Citywide energy-efficient streetlights project wins national award and heralds a “a greener, more welcoming city for future generations”

A project to upgrade more than 55,000 streetlights to energy-efficient LEDs has won a prestigious national award. 

Edinburgh’s energy efficient street lighting programme won Energy Project of the Year – Public at the Energy Awards 2022, thanks to an award submission by contractors, Amey.

The project is predicted to save the Council around £54 million over a twenty-year period and has already reduced total street lighting energy consumption by approximately 60%, while seeing CO2 emissions drop by 75% in the same period.  

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said:

This award is testament to the hard work of all those involved in this major project, as well as the value it will deliver in terms of energy efficiencies, cost savings and lowering the city’s CO2 emissions. 

These are the kind of innovations we need to see to meet the Council’s net zero 2030 aims and provide a greener, more welcoming city for future generations. 

The City of Edinburgh Council is committed to achieving net-zero carbon status for the capital by 2030 and this award represents a positive milestone in our climate journey. This major Council project has been undertaken over the past four years by Amey in conjunction with Currie & Brown.  

Along with LED upgrades the project, also oversaw the installation of a new lighting control management system which automatically detects faults across the network. 

In addition to the financial and environmental advantages of the project, communities across the capital have seen the benefits of this initiative. The lighting system in the Colinton and Trinity Tunnels has been upgraded allowing residents and visitors greater visibility and access. 

A new staff car park has been constructed at the Marie Curie Hospice on Frogston Road West. Electrical maintenance has been undertaken at The Yard in Bonnington to support their work with disabled children while Kirkliston Scout Hall has benefitted from the installation of external lighting. Wester Hailes Education Centre has also had its garden area upgraded and refurbished.  

Nick Powell, Account Director at Amey said:

I’m thrilled that our team has been recognised for their hard work, innovative direction and dedication to upgrade and reduce carbon emissions through our streetlighting works in Edinburgh.

It’s been a real collaborative project working with Currie & Brown and the City of Edinburgh so to receive this award for Energy Project of the Year not only shows what can be achieved when working together but the energy and cost savings that can be made when we think differently about how we replace and upgrade streetlighting infrastructure.

Jack Keillor, Project Manager and Associate Director at Currie & Brown said:

This project has delivered what it set out to deliver. The project has reduced street lighting energy consumption by approximate 60% compared to the baseline year and has seen CO2 reduce by 75% (helped by a reduction in the energy company’s reduction in their energy factor) with the same baseline. The City of Edinburgh Council has also avoided energy consumption costs of almost £3.8m to the end of March 2022. The project was also delivered under budget, with a strong safety record and all in the backdrop of Brexit and a global pandemic. So, winning this award is truly the icing on the cake.

Find out more about the Energy Awards 2022

Published: July 7th 2022