The Purpose of Outdoor Lighting Is To:
- Provide a safe and secure environment at night.
- Extend the use of parks and walkways into the night.
- Facilitate safe travel on roads and at intersections.
- Enhance points of entry and historic/notable features.
Well Planned Outdoor Lighting Should:
- Enhance visibility, not impede it.
- Not produce glare.
- Be a part of the total nightscape, not all of it.
- Not allow light trespass on other’s property.
- Maximize energy efficiency.
- Create safe routes for traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians.
How Can We Accomplish This?
Shielded Lighting
Lights that are shielded do not produce glare or sky glow and can efficiently light up area by directing light towards the ground. Shielded lighting creates a safer and more energy efficient outdoor environment.
Dark Sky Friendly Lighting
Lighting that minimizes glare, while reducing trespass and skyglow is considered “Dark Sky Friendly.” These lights are required to be fully shielded and minimize the amount of blue light they emit into the environment. Find Dark Sky Friendly Lighting.
Follow the Principles For Responsible Outdoor Lighting
The Five Principles of Responsible Outdoor Lighting developed by the DarkSky International and the Illuminating Engineering Society include light should be:1. Useful and have a clear purpose
2. Targeted and directed where needed
3. No brighter than necessary
4. Controlled
5. Warmer in color where possible
