CSR
Nestled in the Oise department, the town of Chaumont-en-Vexin (Hauts-de-France), classified as a Petite Cité de Caractère® (Small Town of Character), charms visitors with its historical heritage—cobblestone streets, stone walls, and a listed church—and its unspoiled natural environment.
Between 2024 and 2025, it renovated 70% of its public lighting, replacing more than 600 light points one by one, in collaboration with the company RAGNI.
Faced with rising energy costs, the municipality, supported by SE 60, has accelerated its transition to LED lighting, aiming to achieve savings, a uniform lighting system, enhanced heritage and reduced light pollution.
The color temperatures were carefully selected: 2700 K for the main lanes and 2200 K for pedestrian areas.
Mayor Emmanuelle LAMARQUE explains: “Our choices were guided by the preservation of biodiversity, the comfort of residents, and, ultimately, aesthetics, which we fully appreciated when we saw how much warmer lighting makes a place more welcoming. “.
“We took inspiration from neighboring cities. to adapt our lighting, distinguishing between the city center and residential areas with the support of SE 60 and RAGNI, who developed an optimized lighting plan with color temperatures adapted to each location. ” adds Mr. DUVIVIER, Deputy Mayor for Public Works, Safety, and Urban Planning
The nighttime blackout, formerly scheduled from midnight to 5 a.m., has been replaced by lighting reduced to 20%, which is considered more comfortable and respectful of wildlife. Presence detectors have been installed in certain sensitive areas (parking lot, school route).
Among the more than 600 light points replaced, 236 RETROFIT ÉLÉGANCE kits modernized existing lanterns while preserving street furniture and reducing the carbon footprint. Custom retrofits were designed for six heritage lanterns. Two brass VENCE lanterns incorporate birdhouses to encourage local wildlife, an initiative by SE 60 and RAGNI that has been praised by elected officials.
“The idea of integrated nesting boxes is excellent and has been very well received. Their discreet presence blends in perfectly with the environment, and we are very satisfied with them,” says the Mayor.
Entirely financed locally without government assistance, the project is part of a broader ecological transition strategy.
In 2026, the municipality plans to implement new sustainable developments, including a greenway and a redevelopment of the church square.
“Several projects are planned for 2026: creation of a pedestrian and cycle path with pedestrian detection, burial of the remaining overhead networks with installation of harmonized street lighting, and redevelopment of the church square with disabled access and responsible lighting in line with current choices,” says Mr. Jean DUVIVIER.
Feedback from residents has been positive, and the absence of criticism on social media is seen as a sign of success. The Mayor concludes: “We are completely satisfied: residents are generally welcoming of the project, especially because of the peace of mind that controlled lighting brings. Elected officials support it, and the absence of negative feedback is a good indicator of success.“.
We would like to extend our warmest thanks to Mayor Emmanuelle LAMARQUE and Mr. Jean DUVIVIER for taking the time to participate in this interview. We would also like to express our gratitude to SE 60 for its invaluable support in making this project a success, as well as to Romain KOZAR, sales representative at ETUDEQUIPE, whose involvement was instrumental in bringing this renovation to fruition.