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5 TIPS TO RESPECT ECOSYSTEMS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

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Apr 12, 2021

April 2021

We create lighting that protects nature and the environment and respects the darkness of the night. Energy efficiency, cutting-edge design and smart controls help achieve this by making sure light is only used when and where it is needed.

When developing a new product, not only is its durability and energy efficiency important, we also must think about the bigger picture of how and where the product will be installed, to make sure it respects the surrounding ecosystem.

By taking into account the following 5 tips, you will be helping to secure and safeguard the most delicate of places.

1. Define

Defining the right amount of light is crucial. Standards have to be considered and need to be followed in each development project. Each party involved (lighting designer, electrician, contractor,…) has to be aware about possible light pollution and its effect.

2. Control

Excessive lighting is not only a waste of energy, but it can be a source of light pollution leading to a range of negative effects on the wellbeing of people, multiple nocturnal creatures, the natural environment and the ecosystem.

The use of intelligent lighting control systems adjust light levels based on the time of day or night and presence of people or vehicles. Control options including Radio Frequency connectivity, motion detection and corridor function reduce light pollution and save energy.

3. Direct

Luminaires can include shields so that light is directed where it is needed. This avoids obtrusive light and spill light. Obtrusive light is the light that spills onto other non-related areas. It not only reduces the efficiency of the lighting installation but can also cause inconvenience or damage in the surrounding areas.

Our luminaire optical systems are designed to ensure a perfect cut-off, for reduced ULOR (Upward Light Output Ratio) values so that light is not emitted upwards into the sky and not as spill light.

4. Position

Using luminaires aimed close to the vertical (i.e. with the face of the fitting nearly horizontal and pointing downwards) reduces the impact on sky glow due to reduced upward light. The closer a column is to the area to be lit, the better the control of the lighting. Using luminaires that have a lower lumen output and a reduced mounting height helps reduce spill light.

5. Colour

Choose warm colour temperatures (2200K, 2400K, 2700K, 3000K) to minimise disruption to the nocturnal ecosystem, whilst creating a comfortable atmosphere. 

Blue light which has a shorter wavelength and scatters easily into the atmosphere, causes more light pollution and therefore it has a more negative impact on animals and humans.

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