Town of Banff

LED Streetlight Project

LED streetlights in front of Banff Town Hall Photo: OSRAM Opto Semiconductors

In 2007, Banff became a pilot location for an energy-saving LED streetlights. The innovative prototype was the first one of its kind in North America, custom manufactured by German-based Osram Opto Semiconductors. The energy efficiency and cost effectiveness of LEDs are beginning to drive demand and generate momentum behind a shift in lighting in everything from Christmas to cell phone lights.

More LED streetlights installed in Banff

The lifespan comparison is impressive. Average operational lifespan of an incandescent bulb is around 5,000 hours while a white LED lamp is estimated 100,000 hours (or 11 years of continuous operation). Another main advantage of LED lighting  reduces power consumption. An LED circuit approaches 80 percent efficiency. In contrast, incandescent bulbs lose 80 percent of electrical energy as heat.

Beyond the environmental and cost savings,  LEDs can be installed to direct light to maximize illumination and maintain intensity throughout the lit area. Plus, the new LED fixture has been fitted into the existing set-up, negating the need to replace the current lampposts. A final perk is that the LED streetlight does not attract insects.

The Town will continue to look at replacing its street lights with LED technology as budget and availability permits.