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A light bulb moment for the City of Sydney

November 24, 2014
Life after dark in inner-city Sydney has become more sustainable, thanks to introduction of the City of Sydney’s smart power usage program. In just under three years, the council has reduced energy use by more than 34 per cent, creating more than $370,000 in savings.
How? Well it’s pretty simple really. By changing some light bulbs.

In March 2012 the City of Sydney kick started a three year project to create sustainable and energy efficient urban environments. Working in partnership with GE Lighting and UGL Australia, the city has diligently replaced 6,450 light bulbs in streets and parks across the city. Changing the light bulb has a big impact on the City of Sydney, reducing emissions of carbon dioxide by 2,861 tonnes each year. That’s the equivalent of taking 940 cars off the road.

As Australia’s first carbon-neutral government, the switch from the humble light bulb to environmentally efficient LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs will help the City of Sydney reach its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 70 per cent below 2006 levels by 2030.
The major reason is the reduction of energy use. Lighting Sydney’s streets makes up a third of the Sydney’s annual electricity use and accounts for 30 per cent of emissions.

The light bulb moment for the City of Sydney will not only align with its commitment to creating a sustainable urban plan, it benefits the city’s back pocket too. The new lights are expected to reduce the City of Sydney’s annual energy and maintenance costs by 40 per cent, or approximately $800,000.

Since the project’s 2012 commencement, New York, London and Hong Kong have joined Sydney in LED revolution.