Energy Efficiency: Signify’s Broadband Streetlights
Fibre optic is widely known to be a more sustainable way of providing WI-FI and mobile data to the masses.
But the process to create fibre can be a very energy intensive process, fuelled by fossil fuels, meaning it has a substantial carbon footprint, according to Greenly Earth.
Greenly Earth also reports that not all fibre optic cable that is produced is used, it is hard to recycle so a lot of the offcuts end up in landfill.
Signify has created a solution, reutilising something that is found in the majority of cities - streetlights.
“Streetlights are one of the most underutilised assets in a city,” says Khalid Aziz, Business Leader at Signify.
“With our BrightSites solution, we’re unlocking their full potential. It’s not just about lighting streets, it’s about lighting a connected future that’s accessible for all.”
What is BrightSites?
Signify sees streetlights as a ready-built infrastructure for city wide connectivity, Brightsites is an end to end wireless solution that will lose the disruption of digging up roads to lay fibre.
BrightSites plans require less time and lower costs compared to traditional methods of broadband connectivity.
The solution includes:
- Broadband Luminaires- it provides the scalability to serve connectivity demand of 5G small cells and the internet, but in a more aesthetic manner
- Smart poles- Signify say they are industry leading products which provide broadband connectivity, 4G/5G and WI-FI, whilst concealing this in the aesthetic of an urban environement
- Digital smart hubs - free standing digital kiosks, featuring edge computing, baseband capacity, fiber injection, digital display screens and an interactive service due to the user interface
- It will provide high speed connectivity
- There will be no need to dig up roads and pavements, as the wireless connections mean an almost instant set up
- By using the current urban infrastructure the solution improves energy efficiency and reduces cost
Alice K. Steenland, Senior Sustainability Executive & Board Member, Signify says: “Streetlights may seem ubiquitous, but they hold untapped potential.”
“By upgrading existing infrastructure to support connectivity, environmental monitoring, and energy-efficient lighting, cities can reduce emissions, avoid unnecessary construction, and build smarter, more resilient communities.
“It’s a reminder that sustainability isn’t always about doing more, it’s about doing better with what we have.”
What are Signify's sustainability aims?
Signify wants to double the pace it is working at to achieve the 1.5°C climate change goal set by the Paris Agreement, with a 50% reduction in absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
As part of Signify’s Brighter Lives, Better World programme it has a target to double circular revenues to 32% by the end of the year.
Signify signed the United Nations (UN) Women’s Empowerment Principles in 2021, reinforcing its pledge to double the percentage of women in leadership roles to 34% by the end of the year.
Signify is also committing to reaching net zero, with the aim of a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
As Tempelman CEO, Signify says: “Looking to the future, I believe there is a real opportunity to grow.
“Building on existing strengths, unlocking new possibilities, and continuing to lead the way in lighting and beyond, improving lives for people and communities around the world.”
