Bellinzona is the capital of Ticino canton, counting more than 45 thousand inhabitants. The energy and environmental policy, as well as the industrial development of the city is entrusted to the public utility Azienda Multiservizi Bellinzona (AMB). AMB is responsible for the sourcing and distribution of energy and water.

Challenges

AMB has a specific focus on energy efficiency and sustainable development. The smart journey of Bellinzona started in 2013 from Smart Lighting: more than 1,500 mercury vapor lamps were replaced with LED-based devices to reduce energy consumption and light pollution, achieve greater cost-savings and offer a greater quality of life to citizens.

Our solution

Smart streetlights are currently more than 2,600, while LED (not smart) lamps are about 1,000 over a total of 7,000 streetlights. AMB implemented our Smart CMS as remote management and control platform of connected lamps.

Results

The technology upgrade allowed the city to save about 50% of power over the years. By remotely monitoring and controlling streetlights, AMB managed to better calibrate lighting intensity and reduce it by 50% in selected streets. Without impacting quality of services, this enabled the city to significantly cut energy spending and power-related environmental impact.

It is also easier for AMB to quickly detect possible anomalies over the network and promptly act on single lamps when necessary.

Mauro Suà, General Manager at AMB, stated: “Progress in technology usually allows a three- to five-year viewpoint, but a wise city manager should consider benefits and costs in thirty or fifty years when settling an investment which could significantly impact urban development and growth. We cannot betray financial sustainability principles and citizen trust.”