The Canadian town of Banff, located in a UNESCO World Heritage Center national park, has joined forces with OSRAM to launch a pilot project to convert its street lighting to LEDs. Eight streetlights have now been upgraded to LED lighting, which has reduced energy consumption by 36 percent. This project is further evidence of OSRAM’s pioneering role on the LED market and its commitment to lowering energy consumption for the benefit of the environment and society in general.
The main town in the Banff National Park, which was established in 1885 in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, is uniquely situated in the middle of unblemished nature. It has therefore traditionally been at the forefront of environmental protection. For example, the only people allowed to reside in Banff are those that actually work there. This is designed to prevent uncontrolled growth at the expense of nature. This joint project, which was initiated together with OSRAM, will further enhance the reputation of this 7000-strong community as a pioneer in environmental protection.
Benefits for the environment and taxpayers
The changeover started in good time before the beginning of the lighting season with the lights for the Town Hall square. Gradually more and more streetlights will be upgraded to LEDs. There is no need to purchase new fixtures because the use of retrofit systems means that only the lamp and control gear have to be replaced. The long life of LEDs of up to 50,000 hours (compared with 15,000 hours for the previous lamps) reduces maintenance costs considerably, and the low energy requirements cut down on electricity consumption and CO2 emissions. "We are very excited to be working with OSRAM Opto Semiconductors on this LED lighting project to explore alternative lighting solutions," said Mayor of Banff John Stutz. "Collaborations such as these are essential especially given rising energy costs and environmental concerns."
LED light is not attractive to insects
A specially designed lens directs the light from the LEDs (which in contrast to the previous lamps contain no lead or mercury) down only onto the street and not onto the surroundings or the Banff night sky which is famous not only in Canada but throughout the world. Apart from energy savings, this was one of the major challenges facing the OSRAM engineers. Citizens of Banff and visitors to the town also benefit from the fact that LED light does not attract insects. No longer will they have to endure the sight of thousands of flies swarming around the street lights.
Pilot project under laboratory conditions
Dr. Rüdiger Müller, CEO at OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, commented: "For the first time we are able to observe the use of LEDs in a day-to-day situation virtually under the laboratory conditions of a small town, giving us an immediate insight into the ecological and economic effects of our LEDs on the community. This important new knowledge will speed up the spread of LED lighting. We expect LEDs to become more and more popular in the medium term for street lighting."
The main town in the Banff National Park, which was established in 1885 in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, is uniquely situated in the middle of unblemished nature. It has therefore traditionally been at the forefront of environmental protection. For example, the only people allowed to reside in Banff are those that actually work there. This is designed to prevent uncontrolled growth at the expense of nature. This joint project, which was initiated together with OSRAM, will further enhance the reputation of this 7000-strong community as a pioneer in environmental protection.
Benefits for the environment and taxpayers
The changeover started in good time before the beginning of the lighting season with the lights for the Town Hall square. Gradually more and more streetlights will be upgraded to LEDs. There is no need to purchase new fixtures because the use of retrofit systems means that only the lamp and control gear have to be replaced. The long life of LEDs of up to 50,000 hours (compared with 15,000 hours for the previous lamps) reduces maintenance costs considerably, and the low energy requirements cut down on electricity consumption and CO2 emissions. "We are very excited to be working with OSRAM Opto Semiconductors on this LED lighting project to explore alternative lighting solutions," said Mayor of Banff John Stutz. "Collaborations such as these are essential especially given rising energy costs and environmental concerns."
LED light is not attractive to insects
A specially designed lens directs the light from the LEDs (which in contrast to the previous lamps contain no lead or mercury) down only onto the street and not onto the surroundings or the Banff night sky which is famous not only in Canada but throughout the world. Apart from energy savings, this was one of the major challenges facing the OSRAM engineers. Citizens of Banff and visitors to the town also benefit from the fact that LED light does not attract insects. No longer will they have to endure the sight of thousands of flies swarming around the street lights.
Pilot project under laboratory conditions
Dr. Rüdiger Müller, CEO at OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, commented: "For the first time we are able to observe the use of LEDs in a day-to-day situation virtually under the laboratory conditions of a small town, giving us an immediate insight into the ecological and economic effects of our LEDs on the community. This important new knowledge will speed up the spread of LED lighting. We expect LEDs to become more and more popular in the medium term for street lighting."
