Plans to replace all of Bournemouth’s current street lighting lamps with just over 16,500 luminaires using Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that will better conserve energy and reduce the town’scarbon footprint, will be considered by councillors at Cabinet this week (Wednesday, 29 January 2014).
The project which will also include replacing 1,000 lighting columns has already been awarded £4.26m by Salix, a Government energy projects funding provider, and is looking for a further £3.5m from the Council’s prudential fund to move forward with the project.
Currently the council spends £1.1m a year on street lighting energy. If approved, the completed project will lead to a 73 per cent energy saving in current street lighting consumption and deliver reductions of £32.2m against current projected costs over 20 years. Additionally, 3,700 tonnes of carbon will be saved per year – the equivalent of 19 per cent of current Council emissions.
The new modern LED fittings will emit a crisper and white light and will make street lighting brighter compared to the old kind of yellow street lights.
Councillor Michael Filer, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
“As part of Bournemouth’s commitment to being a green town it is vital we are always looking at ways to reduce our energy consumption and carbon foot-print. These new LEDs will not only make our streets brighter and safer, but will be helping the town move forward in its journey to becoming more sustainable.
“We are asking for a big commitment for this project, but the long-term benefits to the environment and to savings are far greater, so I would urge Cabinet to agree this project.”
“Once the work has been completed, in each full operating year the Council will be £750,000 better off. This is a great win-win proposal and will help every single resident.”
