Energy Efficiency  -  January 31, 2019

Vatican Basilica to cut energy use by 90%

An energy efficiency program implemented in the Papal Basilica of St. Peter, a renaissance church located in the Vatican city, Rome, is expected to reduce energy use and costs by 90%.

The program, completed in 18 months, included installing about 100,000 LEDs and equipping building operators with an intelligent lighting control system to manage energy use within the 22,000 square-meters building. A statement noted that the digital control system allows specific lighting scenarios to be selected, created or modified. For example, the lights may be dimmed or brightened for specific events or at certain times of day to lower energy consumption. The church partnered on this program with technology firm OSRAM and the Cathedral Construction Works of St. Peter's.

“This project provides a significant service, both to art lovers and to those who come on pilgrimage to this symbol of Catholicism. We are pleased that a special light has been cast on this important location – thanks to the new illumination,” says S.E. Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, president of the Governorate of the Vatican City State. The church is visited by 27,000 visitors daily.