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How lighting technologies help protect turf quality in a highly regulated green zone?
Introduction
FC Köln is known not only for its strong fan base, but also for its commitment to sustainability. Located in one of Cologne’s most environmentally protected areas, the club had to rethink traditional methods of pitch care. Chemical fungicides were no longer an option, and the local climate — with its mild temperatures and frequent rainfall — only increased the pressure.
The solution was found in a combination of mobile LED and UV-C lighting systems, developed by Rhenac and informed by research from the Technical University of Munich.
The Challenge
The Franz Kremer Sports Complex sits within the Outer Green Belt, an area governed by progressive environmental legislation. Maintaining high-quality pitches while complying with strict ecological regulations meant the club needed a solution that could effectively manage turf health without relying on chemicals.
Cologne’s climate conditions — damp, mild, and with low natural UV exposure — made the fields particularly susceptible to algae, fungal infections, and mixed disease outbreaks. For the grounds team, finding a reliable, non-chemical approach was essential to keep the pitches in play year-round.
The Solution
The club’s shift began with the use of mobile CLS LED lighting rigs — versatile, transportable systems designed to support turf growth, root strength, and regeneration. Mounted on standard groundskeeping equipment and easily moved between pitches, the rigs provide full-spectrum, programmable light tailored to the needs of each surface.
These systems were the result of extensive research by Rhenac in collaboration with the Technical University of Munich, which identified specific light spectra beneficial to turf health during different growth stages and under varying stress conditions.
Building on this success, the club expanded its toolkit with UV-C lighting technology — a non-contact, chemical-free method of targeting turf diseases at the biological level. The system uses high-energy UV light to disrupt the DNA of harmful organisms like algae and fungi, halting their growth while protecting the surrounding turf.
Each six-metre-wide UV-C unit can treat a full pitch in under 45 minutes, requires no special training, and folds away for easy transport. Since adopting the system, the grounds team has achieved treatment success rate of over 95%, with two to three applications per week.
Groundsman’s Perspective
“The LED and UV-C systems allow us to care for the pitches without relying on chemicals — that’s a huge advantage given our location. It’s efficient, sustainable, and helps us keep the playing surfaces in top condition.”
— Helmut Schicke, Head Groundsman, 1. FC Köln
Solution
- Over three years of disease-free turf management
- Zero use of fungicides or other chemical treatments
- Consistent pitch performance despite weather and usage pressure
- Effective disease control on both natural and synthetic turf
- Reduced maintenance costs and environmental impact
- Reinforced image as a leader in sustainable club operations
| Project | Franz Kremer Sports Complex, Cologne |
|---|---|
| Client | 1. FC Köln |
| System Used | Mobile CLS LED and UV-C lighting systems |
| Pitch Surface | Natural and artificial turf |
| Installation | In operation since 2021 |
| Key Features | Mobile 6 m units, foldable design, programmable lighting and UV-C disinfection |
| Treatment Time | 30–45 minutes per pitch |
| Success Rate | 95% with 2–3 treatments per week |
| Connected Systems | IoT integration under development |
Looking Ahead
The club’s experience is now helping shape the next generation of lighting technology. With future systems expected to integrate weather data, turf monitoring, and IoT platforms, predictive disease control is becoming a realistic goal. For 1. FC Köln, the move to LED and UV-C systems has already shown that elite pitch care and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
