Better Lighting In Sustainable Streets

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The project aim is to examine further ways to reduce the amount of energy consumed by street lighting using tailored design techniques and the application of energy saving products across a range of highway scenarios whilst examining the effects that this has on crime / accident statistics. citizen’s perceptions and socio economic impacts. Philips Lighting have estimated that if the 33% of street lighting in Europe lit using traditional methods were replaced. energy consumption savings of up to 40% could be achieved. The GreenSwitch factbook (June 07) identifies potential savings in the sector to be 20-30 terrawatt hours. equating to 5-10 million tons carbon dioxide emissions. which is equivalent to 20-45 million barrels of oil or 10-15 medium sized power plants. There have been a number of small focussed initiatives. which have identified some of the potential benefits and it is the intention of this project to build on these targeted initiatives The benefits of a broad spectrum of existing energy reduction techniques including the use of energy saving lamps. varying switching times. dynamic lighting control and the application of variable lighting levels when circumstances dictate will be reviewed across the project partnership. There is an almost universal preconception by citizens that “better” street lighting means increased illumination to prevent crime. social disorder and traffic accidents and it is expected that there may be possible concern to some of the techniques to be applied. The project seeks. therefore to examine. challenge and understand citizens’ beliefs and preconceptions with the aim of enabling street lighting authorities to neutralise potential antagonism

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