december 2009
Welcome to LightSavers,the e-newsletter for people interested in outdoor LED and adaptive lighting technologies. The Toronto Atmospheric Fund is exploring advanced outdoor lighting solutions through its Lightsavers Program. Please feel free to
We are very grateful for support received for this program from Natural Resources Canada and the Ontario Power Authority’s Technology Fund in partnership with the CEATI Outdoor Lighting Working Group.
Lightsavers Updates | Discovering LEDs |Contact Us
New installations light things up
With three new pilot sites now in operation, the LightSavers program is really moving forward with advanced lighting. In Toronto, Toronto Community Housing is testing both LED and fluorescent fixtures in an underground parking garage. Another section of the garage will remain lit by conventional high pressure sodium lamps to provide a baseline for comparison — both on energy savings and resident reaction. Toronto Community Housing has also installed occupancy 
sensors that will dim lighting when no one is using the garage. The combination of LED and occupancy sensors is projected to reduce energy-use by over 75%!
Over to the northwest, the Town of Caledon has replaced Circa CR20 Metal Halide fixtures at its Town Hall parking lot with three different types of LED lamps. The Town is looking to save energy and keep light away from nearby residential areas. Early results indicate that all three LED fixtures are reducing energy use by well over 50%. Meanwhile, Hamilton has replaced the high pressure sodium streetlights on one block of Vine Street with LED streetlights (see before and after photos above). So far, the new fixtures are providing higher illumination levels with about 40% less electricity.
This brings the LightSavers Pilot Project roster to a total of five, including the sites previously installed at the municipal courthouse in Mississauga and at the University of Toronto. Three more sites are expected to be installed in the New Year. Results from all of these pilots will be shared through the LightSavers network as they become available.
Throwing more light on policy and perceptions
Thanks to recent support received from Natural Resources Canada and the Ontario Power Authority Conservation Fund, we are now launching Phase II of LightSavers. Phase II will use public perception research to gain a better understanding of the pubic response to advanced lighting and the views of key stakeholders such as police and emergency services, insurance providers and municipal legal staff. We will also be looking at regulatory issues and exploring policy options municipalities can use to support a move to advanced lighting. This new phase of work also marks the start of an information sharing partnership with Toronto Hydro Energy Services – Street Lighting Division, whose ALAMP street lighting program is already producing important pilot testing information about use of LED and other technology options at 12 sites in Toronto.
Right: New LED lighting in Caledon
LightSavers goes global
The Climate Group is taking the LightSavers concept around the globe, launching lighting trials in China, India, Australia and London to accompany pilot installations already underway in Toronto and New York. The gobal launch of LightSavers was a good news event at the Cophenhagen climate summit, where the Climate Group is hoping to demonstrate the huge potential for energy — and emissions savings — from advanced technologies. Click here for more details.
In New York, the Big Apple is testing a number of different LED roadway and pedestrian pathway lighting products in two iconic locations, Central Park and FDR Drive. The New York City Department of Transportation program will include the deployment of technology from Canadian companies along high-profile FDR Drive. In all, technology from nine different manufacturers is being tested and results will be monitored over a 12 month period. See http://www.ledsmagazine.com/news/6/9/17 for more details.
Toronto City Council calls for by-law change to allow use of motion sensor controlled lighting
Although the Ontario Building Code was revised in 2006 to allow for use of motion sensor controlled lighting, the Toronto Municipal Code still prohibits the use of this energy-saving technology. Toronto City Council has passed a resolution requesting city staff develop an ammendment to the the Municipal Property Standards Code to "allow for widespread utilization of motion sensor technology while recognizing the need for the safety of occupants." Consultations will be held with building owners, tenant associations, the lighting industry, and other stakeholders to finalize the wording of the ammendment including associatied safety regulations. The new by-law should be in place by the spring of 2010.
How to reach us:
Bryan Purcell
Program Manager
bpurcell@tafund.org
416-393-6358
Mary Pickering
Program Director
mpickering@tafund.org
416-392-1217
