ESB funded the project in a partnership arrangement with JCDecaux, who have the contract for advertising rights and maintenance of National Transport Authority (NTA) bus shelters in Dublin and around the country. The reduction in emissions from this project delivers on a JCDecaux Group commitment to lower energy consumption worldwide. As a result of the upgrade, energy usage by the NTA bus shelters has reduced by 88%, saving over 1,000 tonnes in carbon emissions annually.
The work has greatly improved the quality of the illuminated shelters with the removal of all fluorescent light bulbs and the introduction of more environmentally friendly and better-quality roof lighting and ad panel LED systems, provided by Dublin technology company Solar AdTek.
In addition, the shelters are now using smart technology that regulates the flow of electrical current, thus ensuring the shelter lights only come on between the hours of dusk and dawn which will further reduce energy consumption.
Joanne Grant, Managing Director JCDecaux commented “We are determined to reduce energy consumption across our business in Ireland. This is in keeping with very ambitious commitments that JCDecaux have made internationally through our Corporate Sustainable Development Strategy. This partnership project delivers an improved product for both bus commuters and our advertising clients whilst at the same time significantly reducing carbon emissions.”
Paul Mulvaney, Executive Director Innovation, ESB said, "Collaborating with partners like JCDecaux and Irish start-ups like Solar AdTek is strategically important for ESB in the development of innovative energy services that supports Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy.”
Joe O'Sullivan, Senior Project manager of the NTA said “The NTA is committed to providing a quality transport service in Ireland whilst at the same time reducing our carbon footprint. We are very pleased to be in a position where we can both upgrade our bus shelter stock in terms of passenger comfort and at the same time significantly reduce the energy levels required to provide this service”.
Eoin O’Broin, CEO of Solar AdTek, articulates the significance of this project for the company: “We were delighted to have brought this solution to JCDecaux and NTA in partnership with ESB - the first national co-funded roll-out that has been completed. We have developed our Solar and lighting systems specifically for the outdoor advertising market and look forward to replicating this model internationally”.
Pictured at the announcement (L-R): John Bouchier - Co-Founder, Solar AdTek; Joanne Grant - Managing Director, JCDecaux Ireland; Conor O’ Brien - Manager of External Collaboration, ESB; Joe O'Sullivan - Senior Project manager, NTA.