The project is part of Westmorland and Furness Council’s plan to achieve net zero by 2037.
Replacement works began in September and were completed in phases to keep most of the car park open, with sectional closures at each stage.
The previous lighting levels, which were below modern standards, were updated with a new system designed to minimise glare and shadows, and provide consistent brightness throughout the car park.
According to the council, the new system will result in ‘significant’ cuts to energy costs, consumption, and CO2 emissions.
The lighting system operates at three levels.
It provides instant full output when movement is detected, reduces to 10 percent after three minutes of inactivity, and completely switches off after a further two minutes without activity.
Sectional lighting is also grouped and programmed to illuminate in a sequence as people or vehicles pass by.
In the perimeter areas of the car park, the light fittings are programmed to reduce energy through ‘daylight harvesting,’ using natural light from the open sides of the car park.
When natural light exceeds a certain required safety threshold, the lights will not illuminate.
Compared with the baseline year of 2019/20, its estimated that the new system will save 42 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, per year.
Councillor Giles Archibald, Westmorland and Furness Council’s cabinet member for climate, biodiversity, and environmental services, said: “The predicted levels of savings for both CO2 and energy through this lighting replacement scheme is fantastic and forms just one of several projects that make up our detailed five-year Climate Action Plan.
“This takes us one step further on our journey to net zero and establishing ourselves as an ecologically aware, climate-positive council.”
Councillor Andrew Jarvis, Westmorland and Furness Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, said: “The capital spend for this new lighting project will be offset by the positive reduction in future energy costs.
“We are continuously looking at how our capital programme of projects can achieve the most benefits for Westmorland and Furness.
“This project is a good example of one change that brings positive environmental, financial, and safety benefits.”
The new lighting system is expected to save the equivalent of planting 3,384 trees, based on a 63 per cent saving in lighting output.