Reviewing the parameters that affect sustainability and energy efficient concepts in road and urban lighting design

In our days, having all the necessary literature and methods for the implementation of street lighting design, it is possible to propose sustainable solutions that offer benefits in energy saving, the environment and optimization of living conditions. However, so far, research has shown that studies either follow the Standards or are carried out empirically, taking into consideration certain parameters at a time rather than all the parameters concerning a street lighting design. The present work's aim is to elucidate the critical design parameters involved in road lighting analysis, covering both theoretical aspects of the design process and practical implementation in field applications, highlighting their importance in terms of energy savings and their contribution to sustainable development. The analysis concluded in a large number of parameters which form a lighting analysis. It was noted that many researchers tend to adopt an one-sided perspective on the subject by focusing on specific parameters within a single case category. This approach does not provide reliable results regarding the overall energy efficiency and savings of a system. Parameters such as energy indicators, adaptive lighting, road surface characteristics, mesopic vision, etc. require further investigation to explore efficient and sustainable solutions that prioritize both human well-being and environmental impact. Simultaneously, the frequent use of new technologies has led to their overuse, that sometimes has as a concequence the increase of energy consumption and operational cost rather than reducing it. It is also obvious that design loses its value compared with technology that continuously gains ground. At the moment, by having all the relevant information, it seems to be the time to proceed to a new holistic design approach, that combines all the necessary parameters that formulate a road lighting analysis. This approach aims to deliver more accurate results, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable urban environment. Contribution to science: A systematic scientific literature review on energy management and energy saving in road lighting is conducted, investigating parameters such as energy indicators, adaptive lighting, mesopic vision, road surface, design parameters, on-site elements and technology-equipment that constitute a road lighting study, identifying the lacking points and highlighting the areas for further research towards a more efficient, sustainable and environmentally friendly urban environment.