Energy-Efficient Lighting for Communal Areas: What Works Best?
Sinead Campbell from London Flats Insurance takes a closer look at what works best, including LED bulbs, motion-sensors and smart technology that could shape the future of communal lighting in residential blocks.
Thoughtful lighting can improve the safety, comfort, and energy consumption of any residential block. Communal areas such as stairwells, hallways, car parks, and lobbies are often overlooked – yet these shared spaces can be significant contributors to energy costs.
With fluctuating energy prices and growing environmental awareness, flat owners and managing agents are exploring smarter, greener lighting solutions.
Why Energy-Efficient Lighting Truly Matters
Communal areas in residential blocks require consistent, reliable lighting for the sake visibility, comfort and safety, but 24-hour lighting is unnecessary for most buildings. Constant lighting is a waste of energy, and reactive systems are a far more wallet-friendly and eco-conscious choice.
Energy-efficient lighting can significantly reduce costs without compromising safety. In some cases, it may also contribute to a building’s sustainability credentials – increasing property value and helping to meet environmental targets.
LED Lighting: A Simple Upgrade
LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting is widely considered the gold standard for energy-efficient lighting in residential and commercial settings. Compared to traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs, LEDs use up to 80% less energy and last up to 25 times longer.
For communal areas in flats, the benefits are clear:
- Lower running costs
- Reduced maintenance (due to less frequent bulb changes)
- Better brightness and light quality
- Improved reliability in outdoor or high-use areas
Modern LEDs emit warmer tones, have improved colour rendering, and provide flicker-free light – ideal for creating pleasant communal spaces that feel welcoming and secure.
For leaseholders, replacing outdated communal fittings with LEDs can be a cost-effective project. It may even qualify for green building grants or local council support schemes in some regions.
Motion-Sensor Lighting
One of the most effective ways to reduce electricity use in communal areas is by installing motion-sensor lights, also known as presence detectors. These systems detect movement and ensure lights are only on when someone enters the area.
Benefits include:
- Energy savings from reduced usage
- Increased bulb lifespan due to fewer operating hours
- Enhanced safety (by ensuring lights switch on immediately when movement is detected)
- Discouragement of anti-social behaviour in unlit areas
Motion sensors are now more advanced than ever. New systems include microwave motion detectors, which are more sensitive than passive infrared (PIR) versions. These can detect motion through thin walls or glass and respond more reliably in larger areas. Some modern motion-sensor lights also include daylight harvesting – a feature that keeps lights off if there is already enough natural light in the space.
Smart Lighting Systems
Smart lighting systems use wireless technology and centralised control to monitor and adjust lighting across multiple areas of a building. Users can schedule lighting routines, such as dimming lights at night, detect faults remotely and track energy usage. These systems can also be integrated with other smart building controls such as security or fire alarms.
Smart lighting is particularly useful in high-traffic areas or where there is a mix of lighting needs, such as entrance halls, bin stores, lifts, and underground car parks. Although initial installation costs can be higher, savings over time (especially with regard to maintenance and electricity bills) can make this a worthwhile investment.
Solar-Powered and Battery-Backed Lighting
Outdoor communal areas such as car parks, bike sheds, and walkways can make use of solar-powered LED fittings – collecting energy during the day and illuminating automatically at night.
LED systems with backup batteries that maintain illumination during power cuts are useful in stairwells and emergency exit routes, supporting fire safety and compliance.
Emergency Lighting
Clear, automatic lighting that guides residents to exits in the event of a power failure is essential. Upgrading to LED emergency lighting can reduce long-term costs and improve reliability. Modern systems often include self-testing features which automatically run routine checks and alert building managers if faults are detected.
Lighting Design Considerations
When planning energy-efficient upgrades, it is important to think beyond just the bulbs. Proper lighting design can help balance efficiency with resident comfort. Points to consider include:
- Careful light placement to avoid dark patches or glare
- Uniform brightness in long corridors and staircases
- Consistent colour temperature throughout the building
- Anti-vandalism features for external lights or bin areas
Final Thoughts
As energy costs continue to rise and eco-friendly approaches are adopted by leaseholders, property managers must look for smart, efficient solutions. Communal lighting may seem like a small detail, but it adds up – financially and environmentally, as well as in terms of leaseholders’ enjoyment of the building.
From LEDs to motion-sensor lights and smart building systems, there are many ways to modernise shared spaces. Whether your goal is cutting costs, improving safety, or reducing your building’s carbon footprint, energy-efficient lighting is a reliable, low-maintenance step in the right direction.