Have you ever seen a sky filled with stars?
For many, this sight is a rare experience. When you’re far from the glow of city lights, the stars seem to reveal themselves in all their splendour—a mesmerising, breathtaking view. But if you’ve tried stargazing in the city, you might have noticed that the stars are far less visible. So why is this?
The reason for this is light pollution. Light from our inner-city buildings, roads, signs, media displays and other sources of light all contribute to upward light escaping into our skies. This leads to sky glow and stops us from being able to see the stars.
Can you believe that an estimated 85% of the UK’s population have never experienced the sense of wonder that a truly dark, star filled sky brings? This number is set to increase if our approach to lighting continues unchallenged.
As the chatter around the UK commitment to house building and Town Planning system reforms buzz the media, we risk polluting our skies further and enabling the silent pollutant that is light to sprawl into rural areas, thus burning out our remaining limited views of the stars.
Did you know, we can actually light spaces and places without significantly impacting the night sky? By adapting the lighting design methods and challenging the norm, we can provide lighting that is less impactful on our skies.
Have you wondered why planning officers are increasingly asking for more evidence about light pollution mitigation measures for your Proposed Developments prior to determination?
One of the reasons for this is the interest that parliament are taking on light pollution.
In 2021 the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Dark Skies published a paper entitled ‘10 Dark Sky Policies for the Government’. The aim of the document is to revolutionise the approach to light pollution in the UK, promoting the conception of fresh ideas across the following themes:
- Challenging the existing legal framework for the parts of the planning process which regulate light pollution
- Overhauling the rules applicable to outdoor lighting installations
- Introducing new initiatives at every level of government which educate and incentivise the reduction of light pollution and obtrusive light
The full document can be read here https://appgdarkskies.co.uk/policy-plan
The APPG paper has sparked debate around the subject of light pollution, with the government now taking an interest in the wider effects of light pollution.
Further to this, The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee conducted an inquiry in 2023 to investigate the effects of light and noise on human health. The investigation found that there are ‘significant gaps in research and understanding’. However, the attention that light pollution has attracted in parliament is already filtering down through the planning system, with the effects of light being scrutinised more thoroughly.
So, how can we create lighting designs that protect our skies?
By following a few core principles, we can balance our lighting needs with a commitment to preserving darkness:
- Useful Light: Light should only be applied where and when it’s genuinely needed.
- Targeted Light: Design lighting to ensure it shines only where it’s required, avoiding unnecessary spill into the sky or surrounding areas.
- Low-Level Light: Use the minimum brightness necessary. Excessively bright lights not only waste energy but also contribute more to sky glow.
- Controlled Light: Lighting should be on only when it is needed, which can be achieved with timers, dimmers, or motion sensors.
- Warm-Coloured Light: Favour warm, low-colour-temperature lighting to reduce blue wavelengths, which contribute more significantly to light pollution and sky glow.
A well-planned lighting strategy is crucial for any new development. By embedding the principles above into every stage of the design process, we can ensure lighting is as responsible as it is functional. Not only will this help protect our view of the stars, but it will also support local wildlife and reduce the impact of light pollution.
As we continue to build, develop, and expand, we must aim to protect the night sky for generations to come. By lighting responsibly, we can reduce our impact on the environment and preserve the wonders above us. So, next time you’re involved in a project, consider the stars, and let’s light our world with a little more thought for the night.
Image credit: ESO/P. Horálek, M. Wallner
