Switching to energy-efficient LEDs and using tech to program when and how street lighting operates can save cities millions in electricity expenses and bring down carbon emissions.

According to an article in Cities Today, smart street lighting technology could help cities reduce their carbon emissions and adjust urban lighting to limit disruption to local ecosystems and human circadian rhythms.
Street lighting is one of the largest sources of energy consumption and emissions under the direct control of cities: public street and area lighting account for up to 40 percent of electricity consumed by municipalities, and for about 1-3 percent of total electricity demand, as reported by The Climate Group.
Smart streetlight management can add another tool to local governments’ toolboxes, the article notes. “The first step is turning streetlights to energy-efficient LED lamps, immediately saving up to 70 percent in power consumption and related costs.”
By using technology to manage when lighting turns on and off and how much energy it uses, cities can save even more. According to the article, “Remote on-off control, dimming, and scheduling functions are quick wins of IoT street lighting solutions, making them one of the most actionable and ready-to-implement technologies for cities to transition to a low-carbon economy.”
FULL STORY: Smart lighting is more than energy saving

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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