September 11 is the International Day of Energy Saving. It was calculated how much energy M11 Highway saved in just one year at a section from St. Petersburg to Veliky Novgorod due to its eco-conscious attitude: 8 million kWh. This amount would be enough to provide more than 2 thousand families with energy for one year, to illuminate the Kazan Cathedral beautifully for 53 years, or to illuminate the entire Northern Capital of Russia with festive New Year lights for three months!
During the construction of the highway sections from km 684 to km 546, the design originally provided for the installation standard sodium-vapor lamps; however, they were replaced by the LED ones for environmental and economic reasons. Thus, the annual power consumption at the section of M11 from St. Petersburg to Veliky Novgorod was reduced by 8 million kWh, or about 10-15% of the total power demand. And each reduced kilowatt brings a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. These lamps save 2,862 tons of CO2 emissions every year! Another positive aspect is that modern LED lamps do not contain hazardous mercury and do not require separate disposal.
Besides, an additional power saving of up to 5% is ensured by the system of switching on the lighting based an outdoor light sensor: the lamps switch on when it is really necessary, not according to the schedule. For example, on the summer “white nights”, when the light is sufficient for the safety and comfort of drivers, the lamps may be turned off almost all night.
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