept in accordance with the current EN 12464 standard, parking garages appear inviting and safe, whether in new construction or in a modernization project.