The Light Direction Blog:

Protecting Our Dark Skies by Frank Grobmeier

As a lighting manufacturer, we understand how important light is to our everyday lives and our security. However, we also understand the importance of preserving and protecting our natural environment. This is where the International Dark Sky Association and dark sky regulations come into play. Let's discuss how these regulations impact us as manufacturers and how we can work together with all the stakeholders in the lighting business to make a positive impact on the environment.

One of the biggest concerns for Naturaled and lighting manufacturers in general is the negative impact of light pollution on wildlife and the environment. Many animals rely on the dark to navigate their natural habitats, and excessive light can disrupt migratory patterns, breeding routines, and food habits, resulting in population decline or damage to ecosystems. Regulations such as dark sky laws can help to mitigate these issues and improve the health of our local communities and ecosystems.

In the United States, dark sky regulations vary by state and by local municipal ordinances, such as zoning laws and building codes. However, the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) provides guidelines for responsible outdoor lighting to minimize light pollution and promote the natural beauty of the night sky.

The IDA recommends that outdoor lighting fixtures be fully shielded and direct light downward, rather than allowing it to spill into the sky. The fixtures where light is directed through the top of a fixture, often referred to as an "uplight", should be avoided completely. In addition, the brightness level or lumens of lighting fixtures must be considered in accordance with the local laws to ensure that they are not unnecessarily bright.

Some cities go beyond IDA guidelines as well. Flagstaff, Arizona, for example, was the first city in the world to enact a permanent lighting ordinance in 1958. The ordinance, which has been updated regularly, mandates the use of shielded fixtures and limits outdoor lighting with a maximum limit not to exceed 1,800 lumens during the time of 11 PM thorough dawn.

In short, policies and regulations for dark sky lighting vary from city to city and State to State. The responsibility of municipalities, local government agencies or private homeowners is usually in charge of enforcing and adjusting their respective policies. However, there are many opportunities for individuals, communities, and lighting makers alike to help promote the responsible use of outdoor lighting to minimize light pollution and preserve the beauty of our natural night sky.

As manufacturers, we are not just responsible for designing and creating products, but also for the environmental effects that those products generate. Responsible manufacturing in regards to dark sky regulations involves considering the product from start to finish, the raw materials used, the assembly process and the final installation of product in regards to the overall value of brightness or lumens. While regulations of brightness are important, installing innovative technologies can be a means toward those standards.

In addition, we can work closely with communities, businesses, and lighting designers to create lighting solutions that minimize light pollution while still providing sufficient light for safety and security. Products that can be shaped or designed in response to limited light pollution can be deployed, with superior monitoring software keeping light usage below certain level at any given point of the night.

Of course, as manufacturers, it is our responsibility to work with local and federal agencies to keep up to date on any changes in dark sky regulations or recommendations. This partnership allows us to continually adapt our products and methods to comply with these regulations, which could help reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint, whilst supporting methods and techniques to protect nature and our environment.

Ultimately, the concept of the “lighting of spaces” must become much more than just illuminating those spaces. As manufacturers, we must recognize that we have a larger role to play in preserving the natural beauty of our night skies. By designing, promoting, and practicing the responsible use of light and promoting green environmental policies or zero emission energy, we can have a positive impact on the environment and support ongoing dark sky regulations.

Frank Grobmeier has over 30 years of product management and marketing experience with lighting manufacturers including decades in general lighting and specialty lighting with traditional and LED sources. He currently serves as on the Fanlight / Naturaled marketing management team and resides in the Chicago area.