Mandel bike path

Sustainable lighting powered by solar panels reduces energy consumption and CO2 emissions

The Mandel path runs along the Mandel River in Roeselare. In the middle of nature, this path is very popular with residents who regularly use it for a relaxing stroll or to walk or cycle to the local leisure centre.
As the lighting on the path was deteriorating, the city of Roeselare and the Province of West Flanders decided to replace it. In addition, as it had been installed quite a few years ago, the lighting was consuming a lot of energy and emitting high CO2 emissions.
The local authorities wanted a much more energy-efficient LED lighting system, powered by solar energy

They decided to install luminaires with the national 005 certification and a detection system to only light the path when necessary to ensure the safety of the people using it. 
They opted for the TECEO S fitted with 16 LEDs (14W). A total of 23 luminaires were installed with the Schréder EXEDRA management system and motion detectors.

Smeedenstraat 33-19
Roeselare
Belgium

Customer

Province of West Flanders - City of Roeselare

Partner(s)

Verstraete

Application(s)

Lighting: only where and when it is needed

From sunset to 11 p.m. and from 5 a.m. to sunrise, the luminaires are dimmed by 80%. When a pedestrian or a cyclist is detected, the lighting goes back up to 100% for 100 metres and then lights up the users’ path as they move along thanks to the detectors.

After 11 p.m., only the luminaires at the start of the path are switched on at 20% of the light intensity to guide people in complete safety. The other luminaires are switched off and only come on when someone is detected. This lighting system guarantees the security of people using the path while protecting the flora and fauna along the Mandel River. 
 

Solar energy to power the lighting system

The installation is powered by solar energy, thanks to solar panels installed on the roof of the local exhibition centre, Expohallen, making it a truly sustainable and self-supporting lighting system. The solar panels charge a battery which provides the power for the lighting, even during the long winter nights. 

This project was carried out within the framework of the European Interreg 2 Seas Smart Light Concept (SLIC) programme. The goal is to implement and test innovative lighting systems that reduce CO2 emissions and energy costs. This includes smart public lighting and other Smart City applications for which lighting can be a support, such as measurements of air pollution, noise levels, etc.

By demonstrating that efficient public lighting reduces CO2 emissions, the programme will convince other cities and institutions to invest in these new low-carbon technologies. This project also analyses the relationship between lighting and the feeling of insecurity in terms of road safety and crime.

With this innovative and unique project in Flanders, the city of Roeselare and the Province of West Flanders are proving that public lighting can reduce a city’s carbon footprint and electricity bill, while ensuring the safety of people and protecting the environment.