A TRAIN company has announced a 21 percent reduction in energy consumption after installing LED light fittings at 165 stations across the South.

South Western Railway (SWR) announced the reduction on Monday following the fitting of more than 16,180 LED fittings to replace older bulbs across its network.

The new fittings have contributed to a 4.9 million kWh drop across the stations and depots which is said to be the equivalent of charging 450,059,314 smartphones.

Although this is not the only factor causing the drop, the LED replacement programme is said to be “the main driver” behind the change.

As well as saving energy, the LEDs are said to have noticeably improved lighting in customer facing areas like platforms, concourses, and ticket offices.

Fittings were also replaced in car parks, footways, cycleways and foot bridges, also helping to improve viability and safety.

The new fittings are part of a company wide effort by SWR to reduce its energy usage in buildings by 41 percent by 2024 compared with 2015/16.

Amelia Woodley, Head of Sustainability at South Western Railway said the company is “passionate about sustainability”.

“Like all businesses, we have a responsibility to constantly review and improve practices.

“We hope, when travel restrictions ease and we welcome more customers back to the railway, that people will notice the difference and feel safer at our stations thanks to the new lighting.”

As well as reducing energy usage, the company claims it has also made improvements to water collection and waste disposal.