In many secure and custodial environments, the infrastructure is built to last but lighting often isn’t keeping up. Ageing fittings, inefficient lamps and maintenance challenges can quickly turn into costly, time-consuming problems. Retrofitting offers a smarter alternative.

By upgrading existing luminaires with new, efficient technology, you can achieve the performance and compliance of a modern installation without the downtime or disruption of a full replacement project. At Light Years Ahead, we aim to deliver long-term results, quickly.

Secure environments can’t simply shut down wings or wards for refurbishment. Retrofitting lighting drastically reduces installation time and avoids unnecessary disturbance to daily operations. By designing retrofit-ready fittings that align with existing fittings, our luminaires are installed with minimal disturbance to surfaces or ceilings, helping lighting upgrades to be completed efficiently and safely.

This approach also keeps safety at the forefront: anti-ligature, vandal-resistant housings and tamperproof detailing ensure compliant lighting across secure, custodial and mental healthcare environments.

Lighting typically accounts for a significant proportion of a facility’s energy use. Moving to high-efficiency LED technology can energy usage by over 50%, cutting operational costs and lowering carbon output.

In retrofit projects, these benefits can be realised immediately. Combined with smart controls and motion sensors for presence or absence detection, the system can further adapt to occupancy patterns which saves even more energy without compromising safety or illumination levels.

Compliance isn’t optional. Every retrofit solution must meet the same standards as a new installation. Our retrofit luminaires are independently tested and certified to meet Ministry of Justice (MoJ), HMPPS and BS EN 60598 standards — ensuring the same robustness, impact resistance and safety as new-build specifications.

Durability is also key. Retrofit doesn’t mean compromise. It means modern performance built into existing frameworks.

Retrofitting plays a major role in sustainability strategies. By reusing existing infrastructure and reducing material waste, retrofit projects support carbon reduction goals while delivering real performance improvements.

It’s a practical way to extend the lifespan of secure facilities, improve working conditions, and align with public-sector sustainability targets — all without the footprint of a full rebuild.

Retrofitting is the future of efficient, responsible design for secure environments. It allows facilities to modernise at pace, save energy and meet today’s safety and sustainability standards.

Talk to our team about retrofit-ready lighting solutions that deliver performance, safety and sustainability.