LEDs for Central Park

New York City's Central Park is swapping out the 175-watt HID lamps and luminaires for 67-watt LEDs. The luminaires, with aluminum housings ('Central Park' from Spring City Electrical), are being mounted on the existing nine-foot tall B-9 cast iron posts, mostly manufactured by Spring City Electrical, some dating back to 1911. The lighting manufacturer is supplying NYC DOT with 1,588 luminaires. Photos Courtesy of Spring City Electrical

From Aug. 2009 through Jan. 2011, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), Climate Group (a nonprofit that studies and promotes the adoption of clean energy technologies by cities) and the U.S. Depart. of Energy conducted studies on the performance of LED luminaires on the FDR Drive and a pedestrian path in Central Park. The tests measured illumination, color, energy consumption and other factors.

In May 2012, NYC DOT began installing the LED luminaires along the park's pedestrian paths. The new luminaires are projected to yield up to 62 percent in annual energy savings, which translates to an annual maintenance savings of $29,618, based on component cost and lifecycle. The LED luminaires are estimated to save 314 tons of CO² annually by consuming less energy.