Smart lighting in Kaunas

Smart lighting in Kaunas shows how adaptive, data-driven illumination can make public spaces safer, more energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly.

 

Location:

Kaunas, Lithuania

 

Hardware:

 

Software:

Urban lighting management platform HORIZON

 

The challenge

As part of Kaunas’ broader push toward smart and sustainable public spaces, a popular urban park was selected for a lighting upgrade. As the existing infrastructure provided too-bright illumination throughout the night, it:

  • Consumed excessive amounts of energy
  • Disrupted the calm nighttime atmosphere intended for relaxation.

The city needed a lighting solution that could ensure visibility and safety for evening visitors. However, at the same time, the city wanted to preseve the park’s peaceful environment and reducing environmental impact.

 

The solution: smart urban lighting in Kaunas

Kaunas introduced a full smart urban lighting ecosystem that equipped luminaires with controllers and motion sensors. The entire setup was integrated into the urban lighting management platform HORIZON, enabling centralized oversight.

Now, with true adaptive lighting feature in place, luminaires remain dimmed by default. They brighten only when motion is detected, whether from a walker, cyclist, or a jogger. This approach ensures that lighting is both responsive and efficient, improving safety without excessive illumination.

 

Results & benefits

  • Responsive lighting for park users
    Illumination now adjusts in real time to the presence of visitors, ensuring comfortable brightness levels when needed.
  • 88% energy savings and reduced carbon footprint
    By dimming during periods of inactivity, the city reduced electricity use by 88% and cut CO₂ emissions at the same rate.
  • Centralized control and insights
    HORIZON provides the city with real-time access to lighting performance, motion-triggered activity data, and remote control over each luminaire for fast, informed decision-making.
  • Minimal light pollution
    Adaptive lighting helps preserve the park’s natural feel after dark, minimizing unnecessary glare and protecting the local nighttime ecosystem.
  • Lower maintenance costs
    With fewer operating hours at full brightness and fewer unnecessary interventions, the city benefits from up to 30% lower maintenance costs.

 

Looking ahead

By adopting adaptive lighting technology in public parks, Kaunas is redefining what modern urban spaces can be: safer, smarter, and more sustainable. The success of this project demonstrates how connected infrastructure can improve public comfort while cutting operational costs and environmental impact.