Sydney's LED street light retrofit complete

The City of Sydney has completed a major program to install energy-efficient LEDs in street and park lights across its entire local area, which has reduced energy use by 40% and improved visibility at night.

Over 6150 conventional street and park lights have been replaced with energy-efficient LEDs that emit a bright white light, which the City of Sydney says is saving nearly $800,000 a year in electricity bills and maintenance costs while cutting emissions.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said they have received positive feedback from the public, who find the brightness of the LEDs provides better visibility and safety while getting about the city.

“We were the first council in Australia to install energy-efficient LEDs across our area and the NSW Government is now following our lead, encouraging councils across Sydney to replace conventional street lights with LEDs,” the Lord Mayor said.

“As well as saving energy, these new lights are good for residents, workers, visitors and tourists.”

In a public survey conducted by the City after an 18-month trial, more than 90% of people said they found LED lighting appealing, while 75% said it improved visibility.

The three-year, $7 million project was a joint venture with GE and UGL Limited (UGL).

Public lighting accounts for a third of the City of Sydney’s annual electricity use and 30% of its greenhouse gas emissions.

The new LEDs reduce emissions by 2861 tonnes each year, the equivalent of taking 940 cars off the road.

Image courtesy of City of Sydney.

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