As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation, NRI has upgraded the LED grow light systems in its plant growth facilities and insectaries, enhancing energy efficiency and supporting world-leading research in plant and agricultural sciences. The investment demonstrates NRI’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact while advancing research that underpins sustainable food systems and resilient ecosystems.
The upgrade replaces outdated, energy-intensive fluorescent and halogen grow lights in the institute’s plant growth rooms and greenhouses, with modern, high-efficiency LED grow light technology. The new LED grow lights operate at higher, more efficient intensities, providing much needed efficiency gains. These lights use 40–70% less energy than traditional units, converting most of their power into light for plant growth rather than heat. Their longer lifespan also reduces waste and emissions associated with manufacturing and disposal.
These improved facilities directly support the work of NRI’s Agriculture, Health and Environment Department (AHED), which leads innovative research and knowledge exchange to enhance agricultural sustainability, improve ecosystem services, and protect environmental health. The lighting upgrade will benefit researchers, students, and industry collaborators engaged in plant science and crop improvement projects at NRI, while also supporting teaching and enterprise activities at the institute.
‘Sustainability is central to everything we do at NRI,’ said Professor Steve Belmain, Head of the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture 4 One Health, a research centre under AHED. ‘Modernising our plant growth facilities with efficient LED systems, helps us to reduce our carbon footprint while strengthening the research infrastructure that supports innovation in sustainable agriculture and environmental health.’
This initiative contributes to the University of Greenwich’s Sustainability Strategy, which aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2033 and embed environmental responsibility across all aspects of university life. It also supports broader UK government goals for improving energy efficiency in research and laboratory environments.
Professor Sheryl Hendriks, Director of NRI said: ‘This initiative reflects how NRI continues to demonstrate leadership in sustainable research. We are ensuring that our work not only advances scientific knowledge and innovation but also contributes directly to positive environmental and sustainability outcomes by investing in practical improvements to our infrastructure.’