The City of Vancouver made the transformation to enhance its urban landscape through a major street lighting conversion project. In 2019, the city began replacing 13,500 High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) streetlights with LEOTEK’s GreenCobra LED streetlights, marking a significant step in its commitment to sustainability, safety, and forward-thinking urban development.
Implementing Energy-Efficient LED Fixtures
This project is a part of Vancouver’s broader strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and pave the way for advanced, connected infrastructure. The implementation of Leotek’s energy-efficient LED fixtures has led to a drastic reduction in the city’s energy consumption, cutting it by up to 60 percent, and maintenance costs by up to 50 percent. These savings are estimated at $500,000 per year, which will be used to pay off the project’s loan and set aside reserve funds for future fixture replacement expenses.
Enhanced Safety and Quality of Life
The new LED streetlights have not only improved the city’s energy efficiency but also significantly enhanced safety for pedestrians and drivers. The city chose a color temperature of 3000K for the LEDs, adhering to the guidelines set by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the International Dark Sky Association (IDA). This choice ensures that the lighting is not only effective but also minimizes its impact on residents’ sleep patterns and the environment.
Smart Streetlight Management System
A key feature of Vancouver’s LED streetlight project is the integration of a smart streetlight management system. This system enables each streetlight to be monitored and controlled from a central location, facilitating maintenance and improving service quality. The system automatically reports luminaire faults, reducing the need for night inspections and enhancing maintenance management efficiency.
Outdoor Lighting Design and Regulation
In line with the LED conversion, Vancouver has developed new regulations for outdoor lighting to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of all residents and businesses. These regulations include the use of full-cutoff fixtures to minimize light pollution, glare reduction measures, and the installation of dimmers and timers for flexible lighting control. The city encourages the use of warm color temperatures, especially in areas close to residential neighborhoods or natural habitats.
Vancouver’s Outdoor Lighting Strategy
The city’s Outdoor Lighting Strategy aims to improve public safety, provide accessible and inviting outdoor spaces, reduce light pollution, and minimize ecological impacts. This comprehensive approach includes updates to building and premises by-laws, new street engineering and public realm design guidelines, and corporate leadership in municipal facilities. The strategy also explores opportunities to support dark-sky programming and education on light pollution.
Conclusion: A Model for Smart City Solutions
Vancouver’s LED streetlight conversion project, in partnership with LEOTEK, serves as a remarkable example of how a city can leverage connectivity and smart technology to create an appealing and sustainable environment. This initiative not only enhances the city’s infrastructure but also aligns with broader goals of energy conservation, ecological responsibility, and improved quality of life for its residents.
