lightbank: New funding program for sports field lighting
Lightbank replaces LEDforFoot
The sustainable LEDforFOOT funding program, which was launched by the Swiss Football Association (SFV) in collaboration with ProKilowatt and the Lighting Industry Association (FVB), has been successfully completed. The aim of the program was to support Swiss municipalities and sports clubs in financing modern LED lighting on football pitches. An important contribution to a sustainable lighting structure, which is now being continued in a new form.
The new funding programme Lightbank now not only subsidizes football pitches, but also tennis courts and other sports facilities.
300 projects successfully implemented - 6000 MWh energy savings per year
At the beginning of July 2025, the target of around 300 acquired projects was reached. The converted systems make an important contribution to energy efficiency in Swiss football: the energy savings achieved amount to over 6,000 MWh per year, which corresponds to the average electricity consumption of around 2,500 households.
Over the 25-year service life of the LED lights, the approximately 500 converted floodlight systems on football pitches will achieve savings of 150 million kilowatt hours. This will enable the participating clubs and municipalities to save not only energy, but also around 45 million Swiss francs in energy costs over a period of 25 years. A sustainable contribution to the environment and budget that is now being continued.
The initiative lives on: "lightbank" replaces "LEDforFoot" and now covers all outdoor sports pitches
The SFA's lighting renovation of football pitches continues in a new form and will be integrated into the new "lightbank" program of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE). "lightbank" supports the renovation of lighting systems in buildings, indoor spaces, outdoor facilities and sports fields. Subsidies of up to 30% of the investment costs are possible, depending on use and project type. Applications for lighting renovation of football pitches, tennis courts and school sports facilities can be submitted immediately.
Apply for subsidies for energy-efficient lighting
Recover up to 30% of investment costsThe funding calculator integrated on the website provides an approximate estimate of the expected funding. Based on just a few details, it provides realistic estimates that serve as a good guide for project planning. However, depending on effective planning and implementation, the funding amount calculated here may differ from the actual amount.
How to proceed
- Register your project
- Submit the necessary documents
- Get provisional approval from Lightbank
- Project implementation by building owners
- Clean up documents and report completion
- Have definitive documents checked by "lightbank" and receive funding
