Dynamic Light Project
The project demonstrates the how-to-do of a process of how a city can get an energy efficient lighting, starting from the idea, analysis, GIS Data Mining, strategy development, financial models, procurement rules, implementation and evaluation. This goes hand in hand with pilot demonstration investments to increase the acceptance of energy-efficient lighting among end users and town planners by improving the quality of dynamic light and adapting it to social needs. The project explored different public lighting situations that are typical for European municipalities. The core idea is that the technical aspect of lighting needs to be better connected to urban planning aspects in order to adapt it to technological possibilities. Especially innovative is that dynamic light shall be applied to optimize the lighting design of public spaces, reduce light sources and light intensity in order to lower light pollution and energy consumption. The project developed parameters for dynamic light (brightness, color, light scattering, glare) that meet the social needs (safety, visual identity, attractive city areas, reduction of light pollution). It tested its performance at different urban area types to adjust the technological standards and regulations to dynamic lighting to better utilize the potentials of it. The project laid the foundations for more controllable and higher quality lighting solutions with enhanced visual performance and improved ambiance and safety of urban environments across Europe.
The project has 4 thematic areas, in which the project activities are organised:
Technological performance matching light quality demands for better acceptance of dynamic lighting
Dynamic lighting is an innovative approach to increasing energy efficiency of public lighting and at the same time minimizing the negative effects of it like light pollution. Public acceptance of dynamic lighting solutions strongly depends on the quality of lighting adapted to the social needs and matched to the requirements of specific locations. In this context, the project did:
- conduct an in-depth analysis of the social demands for dynamic lighting. Based on an inventory a joint monitoring tool for a comparative analysis of user demands was developed. The tool can be used to carry out demand analyses. A manual compiles results and includes parameters for dynamic light that meets social needs.
- explore dynamic lighting technologies in accordance with social needs. Based on an inventory of available technology, control systems and sensors and their performance in different lighting situations were tested. A manual on transferable technical solutions compiles the results and includes different scenarios of dynamic lighting solutions and their performance for different area types with different social needs and user demands.
- evaluate the test implementations and integrates the results into a comprehensive strategy on integrating social needs and dynamic lighting technologies. The strategy paper addresses municipalities and serves as a basis for the implementation of dynamic public lighting solutions.
Strategies and tools to improve energy performance in public lighting infrastructure
The transition to energy-saving intelligent public lighting solutions should be embedded in an overall urban lighting strategy and based on a clear understanding of the administrative and economic requirements for the deployment of these technologies. This work package did:
- explore energy saving potentials and potentials to reduce light pollution that could be tapped by the deployment of dynamic lighting. Starting from an inventory a common framework for measuring potentials was developed. Model data was collected and made accessible using a GIS-based database.
- develop strategic lighting master plans for selected municipal areas based on analyses of the lighting situation. The master plans provided a model that can be transferred by a guideline for urban planners.
- develop transferable models for financing innovative public lighting investments. Funding sources and public-private partnership models were analysed and appropriate solutions were adopted in a guideline.
- train municipal staff to counteract the lack of knowledge of how the planning of lighting should be implemented. This included transnational multiplier training and training on local level facilitated by study trips. The aim was to increase capacities of public authorities for a more holistic approach to use public lighting in a way that supports the city’s identity and improves energy performance.
Innovative Pilot Solutions implementation of energy-efficient dynamic lighting applications
Trials of the deployment of dynamic lighting resulted in a solid body of best practice for design, financing, procurement and deployment demonstrating enhanced citizen comfort and safety at significantly reduced costs for energy and maintenance. This work package did:
- demonstrate how dynamic light can be applied at different areas to improve the energy efficiency and increase its acceptance among end users and decision-makers
- replace obsolete lighting system by dynamic concepts incl. smart solutions for energy and cost saving and improvement of quality
- increase capacities of public authorities by hands-on experiences in implementing dynamic light
- add value to regular public lighting investments by deploying dynamic lighting technology generating a leverage effect. The project was implemented and evaluated in eight pilot investments in different municipalities.
The project developed pilot solutions at different locations by analyzing the global lighting situation in involved municipalities taking into account strategic planning to be able to select pilot locations and form of lighting applications, analyzing the lighting situation for selected sites, planning of intelligent light concepts, and preparing investments. The activity builds on results of other work packages in particular the defined parameters for social demands, transferable technical solutions, strategic planning and master plans, financial and procurement models.
Integrating dynamic lighting into existing standards and harmonization of procurement rules
The current EU policy context is particularly favorable for the deployment of high quality lighting solutions. However, dynamic lighting needs to be integrated in standards for public lighting and procurement rules. This work package did:
- develop standardized quality criteria for public lighting which include dynamic lighting and analyzing lighting standards and norms in different countries to develop a strategy for inclusion of dynamic lighting. The project developed a strategy on adapting EN 13201 and related regulations to dynamic lighting. Based on an analysis of the EN 13201 implementation in all partner countries, steps towards harmonization were defined. A strategy draft stating in which parts EN 13201 needs to be updated in terms of dynamic lighting will be discussed and reviewed involving Standards Committees and political stakeholders. A handbook about the interpretation of EN 13201 and room for implementation of dynamic lighting will be addressed to Standards Committees to adapt strategy draft and consider it in the next step.
- explore the legal and political framework to give recommendations for a legally secure implementation of dynamic lighting. Based on an in-depth analysis of the legal and political framework the main incentives and obstacles for the implementation of dynamic lighting strategies on different levels (EU, national, regional, local) were identified. A best-practice guide including recommendations for municipalities focus on regulations and concessions in particular procurement recommendations are given in regards to selection criteria according to the needs and demands of the public sector. Information events were addressed to politicians, decision-makers as well as policy and procurement officers.
