Lighting

In terms of knowledge DMD literally wrote the book the roadway and outdoor lighting. Our firm has produced a 500 page roadway and outdoor lighting design guide for the Transportation Association of Canada. In preparing the document, design standards and design practices from North America, Australia, New Zealand and Europe were researched. The majority of the Guide is, therefore, based on existing recommended practices of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) and the Commission Internationale De l'Eclairage (CIE). In addition our staff have produced design, material and construction standards for both the BC Ministry of Transportation and the Master Municipal Specification which form the basis for lighting designs.

Our staff use computer lighting design software to undertake efficient lighting designs. This software allows our firm to compare luminaries for maximum efficiency as well to optimize pole spacing. Unfortunately computer lighting software has allowed anyone who can operate a computer to produce a roadway lighting calculations and lighting designs with little or no experience or background. In many cases suppliers offer lighting calculations at no cost. This has led to “cookie cutter” designs with good lighting design taking a back seat. DMD understand the key elements required to produce an optimized lighting design which maximizes night-time visibility while at the same time conserving power. DMD staff has a thorough understanding of best practices, principals, concepts, standards, photometry and design software, electrical code(s) and standards, lighting controls, products and construction related to roadway lighting and as such provide highly detailed and effective designs.

DMD staff has attended and presented at over one hundred public open house presentations for outdoor lighting projects. He has presented lighting options and responded to lighting concerns and issues from local residents and followed up mitigated concerns through construction. The key to our success with these presentations is the use of high quality display materials and the ability to explain lighting in understandable terms and not overly complicate the issues.

DMD roadway lighting projects range from highway applications including: high-mast, tunnels, interchanges, commercial and residential subdivisions, rural roads, city centers and downtown areas, industrial developments, commercial developments including shopping malls and community centers and decorative streetscape projects requiring interface with project architects and City Planners. Other roadway related lighting applications DMD undertake on a regular basis include: parking lots, freeway interchanges, roundabouts, intersections, crosswalks, weigh scales, toll booths, walkways and bikeways, tunnels, bridges, signs and architectural features such as feature walls, statues, towers, water features, etc. This vast background allows DMD to undertake a wide range of projects. As one of our prime focuses is in roadway lighting design, we understand issues design firms face with respect adhering to standards. We will apply this experience to produce a clear and concise document.

DMD produce high quality rendering for streetscape and architectural lighting projects. One recent project, The Pier (Phase 2 & 3) for the developer Pinnacle, required lighting design and renderings, electrical plans, specifications and estimates for, Public Realm, Public Art, Feature Entrance, Water Feature, Historical Elements, Trees, Cranes, Roadway/Pathways, Signs and Building Wall Wash.

Another similar project, the 2010 Olympic Village in the SE False Creek, Vancouver area, involved rendering and lighting design for decorative LED Plaza lighting including light show linked to music via a DMX control system. On this project we worked very closely with the lead Landscape Architect and the City of Vancouver. Lighting on this project was for effect and to highlight architectural features such as a water tower and stage.

DMD staff has undertaken numerous projects involving field verification measurements of lighting levels using luminance or luminance meters. DMD staff measure and record lighting levels of existing systems, document and summarize results as they relate to current standards and industry practices and if required, will make recommendations for improvements. DMD undertake inventory and condition assessments of existing lighting systems and develop recommendations and budgets for upgrades. From this we gain experience and expertise as to the performance of various products over time. This knowledge is then applied to our projects. DMD staff understands what works from taking part in extensive field testing. This is a key element when specifying design methods as some work and some do not.

DMD have also developed maintenance standards for various jurisdictions. This includes extensive research and development of performance based maintenance standards which deal with “outcomes” and “measures”. Though not common in lighting, performance based maintenance has been proven to reduce maintenance costs by over 20%. Maintenance recommendations typically include corrective and preventative maintenance practices, re-lamping strategies, troubleshooting, recommended response times, asset management, record keeping, etc. As maintenance practices can impact design, it is critical they are understood and incorporated in design standards. For example, the light loss factor applied to a design will impact the frequency of re-lamping. We will consider both design and maintenance.

