Street Light Pilot Project Funded
Nova Scotia will conserve energy and further reduce greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions by using new LED lights on many streets and roads.
A company in Amherst making street lights that reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions will receive $1,156,000 in government assistance for a demonstration project.
The province's ecoNova Scotia for Clean Air and Climate Change fund is contributing $756,000 to help LED Roadway Lighting Ltd. demonstrate the new technology. Conserve Nova Scotia, in partnership with Natural Resources Canada, is also investing $400,000 in the project.
Premier Rodney MacDonald and Environment Minister David Morse announced the funding in Amherst today, April 8.
"We are pleased to support a project that invests in our growing green economy," said Premier MacDonald. "The government is committed to protecting the environment while supporting innovative Nova Scotia based businesses."
The pilot demonstration project will convert 1,100 high pressure sodium street lights in at least 10 municipalities to more efficient light emitting diode, or LED, lights. Many lights at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport and along Nova Scotia highways will also be converted.
Switching to LED lights could reduce energy use by more than 50 per cent. The conversion is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 288 tonnes and air pollutant emissions by close to 1,000 kilograms, annually.
"The Climate Change Action Plan calls for a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in our province to at least ten per cent below 1990 levels by 2020," said Mr. Morse. "This LED project will help us achieve that goal."
The LED street light demonstration project will support the high tech manufacturing sector and research and development in Nova Scotia. It will also benefit municipalities.
"Given the number of street lights in Nova Scotia, municipalities can significantly reduce emissions and save in energy and maintenance costs through this demonstration project," said Barry Barnet, Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia. "These LEDs will help light the way toward cleaner, more energy-efficient roadways."
LED Roadway Lighting Ltd. plans to market the technology internationally.
"This funding will help us partner with Nova Scotia municipalities to showcase this unique, green-friendly lighting to the world," said Chuck Cartmill, President of LED Roadway Lighting Limited. "This homegrown LED technology has the interest of potential customers in the United States, Europe, the United Arab Emirates, and Panama."
LED lights have a lifespan of 20 years, compared to about three years for roadway lights currently in use. The longer lifespan will increase street safety and lead to less waste in landfills. LED roadway lights further protect the environment by being mercury and lead free. They also reduce light pollution in the night sky.
The ecoNova Scotia Fund for Clean Air and Climate Change continues to work with Nova Scotian municipalities, businesses, and organizations on ways to save energy and cut harmful emissions. It is funded by a $42.5 million federal grant.
For more information about ecoNova Scotia projects or to apply for assistance, go to www.gov.ns.ca/econovascotia .
To learn more about Conserve Nova Scotia, visit www.conservens.ca