The Varvarin Energy Clock: Displaying Energy Savings to Mobilise Environmental Initiatives (Varvarin, Republic of Serbia)

The modernisation of street lighting is a relatively simple energy efficiency (EE) measure, and has been applied in many municipalities worldwide. Although any improved quality of street lighting is immediately visible for citizens, related benefits such as energy savings, advantages to the environment, and budget impacts often remain unnoticed by the public. Yet these are important elements that, combined, can send a strong message about the advantages of changing and even lead to behavioural change. On the main square of the Town of Varvarin, the 'Energy Clock' - a light-emitting diode (LED) screen - displays the energy consumption of a section of Varvarin's street lighting system. In addition, it also displays related reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and municipal financial savings made. The Varvarin Energy Clock is the first system of its kind designed and installed in South-Eastern Europe, and this case illustrates the vast replication potential in other municipalities.