DMD staff members are active in international organizations such as: the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), the Commission Internationale De l'Eclairage (CIE), the International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA), the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC), the Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE), the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). DMD staff is active with these organizations and are often involved in developing new standards documents. Attending conferences allows our staff to stay current on new methods, practices and the production of standards related publications. As a result in our involvement in these groups, DMD have developed relationships and network which many organizations, institutions, firms and individuals who are leaders in the roadway lighting industry. This gives us the ability to obtain opinion and discuss new products and design concepts from other industry experts. Being involved with these organizations allows DMD to stay on top of new design methods and practices.

Literally thousands of lighting products exist, so one must understand the components and features to properly select the right product for the application. New lighting products such as LEDs are often falsely promoted leaving an owner wondering, "Does it really do what they say it will?” DMD are often involved in product verification and testing. Such tests typically include: photometric tests in a laboratory, thermal tests, vibration tests, ingress protection testing, etc. We understand testing requirements of national testing standards such as the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). As a result, DMD understand new products and can wade through false claims, saving a client an often painful trail and error process. DMD staff is committed to the development and research of new technologies and design practices aimed at giving our clients the best value.

Not all lighting products are equal. Typically cheaper products perform less efficiently so cost should not be the sole factor for selection. DMD staff is experienced in comparing various luminaires and lamps, using efficiency and life cycle cost (capital and operating costs) for evaluation. Our understanding of product performance allows DMD to differentiate products and define the best value for the dollar.

DMD are an industry leader with respect to practicing energy efficient "Green Lighting Design". DMD staff has been active In developing the concept of adaptive lighting controls and assessing new technologies such as LED's . In the past, the concept of varying lighting level on roadway was referred to as “dimming”. Adaptive lighting is controls which allow the lighting Levels to be adjusted to suit non-peak traffic periods. DMD have undertaken studies and have been involved in the deployment of numerous adaptive systems, which have reduced power consumption and improved overall system efficiency and operations. In addition DMD have undertaken numerous studies of new and involving new and evolving lighting technologies such as LED's. Refer to Standards and Studies for further information and examples.

As an industry leader DMD provide technical training and and speaking at lighting seminars across North America. Recently we undertook a one-day roadway lighting course for Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) in Ottawa as part of the spring 2007 TAC Spring Conference. The course was attended by nearly 80 people from all across Canada. The course focused on design, maintenance, review of new lighting technologies and design methods, computer lighting calculations and software, as well as lighting warrants. We have also spoken at various Illuminating Engineering Society and International Dark functions. Teaching good street lighting design practice allows one to obtain feedback from the industry, thus better understanding issues.

Recent feature project include:

City of Burnaby Pole Condition Assessment, Burnaby, BC

The City of Burnaby has approximately 11,000 street light poles and within this number have some of the oldest street lighting systems within the Metro Vancouver area. Most of these poles are well aged with wet paint finish and non-galvanized surfaces thus subject to serious corrosion over time.

The City commissioned DMD to initiate a program to identify the condition of the streetlight poles leading to a prioritized replacement program over a specific time frame.

DMD undertook this project by first defining a system to define the condition of the poles being assessed. The condition of a pole would be defined as good, fair and poor and finally, replace immediately. These conditions would be defined further by an estimated replacement time (i.e. “Poor” condition defined as replace in 1 to 2 years and “Fair” condition defined as replace in 3 to 5 years).

To undertake the condition assessment DMD utilized a GPS data collection unit (Trimble) with the City’s GIS mapping program integrated into the unit. Input screens specifically designed by the City’s GIS department were developed to merge with their Assessment Management software including pull down menus for ease of field data entry. Additional information gathered was pole type, pole number, bolt size and spacing, pole height, luminaire type and wattage.

The information was gathered on site by DMD staff over an eight month period. Upon completion the City tendered the first phase of its pole replacement program consisting of approximately 300 units.

