Leading lighting controls specialist B.E.G. has helped the National Theatre Green Store take a major step towards sustainability by supplying an advanced lighting controls system at its new ‘game-changing’ Bermondsey facility.
The German manufacturer consulted on the large store facility switching to a DALI-LINK dimming solution which can be maintained by the theatre’s in-house team via a free downloadable B.E.G. app following training which could reduce its energy usage by up to 60 per cent.
The project at the National Theatre Green Store, which houses all props, costumes and technical storage, showcases how smart building technologies can deliver measurable energy savings in line with the UK’s growing Net Zero ambitions.
The theatre decided in 2024 to move from its old home in Kennington to an exciting new space in Bermondsey. The aim was to consolidate its extensive props and costume collections under one roof and create a facility that reflects the creative industry’s commitment to sustainable practices. Now with the integration of B.E.G.’s DALI-LINK system, this has helped bring that ambition to life.
The Bermondsey Green Store is now home to over 130,000 costumes and, for the first time, all 21,942 props are housed under the same roof. The 1,260m² facility serves the theatre’s internal needs but it can now act as a ‘one-stop shop’ for hire for designers and creatives across the sector.
With materials and resources now more accessible at its central London location, it will lead to an increase reuse of materials across productions. This directly supports the principles set out in the Theatre Green Book, an industry-wide framework encouraging more sustainable theatre production.
A key part of the energy efficiency strategy was the implementation of B.E.G.’s DALI-LINK lighting control system. This standalone, app-programmable system uses presence and absence detection to ensure lighting is only active when needed – ideal for dynamic working environments like workshops, storage areas, and office spaces.
The system was programmed and commissioned using the BEG One app, available from the App Store, which offers installers and facilities teams a simple, intuitive way to set up and adjust controls without the need for complex infrastructure.
Dan Glynn, Director at B.E.G. UK, said: “We’re proud to support the National Theatre Green Store in its sustainability journey. DALI-LINK is a versatile system that now allows them to take control of their energy usage with minimal disruption. It’s perfectly suited for a facility like this, where operational flexibility and efficiency are both critical.”
The National Theatre Green Store also extended its energy efficiency upgrades by installing the B.E.G. DACO system, which provides daylight and occupancy-responsive lighting control across rehearsal and back-of-house areas which is designed to provide consistent, automated energy savings across both key sites.
Mr Glynn added: “This project proves that with the right collaboration between consultants, manufacturers, and electrical contractors, buildings can be both smart and sustainable – without compromising on performance.”
