Adaptive lighting in Kaunas

Adaptive lighting in Kaunas shows how motion-responsive technology can:

  • Improve public safety
  • Cut energy use
  • And create a more comfortable nighttime environment.

 

Location:

Kaunas, Lithuania

 

Hardware:

 

Software:

Urban lighting management platform HORIZON

 

The challenge

A peaceful residential area in Kaunas was lit by a mix of old-school, traditional, and LED with factory set illumination levels streetlights. While intended for safety, the approach of intensive illumination:

  • Created excess light pollution
  • Wasted electricity
  • Placed long-term strain on the lighting infrastructure
  • And disturbed the nighttime hours of nearby residents.

The city wanted a solution that could maintain safety while significantly improving energy efficiency and maintenance capabilities.

 

The solution: adaptive lighting in Kaunas

The city upgraded the area’s lighting network with luminaire controllers and motion sensors, all integrated into the urban lighting management platform HORIZON. The system delivered the adaptive lighting based on real-time motion the city sought, keeping the zone dimmed to a pleasant level and increasing brightness only when vehicles or pedestrians are detected.

Through HORIZON, the city also gained centralized control of individual luminaires, enabling flexible scheduling, system diagnostics, and immediate, remote fault alerts.

 

Results & benefits

  • Adaptive, behavior-based lighting
    Streetlights adjust automatically in response to nearby movement, improving safety without over-illuminating the area.
  • Energy savings and reduced emissions
    The new urban lighting ecosystem has cut electricity use by up to 80%, supporting the city’s sustainability targets and budget goals.
  • Centralized control and predictive maintenance
    Operators can now oversee the system remotely, schedule lighting profiles, and receive fault alerts to resolve issues proactively.
  • Reduced maintenance costs
    By lowering the load on the luminaires and enabling smarter maintenance planning, the city benefits from long-term operational savings.

 

Looking ahead

Kaunas continues to lead in smart city innovation by upgrading key residential areas with intelligent lighting. This project is an example of how modern technology can improve safety, reduce environmental impact, and deliver lasting value for municipalities and residents alike.