Middle Arm Greenway, Richmond, BC

The Middle Arm greenway is an amazing project that integrates public art, dike upgrades and play stations for children. Visitors will enjoy this interactive pathway from the Aberdeen Station on the Canada Line to the Richmond Oval, while Richmond residents will benefit from the improvements year-round.

DMD was involved in lighting several aspects and features along the Middle Arm greenway. Firstly the continuous lighting of the greenway using energy efficient LED lighting stretching from the Dinsmore Bridge to Cambie Park Plaza.

The Water #10 sculptor, located adjacent to the new Cambie Pumping Station and Cambie park plaza and the Speed Skater Inuksuk are two of the features that the City favored lighting. For these public art works the City insisted on utilizing energy efficient light sources without losing or overpowering the artist’s vision of the piece.

Other lit public spaces were the Cambie park plaza, Amphitheater and UBC Boathouse plaza areas.

Quest University, Squamish, BC

Quest University Canada is located in the costal mountain community of Squamish, British Columbia. The University's 60-acre campus borders on Garibaldi Provincial Park to the North and completely surrounded by student and residential housing.

Lighting of the public roadways and the artificial turf field on campus was the task laid out for DMD, with the challenge of pleasing a dark skies friendly community.

Several town hall meetings were arranged and lighting options presented resulting in heated discussions and as a result, aggressive challenges were placed on the lighting designs. These challenges helped define the ultimate design and installation of both the roadway and artificial turf field lighting to the satisfaction of all the stakeholders without sacrificing recognized standards and criteria.

Rails with Trails, Kelowna, BC

Rails with Trails is a multi-use pathway constructed within an existing CN Railway corridor that is centrally located in Kelowna. It's ultimately envisioned to extend from downtown cultural district to UBC Okanagan and beyond the service regions to the north where preliminary discussions are already underway with the City of Vernon.

DMD provided the continuous lighting design for the 1.8km first phase of this project. The opening challenge for this project was to develop pathway pole and fixture options that were economical, functional and efficient. An added design facet was the extremely tight right-of-way in which the pathway was proposed and the rail authorities clearance restrictions.

After several variations and illumination models, the City decided on our recommended option which encompassed all the favourable lighting attributes and met budget goals.

Spirit Trail, North Vancouver, BC

On February 7, 2009 the City of North Vancouver and the Squamish Nation celebrated the completion of the Waterfront Greenway portion, of the North Shore Spirit Trail. This portion of the Spirit Trail will eventually link the Squamish Nation's Mosquito Creek Marina with the City's Kings Mill Walk and Waterfront Park.

The project was in partnership with the City and the Squamish Nation, with the Squamish Nation owning and maintaining this portion of the trail infrastructure. Both parties were concerned with power consumption and system maintainability as well as spill light and glare on the foreshore. Since the project budget had constraints, LED lighting was not an option, so a compact florescent light source was used with energy efficient electric ballasts and amalgam lamps to compensate for cold temperature performance.

Spirit Trail Greenway, West Vancouver, BC

The Spirit Trail Greenway is a major, multi-use pathway extending across the three North Shore municipalities and Squamish Nation Lands, from Deep Cove to Horseshoe Bay. It is a linear park corridor, established by Council in 2007 in accordance with the “Cycling Network and Greenway Plan”, and will be designed and built over a period of several years.

DMD provided the electrical design and illumination modeling for what currently is the longest LED lit trail on the North Shore (1.6 km). As a result in using an LED light source the District is realizing an almost 50% reduction in power consumption and Hydro utility costs compared to conventional light sources.

SE False Creek 2010 Olympic Athletes Village Plaza

The 80-acre City of Vancouver SE False Creek site served as the athlete’s village for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The site is comprised of mid-rise residential and commercial buildings with ample density to support retail while still leaving 26 acres available for park land, including playgrounds and space for community gardening. At the core of this site is the plaza which was designed to serve as a community gathering place. The plaza features innovative LED lighting which is controlled to provide a color changing light show which can be synchronized to music. The lighting was designed to accommodate special events and ceremonies during the games as well as to provide site and special event lighting after the games. The plaza also features seating areas and a stage for special events or small concerts.

