White Lights are the Green Future

Wigan Borough Council is one of a fast-growing number of local authorities committed to initiatives that save energy; reduce CO2 emissions and also save council tax payers money.

Wigan Borough Council is one of a fast-growing number of local authorities committed to initiatives that save energy; reduce CO2 emissions and also save council tax payers money. The Environmental Services Department recently invited WRTL Exterior Lighting to showcase their new LED street lighting. The pilot scheme involves the replacement of eighteen sodium lanterns with WRTL’s Stela LED luminaires. These revolutionary street lights are capable of reducing CO2 emissions by up to 65%, compared to conventional solutions, and provides high energy savings without the need to dim or switch off during the night. The new white LED light source is an excellent way to increase road safety, as it produces a longer-lasting whiter, brighter light that makes it easier to see and be seen on the streets at night. More than 91% of local residents stated that this form of lighting increased their feeling of night time road safety and sense of personal security. Following the installation of the new lights, residents within the pilot area were asked for their comments and feedback. The results were most positive with 87% of residents very satisfied with the new lighting levels, a further 83% were very satisfied with the new lighting colour, and more than 90% were very satisfied with the appearance of the columns and lanterns. Wigan Borough Council is working to reduce their carbon emissions. They only use renewable energy derived from wind energy sources, to power the Boroughs street lights. The Council’s street lighting team are also making a conscious effort, to use the latest energy efficient materials as standard practice for all new street light installations. WRTL’s Stela LED luminaire is manufactured using a large proportion of recyclable materials, especially steel and aluminium, and has a 100,000 hour service life with a six year cleaning cycle and virtually no other maintenance is required. Keith Benson, Street Lighting Manager for Wigan Borough Council, commented: “We are serious about the environment and committed to saving energy. We aim to do this in a way that gives our residents good quality, value for money, sustainable lighting. The new lights look slick and very contemporary, providing a great first impression to visitors of our Borough”. Wigan Council’s Cabinet Champion for the Environment, Councillor David Molyneux, commented: “The new lights make an incredible difference and it’s really something you have to see to believe. We believe the quality of light has a direct impact on how safe people feel and it is clear from results of the survey people now feel a lot more secure. Based on the success of this scheme the council will be looking to introduce more in the future”. For further information call WRTL on 0121 521 1234 email sales@wrtl.co.uk or visit www.wrtl.co.uk

Tags: