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As global anticipation builds ahead of this summer’s FIFA World Cup, there is an increasing focus on the performance and efficiency of the infrastructure that supports large stadium operations.
A recent pump system upgrade at a major UK stadium demonstrates how targeted improvements to building services can deliver significant energy savings while maintaining reliable performance under variable, high demand conditions.
Grundfos has completed its first phase of a pump system retrofit at the venue, replacing ageing fixed-speed units that were contributing to high energy consumption and rising operational costs.
Following a detailed Grundfos Energy Check, three large fixed-speed pumps were replaced with high-efficiency Grundfos TP models, supported by CUE drives to enable demand-led operation.
The upgrade has delivered annual energy savings of more than 422,000 kWh and a reduction of over 100 tonnes of CO₂, with a payback period of just over one year.
Although global sporting events draw attention to the demands placed on stadium infrastructure, similar challenges exist across UK venues and commercial buildings, where ageing infrastructure and rising energy costs are driving demand for retrofit solutions.
This reflects wider trends across the UK building services sector, where building owners face growing pressure to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and extend asset life through targeted retrofit.
Grundfos has supported similar high-demand environments across the UK, including major sporting venues in Glasgow such as the Emirates Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, where HVAC, water-boosting and fire-safety systems were designed to handle event-level pressure while maintaining long-term reliability.
Grundfos has also delivered pump solutions across major international sporting infrastructure, including the Olympic Games and leading global football tournaments. These environments require systems capable of maintaining reliable performance under highly variable operational loads.
Glynn Williams, Senior Area Sales Director for UK & Ireland at Grundfos Commercial Building Services, said: “While fans focus on the drama on the pitch, the performance behind the scenes is equally crucial. Our pump solutions support the vital systems that make large-scale events run smoothly – from climate control to water management – and we’re proud to contribute to the infrastructure that keeps sport moving”.
Williams continues: “Ageing equipment, rising energy costs and highly variable operational loads are placing increased pressure on building services performance. This project shows how relatively simple system upgrades can deliver rapid improvements in efficiency”.
Williams adds: “Large venues operate under fluctuating demand, particularly during peak events, and fixed-systems are often unable to respond effectively. By moving to variable-speed, demand-led pumping, operators can significantly reduce energy use while improving overall system performance”.
Williams concludes: “Whether supporting everyday operations or major international events, reliability and energy efficiency remain critical. Our focus is on helping building operators optimise performance through intelligent pumping and control strategies that reduce energy use while maintaining resilience”.
Picture: An image of one of the Grundfos water pumps in use at the stadium.
Article written by Dave Mapps | Published 13 May 2026
Glynn Williams, Senior Area Sales Director for UK & Ireland at Grundfos Commercial Building Services advises that new climate projections suggest UK buildings will...
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