The Pier Development, Phase 1

The Pier project represents a major commercial and residential redevelopment of the North Vancouver waterfront. It will be as profound for the North Shore as False Creek and Granville Island are for Vancouver. It will be the place to be... to work, shop, create art, dine, meet and gather, stroll the seawall and the 700-foot pier.

The developer Pinnacle International viewed lighting a key element critical in creating a unique identity to the area. The lighting had to both provide the required level of lighting for safe pedestrian circulation as well as enhancing decorative features. The lighting had to be very subtle so as to not take away from the panoramic views of Downtown Vancouver. DMD was retained to provide the unique lighting design for outdoor pedestrian areas which included plaza areas, floating pier, artwork, building faces, stairways and historic elements.

The project was the one of the first developments required to conform the Cities Draft Outdoor Lighting Bylaw which restricted up-light and defined efficiency via a maximum unit power density model.

To create a unique look and meeting unit power density requirements, DMD used a combination compact fluorescent and LED's. Blue LED lighting cast into the pier marks the pathway for pedestrian guidance and enhancement of the pier. Lighting with full cutoff optics were mounted on special poles which support large decorative wind socks at the top to create a unique look. The project also featured a floating dock which is illuminated with blue LED nautical style lights.

The project included illumination of featured artwork at the gateway entrance created by a public artist. DMD worked directly with the artist to incorporate lighting into the art features.

The lighting design was undertaken using a combination of computer lighting and rendering software. Rendering software was used to create the required effects.

Aberdeen Retail Development, Richmond, BC

Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Bing Thom, the Aberdeen Retail Development is the result of a major commercial re-development at Cambie Rd, Aberdeen and No3 Rd in Richmond. The three-storey development that extends the traffic patterns of existing urban street grid, linking City streets, enhancing streetoriented pedestrian circulation, and re-enforcing this movement though a dynamic circulation system within the shopping mall Our work involved streetscape lighting, traffic signals, banner poles and tree lighting. The style of poles and fixtures had to conform to Richmond City Center Standards which required specific products be used. We were able to save the developer substantial cost by sourcing out alternate product to create a more competitive environment. Project challenges included coordinating electrical aspects with street trees and underground utilities in a narrow corridor and to locate equipment so to not limit sidewalk flow or block storefronts.

DMD undertook computer lighting design using computer design software, prepared electrical installation drawings, cost estimates as well as review product shop drawings and undertook final inspections of the completed installation.

Ladner Village Beatification, Delta, BC

This roadway lighting and electrical infrastructure was upgraded as part of a beatification project to enhance the commercial and residential core of Ladner. DMD worked closely with Planners and Architects to develop and refine decorative lighting concepts. Once the concept was established DMD defined lighting design criteria, undertook computer lighting design with computer design software, prepared product and construction specifications, prepared electrical installation drawings, cost estimates as well as review product shop drawings and undertook final inspections of the completed installation.

Project challenges included limited budget, establishing lighting poles and fixtures which complemented the local area, integrating lighting with other streetscape elements such as stamped concrete sidewalks and planting areas.

Brookswood Streetscape, Langley, BC

This streetscape project was undertaken as part of a roads upgrade project to the Brookswood area. DMD worked with Municipal Planners and Landscape Architects to develop decorative lighting concepts which incorporate streetname signage and banners to give the area a distinctive look determined by the local business association. DMD defined lighting criteria, undertook computer lighting design, prepared product and construction specifications, prepared electrical installation drawings, cost estimates as well as review product shop drawings and undertook final inspections of the completed installation.

Project challenges included reaching a consensus with the local business association with respect to decorative lighting concepts and coordination with BC Hydro underground within a limited utility corridor.

Green Necklace Lighting, North Vancouver, BC

The Green Necklace is a multi-use trail that will link parks, public spaces, and natural habitats and provide safe, alternative transportation options and recreation opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. When complete, the Green Necklace will stretch 7km and encompass the Central Lonsdale area of the City. As the trails run through urban residential areas impact of unwanted light trespass on local residents was an issue. While reducing light trespass was an issue, the lighting system had to provide suitable illumination for those using the trail.

