We take access to reliable electric lighting for granted in our everyday lives, but without it, our safety and way of life could be compromised.
The 16th of May marks the UNESCO International Day of Light (IDL), an annual initiative which explores the international impact of the lighting industry. Now in its ninth year, the event focuses on overcoming environmental challenges to achieve a globally sustainable industry. In their statement, UNESCO emphasises that “light-based technologies are critical for monitoring and predicting climate change.”
Artificial light plays a key role in public life, helping us travel safely, even without natural light. However, uncontrolled or excessive use can have detrimental effects on nocturnal wildlife, as well as being a nuisance to residents.
Light pollution is created when artificial lights are not focused to illuminate a specific area, causing light spill and ultimately energy wastage.
To combat this, developers are encouraged to consider the following factors during the design phase of external lighting projects.
Designers must first consider what needs to be illuminated, so the lighting is only focused on the desired area. Lighting shields are used to direct light so it is concentrated in one place; this measure prevents light being dispersed in all directions, where it will lose impact and waste energy.
Excessive energy use can also be significantly reduced by the ability to control when the lighting comes on. Occupancy sensors allow areas to be well lit only when they are occupied, reducing energy wastage for fittings that do not need to be permanently on.
A developer must also assure the environmental suitability of their lighting, as our dark skies are under threat from any unnecessary glare caused by over-lighting.
When it comes to public lighting, such as streetlights and bollards, switching to warm lighting limits disruption to wildlife. Shields should also be employed to direct the lighting efficiently towards the ground.
At home, PiR sensor lighting technology can also be used to limit energy wastage and save consumers money. Occupancy sensors are only triggered by activity outside your property, which makes this a key security measure as well as a cost-effective approach to domestic external lighting.
It is important to consider these factors alongside the wider ecological impact so we can live affordably, as well as supporting our environment. The lighting industry is producing nature-friendly external lighting solutions for everyday consumers, to reduce the impact on wildlife and to preserve dark skies.
At BMS, we advocate for the same values and goals that are set out by this year’s International Day of Light. UNESCO’s statement focuses on utilising modern lighting innovations “to improve quality of life with efficient and green solutions.”
BMS ensure that we keep the human and environmental impact of our lighting installations at the forefront of our projects, ensuring that our installations are tailored to the needs of each customer, with minimal ecological impact.
If you are interested in finding out more about our domestic, agricultural or commercial external lighting solutions, please get in touch via info@bmselectrical.co.uk or give us a call on 01580 241841.
