Philips to deploy bird-friendly, energy-saving streetlights

Dutch lighting technology giant Philips Lighting is set to deploy an energy-saving LED street lighting system designed to reduce light pollution and minimize impacts on migrating birds in the Dutch island of Ameland.

The company recently confirmed that it has won a deal to roll out LED street lighting capable of cutting energy use by up to 70% on one of Netherlands’ northernmost islands. Ameland is also part of the Dark Sky World Heritage Wadden Sea Region UNESCO program, which aims to reduce light pollution in the region.

The new roll-out will see Philips use LED streetlights that make use of its ClearSky technology, a light spectrum that delivers a subtle blue-green light that improves the ability of humans to judge perception while minimizing the impact on birds and nocturnal animals.

“Regular white light can disorientate birds and affect their internal compass,” explained Maurice Donners, senior scientist for lighting research at Philips Lighting, in a statement. “Philips ClearSky technology does not interfere with birds’ biological systems and so helps them to arrive safely at their roosts.

The wifi-connected and automatically-managed lights are also expected to help the island meet its sustainability goals, reducing energy use, carbon emissions, and maintenance costs in the process.

In addition, the deployment will feature motion sensors along the island’s beach front, allowing the lighting to dim to a level equivalent to moonlight when no activity is detected, limiting the impact of artificial light for waders, grassland and migratory birds.

“By installing connected LED street lighting on Ameland, we are taking the next crucial step in achieving our sustainability goals for 2020,” said Nico Oud, Alderman of Sustainability of Ameland. “Furthermore, it supports the ‘Dark Sky World Heritage Wadden Sea Region’ program by helping us to address levels of light pollution and preserve bird wildlife and the environment.”