DMD worked with Municipal Planners and Parks Department to define lighting design criteria and specific lighting concepts. DMD undertook computer lighting design, prepared product and construction specifications, prepared electrical installation drawings, cost estimates as well as review product shop drawings and undertook final inspections of the completed installation.

City of Comox Downtown Revitalization, Comox, BC

This roadway lighting and electrical was upgraded as part of a downtown revitalization project to enhance the historic flavor of this seaside community. DMD worked with Planners and Architects to develop decorative lighting concepts suitable for this community. Poles incorporated unique decorative banners in the shape of a ships sails to promote the nautical theme. Poles also incorporated decorative base covers and power coat finish. Once the final concept was established DMD defined lighting design criteria, undertook lighting design using computer lighting design software, prepared product and construction specifications, prepared electrical installation drawings, cost estimates as well as review product shop drawings and undertook final inspections of the completed installation.

Project challenges included coordinating pole location so as to not conflict with existing underground utilizes while at the same time not impeding sidewalk and access to local businesses.

116 Street Beatification, Delta, BC

Roadway lighting and electrical infrastructure was added to 116 Street as part of a streetscape project extending from 72 Avenue to Nordel Way (3.4km). DMD worked with Municipal Planners and Landscape Architects to develop and refine cost effective decorative lighting concepts. Pole concepts included decorative banners (designed by local school students) to define the area. This project also encompassed the first modern roundabout in Delta, which was lit to the new TAC guidelines developed by DMD.

Once the concept was established DMD defined lighting design criteria, undertook computer lighting design with computer design software, prepared product and construction specifications, prepared electrical installation drawings, cost estimates as well as review product shop drawings and undertook final inspections of the completed installation. This lighting concept has now become part of the North Delta Gateway Corridor decorative lighting standard.

Dollarton Bridge, North Vancouver, BC

The Dollarton Bridge required replacement and upgrade from two to four lanes to accommodate increasing traffic demands. The District of North Vancouver and local business association wished to create a unique look and defined roadway lighting as a key aesthetic element to this community gateway. DMD worked with District staff and Public Artist to develop various lighting concepts which integrated into other bridge elements such as handrails. Once concept was established DMD defined lighting design criteria, undertook computer lighting design with computer software, prepared product and construction specifications, prepared electrical installation drawings, cost estimates as well as review product shop drawings and undertook final inspections of the completed installation.

Project challenges included development of a custom pole with local manufacture; coordinating powder finishes so handrails, poles and fixtures (all produced by different manufacturers), integrating pole foundations into the concrete bridge structure and environmental impact of lighting on fish habitat.

Bonanza Stadium Sports Lighting Retrofit

The existing lighting system at the Bonanza High School Football Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada was not meeting the required level of illumination required for both the level of play and spectators. The system was deemed to have reached the end of it life and a new lighting system was required.

DMD were retained to undertake a condition assessment and then prepare electrical design, specification and estimates for the new lighting and electrical systems. Extensive review of existing systems sub-fed from the existing electrical system were undertaken so they could be re-fed from the new systems. Other key elements included coordination with Nevada Power, ongoing inspections and final testing and commissioning of the lighting and electrical systems.

Point Grey Sports Lighting

The City of Vancouver required additional fields to meet the growing demand by soccer clubs. To meet this need synthetic turf fields are being installed with lights to help service the demand. The site at Point Grey High School in Vancouver, BC is surrounded by high rise apartments, commercial development and single family homes in well established neighborhood.

Due to City permitting requirements numerous open meetings were held local with residents to mitigate concerns with the installation of sports lighting. Various sports lighting systems were reviewed and assessed to determined the best performance and least impacts on local residents.

Drawings specifications and estimates were developed for the installation of the electrical and lighting system. Coordination was required with the local power utility provider as power was not readily available in the proximity of the site. Innovative wireless controls were used to optimize field scheduling and track usage.

Point Grey Sports Lighting Display Boards

Modern Roundabout Design

DMD & Associates recently completed the lighting design for a four-legged, skewed roundabout at Route 9 and Old Yale Road. The roundabout replaced a four-way stop intersection controlled by an overhead flasher.

A perimeter lighting scheme was used with poles placed in advance of the roundabout crosswalks to improve the driver's view of pedestrians in or about to enter the crosswalk. The design was based on new standards established in the soon-to-be published TAC Guide for the Design of Roadway Lighting.

LED Lighting

LED lighting has been proven to reduce energy consumption by 40-60% in various street lighting applications. The technology is new and very complex in terms of the calculation of light loss factor and defining product operational requirements. Many products with varying optical system and performance claims exist which further complicates the selection process. Industry specifications have often failed to keep up with the rapidly evolving technology. DMD have been involved in numerous projects involving the development of LED specifications, performance standards, defining warranties, performance testing and validation.

DMD have recently developed innovative specification and performance standards to better define the selection process. Recent project involving LED specifications, selection, standards and field testing are as follows:

• Weigh Scale LED Lighting Pilot – This project involved the development of LED specifications and purchase documents along with an innovative point score rating system. Lighting calculation were also created to assess luminaire performance.
• City of Ottawa (CICP) LED Review - This project involves the development of testing and field measurement criteria, along with review of integrating sphere testing and on going field measurement of LED lighting over an 18 month period based on testing criteria defined by DMD. Following the field measurements DMD will prepare a report to assess the depreciation of the light output and the accuracy of the GPS based dimming system.
• City of Thunder Bay LED Specifications - This project involved the review of LED technologies, preparation of specification which defined energy efficiency via innovative unit power density system and evaluation, review of suppliers products and recommendations for LED products based on review of supplier submissions.
• City of Surrey LED Specifications - This project involved the development of LED design specifications and product supply specifications. The work also included a review of LED technologies, preparation of specification which defined energy efficiency via innovative unit power density system and evaluation, review of supplier’s products and recommendations for LED products based on review of supplier submissions.
• City of Edmonton LED Specifications - Developed specifications and approval process for LED street lights.
• City of Fort St. John LED Specifications - Developed specifications and approval process for LED street lights.
• City of Coquitlam LED Specifications - Following an LED pilot project, where the fixture was selected as a result of the relationship between their sister City in Korea, the City saw the need for a LED specification. DMD developed specifications and approval process for LED street lights.
• City of Surrey LED Luminaire Evaluation - DMD have set-up a test road where LED luminaires are installed and light levels measured and documented. To date we have evaluated over a dozen different LED luminaire supplier products.
• City of Coquitlam LED Pilot and Adaptive Lighting Pilot Project - DMD set-up and coordinated the replacement of 10 HPS luminaires with new LED luminaires with adaptive lighting controls (dimming) and the retrofit of 10 existing cobra head luminaires with adaptive lighting technology. Following the installation DMD field measured light levels and prepared detailed report on the installation along with defining the many lessons learned.
• Nova Scotia LED Pilot Project - LED Roadway Lighting Limited (LRL), ecoNova Scotia, Conserve Nova Scotia, and Natural Resources Canada partnered in a pilot project to retrofit existing street lights with new LED street lights in 19 communities throughout Nova Scotia. To the best of our knowledge this is one of the largest LED street light demonstration projects undertaken in Canada. Eleven hundred (1,100) existing high pressure sodium cobra head street lights have been converted to LRL’s LED Satellite series street lights. The installation involved street lighting on various municipal roads, Halifax’s Stanfield International Airport roads and parking lot and provincial highways. DMD & Associates Ltd. were retained to review the computer lighting calculations and design factors brought forward by the supplier, review testing procedures and calculate energy savings for this pilot and produce a detailed report on LED lighting.

