Intelligently Illuminating the Bay Run

• Completed 2023
• ClientInner West Council
• Sales PartnerBuckford Illumination Group NSW
• Lighting DesignerLighting, Art & Science
• Electrical EngineersNorthrop
• Electrical ContractorThorntek
• PhotographyJackie Chan for WE-EF

The Bay Run, a popular 7 km loop around Iron Cove Bay in Haberfield, NSW, serves approximately 5000 users daily. This lighting project aimed to create an intelligent and user-friendly environment while minimising impact on local ecosystems. Initiated by the Inner West Council in Sydney, it marked the first collaboration between Buckford Illumination Group NSW and WE-EF LIGHTING, utilising advanced lighting controls including motion sensors.

Key Considerations:

• User Experience: Ensuring safe and comfortable lighting for high volumes of daily users.
• Environmental Impact: Minimising light pollution and preventing light spill into the water, while considering the colour temperature required for safety and minimal wildlife disruption.
• Technological Integration: Incorporating motion sensors and dimming capabilities to enhance energy efficiency, ensuring lights are only active when needed.
• Longevity and Durability: Selecting robust products capable of withstanding coastal conditions.

Challenges:

• Environmental Sensitivity: Balancing adequate lighting for safety with minimal environmental disruption, particularly crucial in a coastal setting.
• Community Engagement: Maintaining ongoing communication and collaboration with the community to address their needs and concerns.

Solution:

In collaboration with Lighting Designers, Lighting, Art & Science, Electrical Engineers from Northrop, and Electrical Contractor Thorntek, Buckford Illumination Group NSW partnered with WE-EF LIGHTING to implement a solution featuring:

• 82 x VFL530 luminaires with a warm 2700 K colour temperature and Eco Step Dim® motion sensors
• 9 x FLD131 luminaires

These products were chosen for their durability, longevity, and environmental considerations, including a 10-year warranty and 5CE+Primer corrosion protection. As ADSA Approved luminaires, the VFL500 Series offers precision optics to direct light where needed, minimising light spill and upward light. The installation integrated motion controls that dimmed luminaires to 50% after midnight, increasing brightness only with detected human activity. This approach significantly reduced energy consumption and light pollution.

Results:

• Energy Savings: Achieved substantial energy savings, with motion sensors reducing consumption by up to 80%.
• Enhanced Usability: The new lighting system provides a safer, greener, and more attractive space for the community day and night.
• Positive Feedback: Craig Thornton from Thorntek expressed pride in the project, noting the effectiveness of motion control sensors in energy reduction and light pollution minimisation. “We are super proud of our team for delivering this project. The motion control sensors allow us to reduce energy up to 80% and minimise light pollution. The new lighting across the Bay Run produces a safer, greener and more attractive space,” explains Electrical Contractor Craig Thornton of Thorntek.

The Bay Run lighting installation successfully achieved its objectives of enhancing user experience and minimising environmental impact through a collaborative effort involving local councils, lighting manufacturers, and the community.