Yarra Ranges Council is simultaneously saving on costs and reducing the region’s climate impact by replacing streetlights with energy-efficient alternatives.
Since 2013, the Sustainable Streetlighting Program has replaced more than 7000 streetlights with energy-efficient lighting, which has saved $2.5 million and 3000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
Stage three of the project will replace remaining inefficient streetlights across the municipality.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said estimates suggested the new system had saved council about $2.5 million so far, and that the new lights cut energy consumption by up to 75 per cent, making this a quick and low-cost intervention with immediate effects.
“Tackling the causes and effects of climate change and working towards council’s carbon neutrality by 2040 is about taking a wide range of measures across our services to reduce our carbon footprint.”
“Whether that’s making our buildings more energy efficient, encouraging our workforce to try active and sustainable travel options, or reducing waste and recycling more, every action helps our overall aim.”
“Transforming how we light our streets is an essential part of this – not only are the new LED lights more efficient and cost-effective they help to cut carbon emissions. We’ll also be making all efforts to ensure that sensitive lighting for nocturnal wildlife is implemented to preserve biodiversity and keep our regions animals and plants healthy and happy.”
The Sustainable Streetlighting Program is supported by Ausnet and has been conducted in three stages, with stage one commencing in 2013 and stage two in 2017. The third stage of this project is expected to begin next financial year 2023.
