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Exhibition Place LED Lighting Field Test

Aerial view of Toronto's Exhibition Place

Eager to showcase green technologies and save on electrical costs, Toronto's Exhibition Place replaced 50 high-pressure sodium lampposts along a pedestrian walkway with light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures. The LED lights have motion detectors and brighten from a low default setting when someone is using the path.

A few new high-pressure sodium fixtures were installed for comparison. Over the test period, the LED lights used 77  per cent less energy than the sodium lights. They also had excellent light levels and uniformity of light.

While the old lights needed replacing every few years, the LED lights are expected to last 15 years. Their performance is being monitored. The city is considering converting all outdoor lights at Exhibition Place and all pathway lights in its parks to LED systems.

Results

Environmental Economic Social
  • 77% reduction in energy use compared with high-pressure sodium lights
  • 70% of the time, the lights were on the default low setting, using only 10 watts
  • New LED fixtures are projected to reduce maintenance costs by 85%
  • Combined with energy savings, this will lead to an attractive payback period of nine years
  • The LED lights emit a pleasing white light
  • With their motion sensors, they reduce light pollution

Challenges

  • Extra time was needed to consult on the design of the fixtures.
  • The depreciation in the amount of light emitted by the LED lights over eight months was higher than expected, at 14.4 per cent.
  • The true financial benefit of the LED lights will not be known until their lifespan is established.

Lessons learned

  • Ensure all partners are aware of new regulations and requirements for energy-efficient projects.
  • Involve all commissioning and energy consultants in preliminary stages to ensure the design meets the requirements.
  • Use a standardized protocol, like the one developed by the Toronto Atmospheric Fund, to assess the lights so data can be directly compared with other projects.

Resources

Partners and Collaborators

Project Contact

Dianne Young
Board of Governors of Exhibition Place
City of Toronto, ON
T. 416-263-3611

Want to explore all GMF-funded projects? Check out the Projects Database for a complete overview of funded projects and get inspired by municipalities of all sizes, across Canada. 

Visit the projects database

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