Researchers from Avans University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands) and from the University of Portsmouth are seeking solutions that will help reduce CO2 emissions from public lighting.
From LEDs in all streetlamps in UNESCO-protected city centres to lights that don’t switch on until someone cycles past, researchers will collaborate on a range of EU-funded Smart Light Concepts (SLIC).
Public lighting accounts for approximately 35% of CO2 emissions. These emissions could be reduced drastically by applying new and existing technologies. So far however, little has been achieved. This is due to a number of factors, including uncertainty about financial aspects, and a lack of knowledge about the impact on nature, public safety and road safety.
The Smart Light Concepts project aims to change this situation, helping us to achieve our ultimate goal: reducing CO2 emissions through the use of sustainable public lighting concepts and contributing to Europe-wide 2020 CO2 reduction goals.
We will conduct 7 pilot projects focusing on different low-carbon lighting techniques, including dimming, remote, sensors, dynamic optimisation and low voltage. These pilot projects will be conducted in different environments, such as the countryside, urban areas, a nature reserve and an industrial estate. We will demonstrate, monitor and evaluate these projects with respect to reduction of CO2 emissions and societal response.
The related funding models and business cases will also be monitored and evaluated. We aim to have more than 200 organisations and businesses from partipating and non-participating countries involved in this project. These may include government agencies, lighting businesses, nature conservation organisations and public-interest entities.
We will develop a number of methods, tools and concepts to help promote the use of low-carbon technologies for public lighting. We will do this by demonstrating and implementing innovative yet proven technologies in the field of energy saving, energy efficiency and renewable energy for public lighting. These may include funding models, business cases, public engagement and support, a decision support tool and a cross-border knowledge platform.
Updates from the Smart Light Concepts project
- The SLIC Decision Support Tool was presented at the SLIC closing conference on 21 April 2022. We received excellent feedback from the Interreg-2-Seas Managers: “The tool is outstanding and one of the best outcomes of the project.”
- Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP) Bristol CPD Webinar: SLIC Decision Support Tool for Public Lighting
- Future thinking, Lighting Journal June 2020, Institute of Lighting Professionals Magazine
- Bright ideas made easy, October 2021, Highways Electrical Association Magazine
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