Light pollution has become a major issue in developed countries and Ireland is no exception. Satellite measurements have shown that light levels in Ireland have increased by almost 60% over the period between 1995 – 2015, mainly due to the increased development during the boom years.
So what can we do to reduce light pollution in outdoor spaces?
Aimee, our lighting designer and representative for the Society of Light and Lighting, outlines ways in which we can do this.
Wink has worked on many urban projects where our goal is to provide necessary illumination while reducing light pollution.
Our Lighting Designer, Aimee Corcoran is the Irish representative on the International Society of Light and Lighting.
Interview with Aimee Corcoran
What is Light Pollution?
Light pollution is the inappropriate or excessive use of artificial lighting.
Today, light pollution is one of the fastest-growing forms of pollution on the planet. It is growing at a rate twice that of the population growth. Light levels in Ireland have increased hugely over the last 30 years, mainly as a result of the increased development during the Celtic Tiger years.
With this growth of public lighting in Ireland, it is imperative that measures to be put in place to reduce light pollution. LED’s were once see as a big part of the solution, as they are more efficient and cost effective compared to existing sodium street lights. However, many powerful LEDs are non-dimmable or shielded and emit too-blue a light so it is essential that the right type of LED lights are used.
Through scientific research and technological advancements over the years, it’s becoming increasingly clear that light pollution and blue light can have harmful effects on the environment, to humans, to animals, insects and marine life. This light affects our circadian rhythms, which guides your body to let it know when to sleep and when to be awake, negatively.
The 4 components of light pollution
The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) is a global authority board which has been set up to protect and promote the night sky from light pollution. The IDA has developed a number of pillars which determine light pollution and they can be defined as follows:
1. – Glare: excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort
2. – Sky glow: brightening of the night sky over populous areas
3.- Light trespass: light failing where it is not intended or needed
4. – Light clutter: bright and excessive light fixtures in an area
How to reduce light pollution?
Lighting downward – Image: KLIK LEDpod
We can reduce light pollution by considering the following options:
Shielding
– All exterior luminaires should direct light downwards. Any fittings which have light spill should be fitted with shields so the light does not spread in unnecessary areas
– Studies should be carried out to achieve
Setting appropriate light levels sufficient light levels in required areas as opposed to blasting all areas with light. It is important to create a lighting hierarchy to create depths of perception and visual comfort.Consideration of light colour temperature
– Colour temperature is an important aspect in lighting applications. The warmer(red) the light, the higher the proportion of longer wavelengths. The cooler (blue) the light, the higher the proportion of shorter wavelengths.
The shorter the wavelength, the further this will travel in the night sky.
Smart Lighting Control – Smart Cities
‘Polluting’ lights can be managed extremely well by bluetooth control. Smart cities is the generic term used in the industry for a city that adopts a lighting control strategy.
We believe that the Casambi lighting control system has the tools to help. The Casambi network of product provides includes various technologies to reduce light levels and save on energy costs.
Casambi benefits include
Vast functionality
Limiting light pollution with its smart controls
Quick & easy to install
Robust reliable and secure
No centralised control centre required
www.wink.ie/casambi
