As the march towards sustainable consumption and ‘green energy’ continues into 2017, here in the UK we are starting to see governments and local bodies beginning to curb the impact of the most prolific and wasteful element of public carbon emissions and overall environmental (and budgetary) cost: street lighting.
With estimates running up to £300 million a year, illuminating public spaces, roads and car parks is not only making its effect felt in carbon emissions, but perhaps equally as important in the government’s wallet. For this reason local councils are beginning to dim and even limit street lighting operating times across the country in the hope of counteracting the looming problems of cost and emissions.
Currently the average local council operates 33,000 street lights – giving a staggering total of 7 million across the UK. With measures such as cutting usage or dimming lighting in the later hours, fears of increased crime and accidents are a real concern; one study even sighted that sufficient lighting contributes to a 20% decrease in area crime. Additionally, the number of road accidents attributed to unlit or poorly lit areas is persistently high (reference the AA’s 2016 report on the reductions it is seeing in traffic collisions where lighting is improved).
“It seems, then, that street lights are a necessary evil in our public spaces. They cost our government an inordinate amount of money and contribute to the degradation of our environment through light pollution, while providing basic lighting that helps to deter crime and reduce accidents on our roads. The demand for a sustainable alternative to the more traditional and expensive powered street lighting is understandably real and growing – both in the UK and internationally.”
Hamish Scott, CEO at Nevana Designs
To effectively combat this significant environmental (and fiscal) challenge we must look towards sustainable light sources and innovative solutions that allow councils, governments, businesses and other organisations to reduce their reliance on traditional electric fixtures and commit to clean energy operations.
Starpath
With our world renowned surfacing technology, STARPATH is a unique solution that transforms any resin-based surface into a light-responsive sustainable pathway, emitting light for up to 10 hours.
With the potential to work in conjunction with or completely replace existing lighting systems, or simply enhance the lighting effect in traditionally unlit areas without access to traditional power sources, the ‘zero-energy’ STARPATH provides a comprehensive solution to be considered in competition with powered street lighting.
Eco-Disc
Born from the need for cost-effective and sustainable pathway lighting and/or guidance system, the Eco-Disc uses STARPATH technology to harness UV energy and generate light for over 10 hours, even with minimal prior exposure to direct light.
Packaged in a small (80mm dia), tough (Trans ABS material), and attractive design the Eco-Disc harnesses UV energy from ambient light and emits a strong glow throughout the hours of darkness. Maintenance free (and with no ongoing power costs), the Eco-Disc’s up front cost is also a fraction of the cost of traditional lighting fixtures to purchase and install.
