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Anyone who lives in a city knows the feeling of looking at the night sky and not seeing any stars. Not because they are not there, but because light pollution in many areas of our cities prevents us from perceiving them clearly. In truth, this may be one of the few disappointing consequences of having a good public lighting system, since the illumination of our cities plays a crucial role in the daily lives of their citizens. It is not just a matter of urban aesthetics, but has a direct impact on the safety, economic development and quality of life of its inhabitants.
In this article we will address some of the reasons why it is important for cities in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to have good public lighting. In addition, we will share examples of how the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) supports the promotion of public lighting in the region’s cities.
Left: Poor street lighting in an informal neighborhood. | Right: Lighting in the formal city.
Why is it important to have good street lighting?
Public lighting goes beyond the nighttime illumination of our streets. It is an essential element in the urban fabric that contributes significantly to the safety of the population, to the economic boost of cities and to the well-being of their inhabitants. These are some of the benefits
1. PUBLIC SAFETY:
Good public lighting is a determining factor in street safety. Well-lit spaces deter criminal activity, especially among vulnerable groups such as women. In addition, video surveillance cameras also take images with higher definition, which not only makes it possible to better identify those who break the law, but also to act more quickly. It also affects us cognitively, since proper lighting at night conveys a sense of security by improving vision and allowing us to find refuge in risky situations.
There is evidence from around the world demonstrating how improved lighting in urban areas has a significant impact on public safety. For example, a study by the Chicago Department of Criminology in the United States found that in cases of street lighting failures (typically power outages), crime increases by 134%. In Bogota, Colombia, after the implementation of an LED lighting program in areas previously affected by crime, there was a 46% decrease in crime rates in those areas. Likewise, in one district of Mexico City, Mexico, it was observed that adequate lighting reduced crime rates by 60%.
These data support the idea of how investment in lighting infrastructure can have a positive impact on safety and quality of life in LAC.
2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
Adequate lighting is also a driver of economic development in cities. Well-lit areas are more attractive for business and tourism, which in turn generates employment and increases local income.
In addition, it develops the night economy, a sector that corresponds to productive and consumption activities that take place between 6 pm and 6 am, which are not limited to leisure and entertainment, but also include call centers, health and emergency services, airports, logistics and distribution of goods, among others.
Bogota, through its 24-hour strategy, is seeking to extend the productivity of the different economic sectors of the city during night hours. In December 2020, the first pilot of this strategy took place in the Chapinero district, in which 302 businesses actively participated. The results were very positive: the number of visitors to the shopping centers increased by 20%, 37% of the participating establishments hired additional workers, and sales increased by an average of 35%.
3. QUALITY OF LIFE
Good public lighting contributes to the well-being of citizens by creating more pleasant and accessible public spaces. This promotes outdoor living, encourages sport and physical activity, and improves the general health of the population. In addition, a recent study has found that having optimal public lighting favors walking at night over the use of motor vehicles. This is especially relevant in hot weather, when many cities reach very high temperatures that are potentially harmful to the health of at-risk groups. It is on these occasions when good public lighting favors the practice of outdoor sports at night.
A notable example is the city of Medellín, Colombia, which has transformed its image from being perceived as a dangerous city to a safer metropolis thanks to investment in public lighting. The “Medellin, the most educated” program included improved lighting in previously dangerous areas, which contributed significantly to the reduction of violence.
Proper lighting promotes outdoor living, encourages sports and physical activity, and improves the general health of the population.
The IDB Group’s role in street lighting improvement
The IDB Group has played a key role in supporting cities in Latin America and the Caribbean to improve their street lighting systems. Through financing, technical advice and resources for innovative projects, it has transformed the way cities light their streets. Here is a brief summary:
1. Energy efficiency and sustainability:
One of the IDB Group’s key focuses has been to promote energy efficiency and sustainability in street lighting projects. This involves the adoption of energy-efficient LED lighting technologies, which not only reduce cities’ energy bills, but also their carbon footprint.
In 2015, the IDB financed a project that replaced more than 25,000 obsolete streetlights with LED technology in Ensenada, Mexico. In addition to reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions (approximately 150,000 tons over a 20-year period), the quality of lighting throughout the city was improved, resulting in a more efficient use of energy.
2. Infrastructure modernization:
The IDB Group supports the modernization of lighting infrastructure throughout the region. This includes the installation of intelligent management systems that enable accurate monitoring and control of public lighting, which in turn optimizes the use of resources and reduces maintenance costs.
Last July, IDB Invest granted a $100 million loan to an energy distribution company in northeastern Panama. This operation will enable, among other things, the digitalization of the power grid, with the incorporation of new technologies that will improve the efficiency of the distribution network and the installation of smart meters and prepaid meters.
3. Social inclusion:
Of course, the IDB Group, also supports projects that promote social inclusion, which includes public lighting. This involves lighting previously neglected areas, such as informal neighborhoods, to improve the safety and quality of life of their inhabitants.
In the province of Buenos Aires, the IDB’s Housing and Urban Development Division is supporting the financing of a $100 million loan to improve public lighting in vulnerable neighborhoods. Work will also be carried out on infrastructure construction, schools and early childhood centers, paving and the creation of public spaces, and environmental programs.
The brighter future of Latin America and the Caribbean
Public lighting is an essential element for sustainable development in LAC. It not only improves the safety and quality of life of citizens, but also stimulates economic growth and social inclusion. The IDB Group plays a crucial role in supporting innovative projects that transform the way cities in the region light their streets, improving the lives of their citizens. In fact, at the Housing and Urban Development Division, we are available to support national and subnational governments in improving public lighting systems through advice, technical support and knowledge.
As we move toward a more sustainable future, it is essential that cities in the region continue to invest in high-quality public lighting. This will not only benefit present generations, but will also lay the foundation for a brighter and more promising future for all Latin Americans and Caribbeans.
*Thanks to Nora Libertun for her review of this article.
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