A Closer Look Into The World Of Smart Lighting
For the first time in the history of our planet, the world is standing at the edge to deter climate change, global warming and the ever-increasing carbon emissions from becoming the ultimate catastrophe. Non-stop initiatives to boost energy efficiency are being implemented by cities and governments around the world to combat one of the most intractable situations of the time.
One of these issues is urban heat island effect that’s causing major concern in smart cities. To define it, urban heat island is a specific area in an urban settlement where the temperatures are significantly higher than the surrounding countryside. This effect takes charge on cities during summers and winters and is generally harsher during night times. The effect has afflicted thousands of people across the globe resulting in deaths. The main cause of the increase in urban heat island effect is the human activities which lead to increase in temperatures and pollution. But there are potential solutions that can reduce the impact of urban heat island.
However, one significant solution to curb urban heat island effect is much less talked. And that is the deployment of intelligent LED lightings across cities including buildings, homes as well as public places. Intelligent lightings can be used as a versatile smart city tool that can be used for a variety of operations from reducing energy consumption to gathering real-time data on public safety. More efficient dimmable street lights are already here that can reduce the use of light during off-peak load. This and other core smart lighting benefits and thought-provoking lighting solutions will be the limelight at the Australian Smart Lighting Summit 2018. Another important topic of the Summit, that shows how smart lighting can revolutionise the way we live has been discussed earlier.
Moving on from here, let’s delve into how intelligent street lightings can be used against urban heat islands. Alongside we also take up one of the most debatable topics like, can dimmable street lights hinder public safety? You will get your answers ahead.
Smart use of energy can unlock a host of environmental benefits along with social and economic benefits. Lighting is one of the easiest options to start with. A quick statistical analysis of conventional lighting and LED lighting provided below prove why cities shouldn’t wait anymore to cover entire city landscape with LEDs.
This question could strike the minds of many – Though LEDs can be highly energy efficient, how can they reduce the urban heat island effect? Eventually, Australian Smart Lighting Summit would be targeting such questions during their panel discussion.
Nevertheless, here are some facts that can give you a brief understanding of the concept. We know that LEDs are a terrific way to reduce climate change. But furthermore, if these LEDs are embedded with sensors and connected wirelessly, they can do a lot more than we can think – intelligent lighting systems can keep a track on air pollution and air quality. As a result, they can be used as potential solutions to meet climate adaptation and urban heat island effect.
In fact, a simple LED bulb has been known to reduce air pollution and make the air healthier to breathe. It can produce a healthful environment for everyone including kids and those who suffer from asthma, heart disease and other respiratory ailments.
