100% FOR NATURE – 90% LESS ENERGY

From industrial area to innovative creative hub

Since 2022, a modern urban district has been developing on the former exhibition grounds of Saarbrücken, covering an area of 80,000 m². The “Am Schanzenberg” district will combine offices, commercial and residential spaces, as well as gastronomy, including infrastructure and building technology – with a total usable area of 125,000 m².

Safety, well-being, and preserving the Dark Sky

How can such an up-and-coming neighborhood be illuminated in a resource-efficient and sustainable way, so that it feels pleasant and safe for people while also protecting flora and fauna? An intelligently controlled, networked, and adaptive lighting system meets all these requirements. Unnecessary stray light is not emitted into the night sky, preserving the Dark Sky.

The circadian rhythm – our internal clock – governs life

Another important aspect for both humans and nature is the color of street lighting. Until now, cool white light has been predominantly used, as it was considered more efficient and cost-effective. However, we now know that humans and nature are closely connected to the natural day-night rhythm. People are accustomed to cool, activating light during the day and warmer, calming light in the evening. Bats, for example, which have their natural habitat near Schanzenberg, would perceive overly bright, cold light from the nearby highway as a barrier, preventing them from reaching feeding grounds beyond it.

Light colors adapted to seasons and living beings

Is there a sensible alternative to cold white light in urban lighting? Research has shown that many insect species lack receptors for long-wave red light. Moreover, warmer light is sufficient for humans to recognize essential things in the dark. For the Schanzenberg project, a partnership was formed with a lighting manufacturer specializing in circadian-oriented outdoor lighting. From spring to autumn, light with a higher red component is used, which benefits insects and nocturnal animals. In the colder winter months, when insect activity decreases, bluer, more energy-efficient light is used.

Adaptive lighting provides light only when needed: resulting in up to 90% energy savings

What demonstrably reduces energy consumption by up to 90% is the use of adaptive lighting. The circadian light profiles are equipped with sensors and managed via external telemanagement. They operate using a radio-based mesh system: with each additional luminaire, the network expands, and each individual light is GPS-tracked with accessible statistics. Light intensity increases only when sensors detect movement, such as pedestrians, cars, or other road users. The lighting plan includes various programming options, allowing the lights to be dimmed or even turned off completely after 11 p.m. As of July 2025, approximately 80% of the total required light poles have been successfully installed.

Photos: Marc André Stiebel