Trusted Lighting Partner for Secure Environments
Lighting systems aligned with HSA Lighting standards and Defence Related Environmental Assessment Method (DREAM) protocols.
Connected Light delivers robust, regulation-ready lighting solutions for some of the UK’s most secure and sensitive environments. From Ministry of Defence estates and public health laboratories to mental health facilities and custodial settings, our work meets the rigorous demands of secure environments and complies with HSA Lighting specifications where required.
With over 25 years of experience in defence and high-security sectors, our SC-cleared engineering teams are trusted to work on live operational sites. We’ve supported projects for MOD clients, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP), and other classified or restricted-access facilities.
Our work also helps clients align with the Defence Related Environmental Assessment Method (DREAM), the MOD’s recognised standard for sustainable construction. Whether delivering lighting design, supply, commissioning or turnkey installation, we offer a compliant, confident service shaped around high-stakes environments.
Supporting MOD, UKHSA and Secure Facilities Across the UK
We’ve delivered lighting schemes across a wide spectrum of secure government and defence projects – from hangars and barracks to high-grade laboratories and medical containment facilities.
Clients such as the MOD and UKHSA trust us because we understand their operational needs and regulatory environment. Our specialist experience includes clean rooms, secure laboratories, mental health facilities, secure custody units, and live military sites. We regularly work in environments that require HSA Lighting considerations, including anti-ligature fittings, IP-rated luminaires and easy-clean sealed units.
Our work with the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) has involved designing and supplying anti-ligature lighting for secure inpatient units, while our collaboration with UKHSA has seen us support scientific environments with bespoke lighting suited to containment and laboratory use.
We also regularly collaborate with other M&E consultants, bringing our specialist knowledge of healthcare, custodial and high-security lighting to early-stage design and project execution.
“When working in live MOD or government-controlled environments, there’s no room for error. Our SC-cleared teams follow strict protocols and deliver to the highest specification – every time.”
– Matt Holway, Director, Connected Light
We also regularly collaborate with other M&E consultants, bringing our specialist knowledge of healthcare, custodial and high-security lighting to early-stage design and project execution. Our in-house lighting design expertise ensures that every specification is aligned with performance, compliance and environmental goals, while our turnkey project delivery service provides a seamless solution from concept through to commissioning.
Achieving DREAM Compliance in Defence Projects
The Defence Related Environmental Assessment Method (DREAM) is the MOD’s recognised standard for measuring environmental performance in new builds and refurbishments. Connected Light plays an important role in helping clients meet and exceed DREAM targets, particularly in the areas of energy efficiency, internal environmental quality, emergency lighting, and lifecycle sustainability.
Our lighting solutions contribute directly to the DREAM framework across every phase of assessment – from the survey stage through to design, construction and operation. This includes supporting documentation, product selection, and compliance expertise tailored to each building type, whether it’s living accommodation, commercial space, workshops or clinical environments.
We’ve helped defence clients work toward “Excellent” DREAM scores (70%+), aligning with Government Buying Standards and long-term carbon reduction goals. As expectations around sustainability increase, our lighting strategies balance compliance with innovation.
By integrating these measures into each project, we help clients achieve their environmental and performance objectives as set out by the Defence Related Environmental Assessment Method.
Read more on how the MOD is cutting emissions through smarter buildings in this official announcement.
Learn how we support:
Emergency Lighting and Operational Resilience in High-Security Sites
Emergency lighting in defence and public health environments must go beyond basic compliance – it must perform reliably under all conditions, with robust testing, failover protection and rapid response functionality.
Connected Light designs and commissions systems that meet or exceed the requirements of BS 5266, supporting safe evacuation, operational continuity, and risk management across military, custodial and specialist laboratory settings. From escape routes and containment areas to secure perimeters and control rooms, we ensure lighting resilience is built into every part of the facility.
We also understand that MOD requirements mandate BAFE certification for emergency lighting systems. That’s why we cover the full BAFE scope – from compliant design and product specification through to installation oversight, final commissioning, and verification. This ensures that every system we support can be fully certified at handover, giving clients and contractors complete confidence in compliance.
Explore the HSE’s official guidance on lighting at work for further reading.
Learn more about our approach to emergency lighting compliance.
Engineering Expertise with SC-Cleared Teams
Working in high-security environments demands more than technical knowledge – it requires a deep understanding of access protocols, classified site conduct, and the ability to perform under scrutiny. Connected Light has built a trusted reputation within the defence and public health sectors by meeting those expectations.
Our engineers hold full Security Check (SC) clearance, and our design staff are DBS enhanced certified — allowing us to operate safely and appropriately across MOD sites, research laboratories, and other facilities where access is tightly controlled. Whether working within live military training grounds, secure mental health wards or scientific cleanrooms, we bring discretion, discipline and professionalism to every project.
We also understand the importance of documentation, verification and auditability in secure environments – ensuring our work stands up to MOD, UKHSA and contractor-level review.
“Our engineering teams are trusted with some of the most sensitive lighting projects in the UK. That trust is earned through capability, consistency, and clearance.”
– Matt Holway, Director, Connected Light
Sustainability-Focused Lighting That Supports Defence Net Zero Goals
Connected Light supports the MOD’s net zero strategy by integrating energy-efficient design into secure lighting schemes from the outset. Our solutions align directly with DREAM environmental and lifecycle categories, delivering long-term performance and reduced operational impact.
This includes LED systems with extended lifespans, daylight harvesting to reduce energy consumption, and sensor-driven controls that adapt to occupancy and site conditions. Where appropriate, we also incorporate renewable lighting technologies into building-wide schemes – helping defence estates reduce emissions without compromising safety or security.
Our approach balances innovation with compliance, drawing on decades of experience to specify products that are both technically suitable and future-proof.
Learn more about our renewable lighting solutions for defence and public-sector environments.
Supporting M&E Consultants in Defence and Security Sectors
We regularly collaborate with M&E consultants working on defence, healthcare, and custodial projects. Our role is to bring lighting-specific expertise to the early stages of design, helping ensure that specifications meet both performance targets and compliance requirements – including DREAM.
Whether advising on luminaire selection, control strategy, or emergency compliance, we work as a trusted delivery partner within larger contractor teams. We understand the pressures of complex sites and tight programme delivery, and we tailor our support accordingly.
We also offer full lighting control commissioning as part of our service offering – ensuring systems are correctly set up, documented, and optimised for each unique site environment.
“Connected Light have always stepped up to the challenges of providing lighting solutions to meet their clients’ needs. Their dedicated team provide sound solutions for all challenging life science and industrial environments. Having a wide portfolio of knowledge on all lighting products and a firm collaborative approach in survey, design, and installation solutions, I highly recommend them for all aspects of lighting and design works. They are a real asset making large complex projects run smoothly.”
UKHSA – Senior Project Management Team
Why Clients Choose Connected Light for Defence Projects
With more than 25 years’ experience delivering lighting for high-security environments, Connected Light has become a trusted partner to the Ministry of Defence, NHS estates, public health organisations, and custodial services. Our SC-cleared engineers, proven compliance track record, and in-depth understanding of DREAM requirements make us uniquely positioned to support these complex projects.
We help clients achieve their sustainability goals, meet safety regulations, and ensure operational resilience – all while working to the strictest standards of security and professionalism.
Discover how Connected Light can support your next secure lighting project with our integrated lighting design services, turnkey project delivery, and full emergency lighting and BAFE compliance, all backed by the expertise of our SC-cleared engineering team. All solutions are designed to support HSA Lighting guidance and the Defence Related Environmental Assessment Method.
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