Adaptive Lighting

Adaptive lighting has shown significant potential for energy savings based on numerous pilot projects and studies undertaken. It has the potential to save 20-40% of typical city energy consumption. From the projects listed below DMD has gained much knowledge and understanding of how best to apply this technology and maximize energy saving while at the same time maintaining the required light levels. DMD have been on the forefront with respect to this concept and have undertaken numerous projects. These include:

• BC Hydro Adaptive Lighting Deployment Guide - DMD developed a guide for the selection and deployment of an adaptive lighting system on a City wide basis. The guide defined all steps and methods including how to determine dimming schedules, areas where adaptive lighting should not be considered (i.e.; intersections) and why, how to assess current lighting and define by how much one can dim and still meet required lighting levels and defined a calculator to determine energy savings. This is significant as much of this information could be applied throughout the country.
• BC Hydro PowerSmart Adaptive Lighting Studies - Adaptive lighting controls is a new concept gaining acceptance and popularity around the world. In simple terms, the concept involves reducing light levels in off peak periods when pedestrian activity levels are reduced to save power. Power saving can range from 20% to 40% which is significant. Don McLean has helped to shape the industry by developing adaptive lighting design practices in national standards publications such as the Transportation Association of Canada Roadway Lighting Design Guide, the International Municipal Signal Association Roadway Lighting II Certification document and via numerous articles in trade publications. DMD undertook a comprehensive review and prepared feasibility studies of adaptive lighting systems for over twelve Cities in British Columbia. The feasibility studies included a detailed inventory of existing lighting levels on 10% of the City’s roads with field confirmation via field light level measurements also included. This was done by accessing the City’s GIS data and undertaking computer lighting calculations to determine average illumination levels. We assessed the viability of adaptive lighting technologies and determined energy savings and costs for the retrofit of the adaptive lighting hardware into existing luminaires. The studies included recommended time of night dimming schedules along with logic and rational for such schedules and assessment of existing lighting levels and deployment strategy for entire Cities. Included were spreadsheets defining existing lighting levels of each road, what levels were required at the various times of the evening and the recommended percentage of dimming and power savings. Payback was also defined. This is significant as we understand new innovative lighting controls and how they can be of benefit in power savings.
• City of Calgary Adaptive Lighting Pilot Project - DMD was retained by the City of Calgary to undertake a comprehensive review and feasibility study and deployment of the Streetlight Intelligence Inc (STI) Lumen IQ adaptive lighting system for the 500 street lights within the City. DMD undertook a feasibility study to assess the viability of the technology and determine energy saving and costs for the retrofit of the STI Lumen IQ system into existing luminaires. The study recommended time of night dimming schedules along with logic and rational for such schedules, assessment of existing lighting levels and review of the technology and deployment strategy for the entire City
• BC Hydro Power Smart Prince George Adaptive Lighting Pilot Project - DMD was retained by BC Hydro to select and apply new energy saving technologies in the City of Prince George, BC and assess adaptive lighting technologies. Streetlight Intelligence Inc (STI) Lumen IQ was selected as the most suitable technology and a pilot project was undertaken by DMD on a section of arterial road in the City of Prince George. DMD assessed the technology, defined tests (thermal, photometric and vibration) to validate the technology, reviewed results, determined existing lighting levels, assisted BC Hydro in determining strategy of calculating energy savings as the system was un-metered, tested and validated such calculations, defined illumination levels based on recommend practice, worked with stakeholder to develop a time frame and method of system acceptance, worked with supplier to develop and enhance features such as database, dimming schedules, asset management features and retrofitting into existing fixtures. Payback was also defined. Don McLean won the Most Outstanding Paper Award from the Illuminating Engineering Society for his paper titled “Centralized Street Light Control and Monitoring Demonstration Project” and presented it in Tucson, Arizona. The paper was based on the adaptive lighting system installed in Prince George, BC.
• BC Hydro Power Smart Highway Adaptive Lighting Feasibility Study - DMD undertook a comprehensive review and feasibility study of the Streetlight Intelligence Inc (STI) Lumen IQ adaptive lighting system for the street lighting system within a 40km section of the major urban freeway Trans-Canada Highway in Vancouver, BC. It included over 500 high-mast luminaires and 500 cobra head luminaires. DMD prepared a 100 plus page feasibility study to assess the viability of the technology and determine energy saving and costs for the retrofit of the STI Lumen IQ into existing luminaires. The study included recommended time of night dimming schedules along with logic and rational for such schedules, an assessment of existing lighting levels, a complete third part safety review and deployment strategy for the entire corridor. Also included was a spreadsheet defining existing lighting levels of each road, what levels were required at the various times of the evening and the recommended percentage of dimming and power savings. Payback was also defined.
• NRCan Study - DMD reviewed and documented results of 22 adaptive lighting installation undertaken across Canada. We interviewed each of the 22 Cities who installed the adaptive system and results were documented in a report along with key finding and lessons learned.

