In the Antwerp town of Willebroek the decision has been taken to continue a project to reduce street lighting for the sake of nocturnal animals. Grid operator Fluvius and the Flemish Nature and Forestry Agency have joined forces to deploy "smart street lighting". It means the municipality can save up to 40 per cent on its energy bill but "on top of that, we expect several bat species to benefit too" says René Meeuwis of the Nature and Forestry Agency.
Grid manager Fluvius and the Nature and Forestry Agency have provided more details about the pilot project in Willebroek where street lighting is being used in a more targeted way. Fluvius and the Nature and Forestry Agency are investigating whether it is a good idea for Flemish municipalities to leave fewer street lights on in places where nocturnal animals dwell.
"Many cities and municipalities have seized on the request to turn off lights to review their entire lighting thoroughly" says Fluvius’s Walter Geerts. "They are doing the same here in Willebroek, and the first results of the pilot project show that the municipality will save up to 40 per cent on its public lighting if it allows it to work in a much more targeted way."
Ecological street plan
Together with the Nature and Forestry Agency, Fluvius analysed the plans of all local streets in Willebroek. The plans were placed next to an "ecological darkness needs map". This is a map showing the impact of nighttime outdoor lighting on animals and plants. "The darker the area on the map, the greater the impact," says René Meeuwis of the Nature and Forestry Agency.
The Nature and Forestry Agency is pleased the municipality will now proceed with the pilot project: "We expect several bat species to benefit. We also expect that in time more nocturnal insects will be in the air because they will no longer feel disturbed or bothered."
Fluvius and the Nature and Forestry Agency now also hope to convince other municipalities to use their street lighting more intelligently. "It could inspire municipalities where energy bills are high and where animals are bothered by public lighting," says Fluvius.