Case Study: Mayflower Theatre Reduces Lighting Costs and Carbon Footprint with InfiniGreen’s LED Installation
Client Overview:
Mayflower Theatre, located in Southampton, is the largest theatre on the South Coast with an impressive 2,271-seat auditorium. This historic Grade II listed building has been a cultural hub since 1928 and is renowned for hosting a wide array of performances, from musicals and ballet to comedy and drama. Operating as an independent charitable trust, Mayflower Theatre reinvests all ticket sales into the upkeep of the venue and its community outreach programmes. The theatre, alongside its sister venue MAST Mayflower Studios, is committed to providing a diverse, vibrant artistic programme while operating in an environmentally responsible manner.
The Challenge:
As part of their commitment to sustainability and cost efficiency, Mayflower Theatre recognised that their existing lighting system was outdated, inefficient, and expensive to maintain. High energy bills were putting pressure on their operating budget, and the theatre’s heavy usage meant that their lighting system needed constant maintenance. The theatre also had a keen focus on reducing its environmental impact in line with its broader community and educational goals. Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient lighting system became a priority.
However, as a Grade II listed building, any upgrades had to be done carefully to preserve the historic character of the venue, and with minimal disruption to their ongoing operations.
The Solution:
After a thorough assessment of the theatre’s existing lighting infrastructure, energy consumption, and budget constraints, InfiniGreen proposed a custom LED lighting solution tailored to meet Mayflower Theatre’s specific needs. This plan was designed not only to drastically reduce energy consumption but also to fit seamlessly into the daily logistics of the venue without compromising the historic integrity of the building.
Our team of experienced installers worked around the theatre’s busy schedule at MAST Mayflower Studios, ensuring minimal disruption to rehearsals, performances, and day-to-day activities. This flexible approach allowed the theatre to remain fully operational during the installation process, which was completed efficiently and on time.
The Results:
The installation of the new LED system immediately transformed the theatre’s energy consumption and operational costs:
- Energy Savings: The new LED lighting system reduced the theatre’s lighting bills by an impressive 45.98%, translating to savings of over £10,700 per year.
- Environmental Impact: This upgrade also cut the theatre’s carbon emissions by over 10 tonnes per year, significantly contributing to their sustainability goals and reducing their carbon footprint.
- Financial Flexibility: By using a finance option, Mayflower Theatre could also make the project cash flow positive from day one, enabling them to enjoy the cost savings immediately while spreading the installation cost over time.
Additional Benefits:
Beyond the clear financial and environmental advantages, the new LED system also enhanced the overall visitor and performer experience:
- Improved Lighting Quality: LED lighting provides brighter, more reliable illumination, which has enhanced both the aesthetic of performances and the comfort of visitors in the auditorium.
- Reduced Maintenance: LEDs have a much longer lifespan than traditional bulbs, reducing the frequency of replacements and lowering ongoing maintenance costs.
- Sustainable Operation: The energy savings and reduced carbon footprint are in alignment with Mayflower Theatre’s broader sustainability commitments, helping them achieve their goal of running an environmentally responsible organisation.
Client Feedback:
Mayflower Theatre expressed great satisfaction with the installation process and the results. Their management team commented on how the seamless coordination between InfiniGreen’s installers and the venue’s daily schedule made the entire process stress-free. They were also thrilled with the immediate savings and how the project positively impacted their financial performance and environmental goals.
Takeaway:
This LED lighting installation is a prime example of how businesses can upgrade to energy-efficient systems with minimal disruption and immediate financial benefits. By choosing InfiniGreen’s tailored solution, Mayflower Theatre now enjoys substantial savings, reduced carbon emissions, and improved lighting quality—while continuing to serve as a vibrant cultural destination on the South Coast.
With financing options available, a similar LED upgrade could be cash flow positive from day one for other venues and businesses, making it an attractive choice for any organisation looking to reduce costs, enhance sustainability, and modernise their facilities.
