Overview
Bath, an ever so pretty town in the south-west of England, has been best known for its ancient roman baths and being the desired holiday location in Jane Austen novels. Not exactly the place you would associate with the forefront of carbon emission reduction technology and innovation. Until now.
Over seventy LED lights have been installed on a trail basis by the Bath and North East Somerset Council as part of the UK's first smart street lighting system. The LED lights have replaced the traditional street lamps and offer both environmental and economic incentives. The LED lights have a lifespan five times that of traditional streetlights and are expected to save tax payers £4,500 and twenty five tonnes of carbon emissions.
Not only are these lights economically and environmentally savvy, they are also pretty darn clever. The smart lighting systems can adapt to changes in light around them and the amount of cars on the road, actually providing a clearer and safer lightning system for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
If the trial is a success, there is talk of extending the use of LED lights throughout the region. Maybe something for us to consider, especially in times where cutting our carbon emissions is becoming increasingly environmentally, economically and politically important.