In the Australian capital, Omexom teams are managing the replacement of street lights with smart LEDs, which have already reduced related energy consumption by 50%. They are working alongside the Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics at the Australian National University to quantify the effects of this Smart Lighting project on light pollution.
In 2016, scientists estimated that around 80% of the world’s population was living under light-polluted skies, with one-third no longer able to see the Milky Way. The one glimmer of hope is that, unlike other pollutants such as CO2 or plastics, light pollution does not linger after its source is eliminated. Fortunately, current technology offers the possibility to reduce this pollution, notably through the use of LED luminaires.
By concentrating their light in one place, these luminaires provide better distribution and avoid wasted “leaked” light. They are also available in a range of colour temperatures (warmer LEDs produce less light pollution than cooler LEDs) and many are now equipped with smart controllers.
Adaptive lighting
Lighting is high on the agenda in a number of cities, including in Canberra with the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Smart Lighting project. Omexom secured the contract for the Australia Capital Territory (Canberra) streetlight network, where many street lights have now been replaced with smart LEDs, via an energy performance contract delivery solution.
“We’ve been working for more than six years in three main areas,” explains Michael Rosetta, Business Development Manager, J&P Richardson Industries (formally ACT Smart Lighting Business Unit General Manager). “Namely, reducing emissions through guaranteed energy performance (a first for street lighting networks) by upgrading street lights to LED; maintaining and operating the entire network throughout the contract’s duration, with around 10,000 fault repairs a year; and implementing an intelligent lighting communication and control system (Smart Lighting Backbone).”
The principle is to enable adaptive lighting via the smart lighting control system, which reduces or increases the brightness of street lighting according to need. The overall energy performance contract delivery has required a combination of Omexom expertise and personnel, along with support from equipment manufacturers and subcontractors.
“The smart lighting system is a mesh communications network composed of 43 access points and 29,000 smart lighting controllers,” says Michael Rosetta. “This network allows the controllers to interact with each other and with the access points to create a robust communications network.”
“Thanks to adaptive lighting, light output is reduced by from 100% to 70% between 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.”
There were several challenges to be overcome in creating this system, including to repair more than 3,500 faults inherited from the old network, and to purchase and install 40,000 LED lights and 24,000 smart lighting controllers in 24 months at the height of a worldwide shortage of electronic components, along with the challenges of the Covid19 pandemic.
Energy savings
The ACT Smart Lighting system has already reduced energy consumption by over 50% thanks to the upgrade to LED (70% of the network now uses this technology).
“Thanks to this adaptive lighting, light output is reduced by from 100% to 70% between 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.,” says J&P Richardson Industries Business Development Manager, “with an additional 15% annual reduction in energy consumption and emissions. And the dynamic lighting capability, which provides light when and where it is needed, will allow even greater savings.”
But that’s not all – smart lighting systems such as those installed in Canberra make it possible to reduce energy consumption and emissions further still, thanks to functionality such as constant light output and adjustability.
“The light output controls include a parameter to maintain constant output at the required levels for the life of the equipment, gradually increasing power levels to compensate for its depreciation over time,” explains Michael Rosetta. “Trimming refers to the optimisation of switch-on and switch-off times, and the ongoing adjustment to prevent excess lighting beyond what is officially required.”
Reduced light pollution
So, how has the ACT Smart Lighting project affected the impact of light spill (upward spill light) into the dark skies above Canberra? Omexom is working in collaboration with the Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics at the Australian National University (ANU) to quantify the effects.
Data provided by the school showed a 30% to 50% reduction in sky glow, directly attributable to the LED upgrade programme. The emphasis has recently been on quantifying the effect of adaptive lighting via the smart lighting system on reducing light pollution. A study conducted with support of the Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics at the Australian National University (ANU) over a six month from January 2024 has quantified that for every 10% reduction in light output, there is a corresponding 5% reduction in light pollution (upward light spill). As result with adaptive lighting we are achieving 65% reduction in emissions (Greenhous Gas & Light Emissions).
Michael Rosetta concludes that “Smart lighting systems are increasingly being used around the world, with the gradual implementation of adaptive lighting. International standards in Europe and North America are moving in this direction. Omexom Australia is encouraging the adoption of adaptive lighting, to reduce costs for sure, but above all to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and light pollution.”
16/01/2025