Citywide Review of Street Lighting Illumination Levels and Practices, City of New Westminster

The purpose of the study was to conduct a review of the existing illumination levels for roads and sidewalks throughout the City in order to identify areas that may be deficient. The City has approximately 3200 street lights in their system. We developed a map showing existing illumination levels and developed a strategy to prioritize street lighting upgrades to address identified deficiencies, taking into account capital, operating and maintenance cost. To do this we obtained GIS data from the City to define typical light pole spacing mounting heights, road types, widths, etc. and undertook lighting calculations using photometric files assumed to match those luminaires which exist. We established lighting requirements for various areas based on the TAC Roadway Lighting Design Guide. Areas where lighting didn’t meet standards were highlighted on key plan drawings showing all roads in the City.

Other information covered included visual acuity Issues MH vs. HPS, pedestrian level lighting including research on vertical illumination levels enhancing pedestrian visibility, IDA Dark Sky Compliances, standards for development lighting (on and off site) including recommendations for limitations and reductions on over lighting. We also undertook a power point presentation to City Council that summarized study findings, defined proposed action and responded to questions and comments.

For this project DMD retained then services of Opus International to provide road safety information.

Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities Review of Energy Efficient Street Lighting Strategies

The UNSM, Nova Scotia Power Inc., Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), and Conserve Nova Scotia have formed a Street-lighting Issues Committee to identify opportunities to work together on common street-lighting issues, with a goal of reducing energy costs and GHG emissions for municipalities through employing better energy efficient street-lighting strategies. This Street-lighting Issues committee decided to hire an engineering consultant to undertake a review of street-lighting standards, energy efficient technologies and best practices, and to develop a set of recommendations for more energy efficient street-lighting strategies for NS Municipalities. Through a competitive selection process the UNSM retained the services of DMD and Associates Ltd., a specialist electrical engineering firm from Surrey, British Columbia to undertake this assignment. Key review, examination and discussions as defined by UNSM and included in this report were:

• A comprehensive review and comparison of street-lighting standards (current and upcoming), current technologies, and common practices in use across Nova Scotia and a comparison with North America best practice street-lighting standards.
• A comprehensive review of energy efficient street-lighting best practices, industry standards, and energy efficient lighting and control technologies (including pilot projects that have been undertaken) that is being tested and utilized in other jurisdictions.
• An examination of light reflective technologies as an alternative to street-lights. These include retro-reflective pavement markings and delineator posts.
• A review of lighting controls, including individual photocells and remote control and monitor systems, compare with their various grades of sensitivity and accuracy, programmable or not, with respect to energy efficiency
• An examination of the benefits versus costs to changeover for existing metered applications and for utility owned, presently un-metered municipal property and street lights.
• A discussion of the economics and availability of the various energy efficient technologies (current and upcoming).
• A comprehensive review and discussion of programs used in North American and European jurisdictions that have implemented/rationalized energy efficient street-lighting strategies (e.g., Calgary and others).
• A comprehensive review and discussion of the key issues that may justify accelerate or impede the adoption of energy efficient street-lighting best practices, best streetlight standards and energy efficient technologies in NS.

 

Contact DMD

DMD & Associates Ltd

• #12-17358 104A Ave.
• Surrey BC  V4N 5M3
• Canada
• Tel: +1 604-589-9010
• Toll Free: +1 877-249-8080
• Fax: +1 604-589-9012
• Email: info@dmdeng.com
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