Lights for less

NEW energy efficient streetlights will be installed around Cardinia Shire as part of council’s commitment to reducing greenhouse emissions.
A total of about 2,020 streetlights in townships around the shire will be replaced with new low energy carbon fluoro lanterns under a program to cut back energy usage.
Cardinia Shire Council Manager Sustainable Environment Martin Teplik said council had targeted a 20 per cent reduction in its greenhouse emissions and replacing street lights was a major part of this commitment.
“In 2005-06, public street lighting in Cardinia Shire produced a total of 2,576 tonnes of carbon dioxide – more than 40 per cent of our total greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Teplik said. “Council is taking action on a number of fronts to reduce our carbon footprint. By introducing more energy efficient lighting technology, there will be significant savings for the environment.”
The first stage of the streetlight replacement program will involve retrofitting standard mercury vapour streetlight globes with low energy replacements.
Council has budgeted $300,000 in the 2008–09 financial year and a further $400,000 in the newly adopted budget to contribute to this program.
The streetlight program follows lighting retrofits of council’s offices in Henty Way and other public buildings such as the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
Mayor Bill Pearson said residents could also do their bit by replacing light globes around their home with more energy efficient options, which could include LED globes. “Energy saving light globes are not only better for the environment, they can also help to cut back a household’s energy bills,” Cr Pearson said.