21/06/2022 - Energy saving project for Luton’s street lights nears completion
Luton Council’s investment in installing long life LED (Light Emitting Diode) across the town’s street lighting is approaching completion, which will improve their energy efficiency.
Reducing the energy consumption of Luton’s street lighting through LED installation is a key pillar of Luton’s ambition of net-zero by 2040. Compared to 2016 levels, carbon emissions related to Luton’s street lighting have already decreased by approximately 69%.
Operating costs for Luton’s street lights will also decrease; a reduction estimated to be in excess of £1 million per annum. The reduction takes into account the cost of electricity, which has grown faster than anticipated when the installation of LED lighting commenced.
Further benefits of the LED installation include a longer life span compared to previous street lighting in Luton. The only maintenance required of the new LED lighting will be routine inspections over the next 20 years.
A new control system for managing the switching on and off of lights will also add greater reliability and therefore efficiency to the system. Each light monitors and responds to light levels in the area, meaning LED streetlights will switch on at a pre-set level and turn themselves off at half the pre-set level as daylight arrives.
Councillor Tom Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, said “Installing LED in our street lights is a significant investment for our town. Crucially, it is a step towards making Luton a safer and greener place to live, particularly as we work towards a net-zero Luton by 2040. With the rising cost of energy, seizing every opportunity to make our assets more energy efficient is welcome.”
“With LED soon to be installed across all of our street lights, we are saving money, reducing carbon emissions and keeping our residents safe. These outcomes contribute towards our goal of Luton 2040, creating a town where everyone can thrive.”