Smart urban lighting in Kaunas

Smart urban lighting in Kaunas demonstrates how adaptive, motion-responsive technology can reduce light pollution, save energy, and make cycling paths safer, more energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly.

 

Location:

Kaunas, Lithuania

 

Hardware:

 

Software:

Urban lighting management platform HORIZON

 

The challenge

A popular cycling zone in Kaunas was previously lit using a factory-set schedule. In other words, luminaires operated at an energy-intensive brightness throughout the night. While this ensured constant visibility, it led to excessive energy use, increased light pollution, and shortened luminaire lifespan.

City planners sought a smarter approach, one that could preserve safety for cyclists while reducing environmental and financial costs.

 

The solution: smart urban lighting in Kaunas

Together with Kaunas, we implemented a smart lighting system featuring LIGHTWAVE and LIGHTWAVE-LTE luminaire controllers, along with LUMAWISE Motion sensors. We integrated these components into the urban lighting management platform HORIZON, which enabled remote, real-time control of the lighting infrastructure.

In addition, thanks to the true adaptive lighting technology, streetlights now:

  • Remain heavily dimmed when the bike path is empty.
  • Brighten instantly when cyclists and/or pedestrians are detected, ensuring safety without wasting energy.

 

Results & benefits

  • Motion-triggered lighting for cyclists
    Lights brighten only when movement is detected, providing visibility precisely where it’s needed and only when it’s needed.
  • Energy efficiency and CO₂ reduction
    The adaptive lighting feature reduces electricity consumption up over 80%, helping the city cut both energy costs and carbon emissions.
  • Minimized light pollution
    The dynamic dimming approach preserves the nighttime environment, reducing glare and maintaining comfort for nearby residents and nature areas.
  • Remote control and diagnostics
    With HORIZON, city operators can monitor performance, adjust lighting levels, and receive real-time fault alerts to prevent outages.

 

Looking ahead

By transforming the cycling zone into a responsive lighting environment, Kaunas is proving how smart infrastructure can improve the quality of life while reaching its environmental goals. This project offers a strong model for similar active mobility routes throughout the city.