May 2011 - Illuminating Engineering Society

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NEWSMAKER
still lags behind other light sources in lumen
output. However, its long rated life and the
absence of filament make it attractive for
certain outdoor lighting applications. LED
lighting is an evolving technology, [but]
small-scale pilot projects in Chicago had
rendered disappointing outcomes. Ceramic
metal halide is an advancement to a decades-old
technology. While this technology
is new to North America, it has already
been used in many European cities with
much success.”
Rashed, who returned to the DOT in 2004
after a four year stint in the private sector,
discusses Chicago’s CMH block party.
What prompted your move from the
private sector to the public sector?
Rashed: The challenges associated
with the new position of the chief engineer
of electricity. I had started my career
with the city as an entry level engineer
before I moved to the private sector.
What’s the “big picture” in terms of
street lighting in Chicago?
Rashed: We completed 2,500 residential
blocks of new residential lighting that
were part of an annual program started
in 2003. It is a continuing program that is
still active. We are anticipating doing 500
residential blocks every year. The aforementioned
2,500 blocks were all installed
with HPS luminaires. All new installations
moving forward will have CMH. We have
ruled out the use of LED or induction lighting
for future installations.
Every day we seem to hear of another
city switching to LED streetlights, whereas
CMH streetlights are relatively new in
North America. Do you have any concerns
about being a pioneer, especially when
the trend seems to be toward LEDs?
Rashed: Not at all. This technology has
been used and tested in Europe. The goal
was always to do the right thing based on
sound engineering judgment and not just
to follow the trend.
What prompted you to select CMH?
Rashed: The White Light Study only
gave us a hint of what the residents of the
city wanted; it was evident from our survey
that the majority opted for white light versus
yellow light. The selection of CMH was
based on evidence from other cities in Europe,
personal evaluation, and evaluation
and input from superiors and peers. The
key performance factors leading Chicago
to select CMH for streetlights are lumen
output per watt; lumen maintenance; long
rated life; and lower initial cost than that of
LED and induction.
Fortuitous timing has accelerated in
the transition to CMH, correct?
Rashed: After we concluded the White
Light Study and decided on ceramic metal
halide, the opportunity came along to retrofit
some of our streetlights using stimulus
money. Those three ongoing stimulus
projects—one being Western Ave, the
longest street in Chicago—encompass
239 miles and more than 15,000 new CMH
luminaires. ■
—Paul Tarricone
100 May 2011 | LD+A www.ies.org