Lighting

Växjö, Sweden

Växjö's street light retrofit

Summary

In 1994, Växjö "veck-quwere" Municipality began replacing all street lighting with energy efficient bulbs - immediately reducing CO2 emissions by 50%, or the equivalent of 6,000 tons CO2 annually.

What is it?

The retrofit program is the replacement of all street light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs that use less electricity, deliver energy and financial savings and reduce CO2 emissions.

How does it work?

The geographical area of Växjö Municipality has 21,900 street lighting bulbs, 18,200 have now been replaced by low-energy light bulbs as part of a successful retrofitting program underway since 1994. The street lights are replaced with bulbs that emit an orange/yellow color, this light is brighter and more energy efficient.

Växjö Municipality use three types of street lights:

• Philips SGS 203 (most commonly used)
• SON-E 50/70/100 W
• SON-T 50/70/100/150/250/400 W

Next steps

The City will have completed the replacement of old mercury light bulbs by 2009.

Energy efficiency

Energy efficient bulbs use approx 6.9 GWh electricity annually, compared to 12 GWh - this is an average energy reduction of 50%.

Application

• This type of light bulb is best used on streets and roads, because its color is not as clear as mercury lights. For example, if it is used to light up trees they appear a bit "grey".
• Energy efficiency bulbs need to be installed across an entire road lighting section because they are not compatible with mercury lights.