Ecolight project for a nature park by Valencia City Council, Spain

The Ecolight project reduced energy consumption and benefited local habitats and fauna by reducing light pollution. It also addressed ultraviolet wavelength emissions by mercury vapour lamps that affect certain species of insects.

685 lights were totally or partially removed (around 30% of stock), including more than 300 lighting devices containing heavy metals. A further 595 lighting system modifications were carried out. Nine light installations powered by photovoltaic energy and 19 LED lights were introduced and 1,700m of vegetation screens were erected to block out light from environmentally sensitive areas. The changes decreased light levels in 29% of the park (more than 1600 ha), reduced CO2 emissions by 31Tm per year and generated energy savings of 34%, equating to over €5,500 a year.

The project also developed light, energy and biodiversity indicators, raised awareness around light pollution, developed a municipal by-law providing a new framework for the management of public lighting, and published a book on the management of light in natural areas.

For more information see the European Commission LIFEnews article and project summary.