Greater Dandenong Council has cut greenhouse gas emissions by 1,974 tonne annually thanks to a new lighting project in the city. 

In the past 12 months Council has switched over 5,320 old and inefficient mercury vapor street lights to modern energy efficient LED technology.

Greater Dandenong Council streetlight project logo. (Photo courtesy of Greater Dandeong Council)

Greater Dandenong Mayor Heang Tak said the project was the largest energy reduction project in Council’s history with the new technology installed expected to produce greenhouse gas emissions savings of 39,484 tonnes over the next 20 years.

“Since the rollout of the new street lighting energy consumption has reduced by 77% in the City of Greater Dandenong,” Cr Tak said.

“A total of AU $7.43 million will be saved over the 20-year period through reduced energy and maintenance costs. This amounts to an average expected saving of $371,497 per year. These funds will be reinvested into the community to improve economic output.”

In addition to offering lower costs, lower energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions, the new LED lights provide better lighting outcomes for the community.

This includes a greater uniformity of light along streets; better color rendering and visibility; and less depreciation of the light output over time.

As well as reducing costs to Council, which will result in improved services to all residents into the future, the installation of the new LED street lights has also resulted in safer lighting and stimulated the Australian economy through the choice of Australian made and owned products and services.

The payback period of the new LED street light installation is approximately seven years. 

This project was completed in partnership with the Australian Government’s Community Energy Efficiency Program, United Energy and local Hallam-based installation company Eastern Tree Services (ETS). United Energy will continue to maintain the new lights throughout the municipality. 

Visit the project page to view a project video demonstrating the installation and efficient light spill of the new LED street light technology.