Illuminating
Washington, DC
A Smart Street Lighting Transformation for Improved Safety, Sustainability, and Community Well-Being
Featuring:
Lighting Solutions from Holophane® and Cyclone
What is the Washington, DC Smart Street Lighting Project?
An ambitious and large-scale urban lighting upgrade led by developer Plenary Infrastructure DC (PIDC) with design, procurement, and installation managed by OPTERRA Energy Services (OPTERRA) in collaboration with Acuity Brands Lighting and other key contributors.
This project transformed over 75,000 streetlights into a state-of-the-art, smart-controlled network designed to enhance public safety, improve energy efficiency, and preserve the historic aesthetic of the nation’s capital.
What are some of the challenges this project sought to address?
Outdated lighting technology, inconsistent illumination levels, and excessive energy consumption. Addressing these challenges delivered tangible benefits to the area, encouraging safer streets and a stronger sense of community for residents and visitors alike.
How stringent were the technical requirements?
Nothing that we couldn’t handle! The specifications included strict lumen-per-watt thresholds, color temperature mandates (2700K–3000K), and high Color Rendering Index (CRI) levels, all while maintaining Dark Sky compliance. These requirements pushed the industry to develop customized solutions beyond standard commercial offerings. Acuity Brands Lighting played a crucial role in overcoming these challenges, working closely with OPTERRA to design and test bespoke luminaires that met these rigorous standards, while preserving the city’s architectural integrity.
What were some of the solutions Acuity Brands Lighting provided to meet the specifications of this project?
While the rigorous technical requirements of this project were always kept in mind, efforts around enhancing public safety and community experience, as well as sustainability and energy efficiency, were also driving forces behind product selection.
Esplanade® teardrops (3,800 fixtures) by Holophane® are installed all through city intersections and roadways, providing exceptional illumination, saving energy, and reducing maintenance costs through breakthrough LEDs and precision-engineered glass optics.
The Klingle Valley Trail became a standout example of aesthetic and functional lighting with the Cyclone Orillia post-top lanterns, designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing environment. These fixtures have eliminated dark spots and harsh glare, creating a more secure nighttime environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike.
Holophane Petrolux® EMX linear fixtures are installed in L'Enfant Plaza, a retail / mixed commercial space to illuminate the ramps, alongside the Holophane TunnelPass to light the roadway and parking beneath the plaza. Using these fixtures in tandem provides a solution that ensures consistent illumination for safety and visibility.
How has this project impacted the city of Washington, DC?
Residents have embraced the improved lighting, noting its impact on safety and quality of life. City officials view the project as a model for urban infrastructure modernization, and other municipalities are looking to DC as a leader in smart lighting. By prioritizing sustainability, safety, and community-focused design, the Washington, DC Smart Street Lighting Project showcases the power of thoughtful urban planning—and how quality lighting can help transform a city.
Find out more about the Washington, DC Smart Street Lighting Project.
Photography: Willis Weese / Clarence Butts
See Project Photography