Illuminating the public realm – the importance of public lighting Energy and carbon reduction options
Good lighting provides a service and this must be at the forefront of any energy and carbon reduction strategy developments. Lighting can contribute to energy and carbon reduction strategies and within the public realm there are various strategies that can be considered. Each must be carefully assessed, and include:
Dimming – the road lighting standards classify the required lighting levels based on usage,
Part night – lighting is turned off between certain hours such as midnight to 6am Switch off – lighting is switched off and removed.
It should be noted that if either of the last two options are considered the Highway Authority must ensure that the road is safe at all times. If moving to part night or switch off then the authority must ensure that the highway signage, white lining and other features are compliant for an unlit road. These should only be followed once a full risk analysis and local consultation have been undertaken.
The energy tariff for public lighting is generally based on an operational profile; the majority of lighting installations operate all night so the energy rate is an average of the various rates over that period. This profile makes use of the times when energy demand is very low (midnight to 5.30am) and hence electricity is very cheap compared to peak periods. Any change in operational profile should be advised to the energy provider so they can assess the impact on their supply. This may result in a change of tariff which could increase the energy rate, and whilst the installation load may be decreased the overall cost of energy may not reduce by the same level.
therefore when the use of a road or area reduces, say between
midnight and 6am, then providing the equipment is suitable the lighting levels can be reduced through dimming
Trimming – modern light sources do not require as much time to warm up to full output, therefore the lighting can be switched on closer to the time required, thus reducing the burning hours
Westminster City Council and Institution of Lighting Professionals
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