A concrete step has been taken in implementing the 'Smart Dark Holwerd' masterplan. Commissioned by Landmakers Cooperatie U.A. the first innovative, smart streetlight was installed last week at the project office of Stichting Holwerd aan Zee on the Fiskwei in Holwert. Acting as a beacon for reducing light pollution, this smart streetlight shows that there is another way.
Photo: Piet Zjlstra
During an initial technical workshop, Piet Zijlstra (PolyCiviel) and researchers from Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences examined how the lighting situation changes by remotely varying the streetlight's intensity (more/less light) and colour temperature (from warm to cool). It was surprising how little light actually seemed necessary, and how clearly visible the surroundings were with lighting that is much better for biodiversity.
Because the light can be adjusted on-site, the streetlight serves as a demo site for interested residents and policymakers. Experiencing the differences in light intensity and colour in real-time quickly makes it clear that dimming the lights does not automatically have to compromise the perceived sense of safety. The flexibility of the lighting will also be used for research into the acute effects of light on the behaviour of birds and insects, such as moths, in the nearby trees and shrubs. This research will be carried out by students and researchers from Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences.
Photo: Jan Zijlstra
What's next?
Landmakers Coöperatie U.A. is collaborating with Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences on a Darker Sky demonstration site. Through this, Holwert will showcase how to reduce light pollution through community engagement, considering not only human values but also the ecological and astronomical values of the darkness of the night. Furthermore, work is in progress on an additional (outside the dike) location for light and biodiversity measurements.
The installation of this pilot setup has been made possible by DARKER SKY, Landmakers Cooperatie U.A. and the Municipality of Gemeente Noardeast-Fryslân, Technical guidance was provided by Piet Zijlstra (PolyCiviel Weg- & Waterbouw Innovaties).
Photo: Piet Zijlstra
Photo: Piet Zijlstra
Photo: Piet Zijlstra
Photo: Jan Zijlstra