Dark sky lighting principles

What lights should I choose to be dark sky compliant?

There are 5 easy principles to follow!

1. Light just the area you need  

Very simple - don't light areas that don't need to be lit.  Think before you light it.  Turn off lights in areas that have no reason to be lit. 

2. Point lights down

Direct light downward and shield fixtures to prevent light from spilling into unwanted areas. Proper shielding ensures light is focused on specific areas like paths or entrances, rather than scattering into the sky or neighbouring properties. In no circumstances should light be shining horizontally to the horizon, let alone upwards to the galaxy!

3. Use less light bulbs

The amount of light should match the task. Excessive brightness creates glare and wastes energy. For instance, a front door path doesn't need the same illumination as a sports field. Lower light levels help preserve human night vision adaptation so you can actually see more!  Bright lights and glare make it less secure.

4. Use timers and sensors

Light only when needed, using motion sensors, timers, and other controls to ensure lights are only active when necessary. This not only reduces light pollution but also saves energy. For example, shops might use motion-activated lighting during low-traffic hours rather than staying fully lit all night.

5. Use warm-coloured lights

Opt for warmer colour temperatures (definitely no more than 3000K, ideally less) rather than cool blue-white lights. Warmer lights create less glare, are better for human health, and have less impact on nocturnal wildlife. LEDs with lower color temperatures also scatter less in the atmosphere.

Overall, use energy-efficient lighting like LEDs combined with appropriate controls. The fixtures should be fully shielded, warm-coloured, directing all light downward, and should be certified by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) when possible.