RESPONSIBLE OUTDOOR ILLUMINATION: HOW SELUX SUPPORTS DARKSKY LIGHTING
- DARYL AVERY SWANSON
- Jun 20
- 2 min read
According to Arcadia.com, it is estimated that over one-third of the human population cannot see the stars in the sky due to light pollution. In North America alone, 80% of us cannot see the Milky Way.
Although it’s sad that many of us are unable to view the stars in our galaxy, light pollution has consequences far beyond the limitation of stargazing, such as disrupting ecosystems and posing threats to wildlife.
Fortunately, Selux recognizes this dire situation and presents us with dozens of innovative, effective DarkSky-certified solutions. Let’s dive in!
A GUIDE TO RESPONSIBLE OUTDOOR LIGHTING
Selux abides by five core principles to protect our night skies. The first is Useful. Lighting should only be used if necessary. The second pillar is Targeted. Illumination should be directed so that it highlights a precise location. Next is Low Level. The brightness of luminaires should be minimized. Then, we have Controlled. Lights should only be turned on when needed – outdoor lighting isn’t necessary during daytime hours. Lastly, lighting should be Warm-Colored wherever possible.
NATURAL RHYTHMS AND WELL-BEING
The darkness of the night sky is vital for regulating natural rhythms of humans, animals, and even plants. Emotions, behaviors, and life cycles of species can be affected by the shift from daylight to moonlight. This natural shift serves as a biological cue for our circadian rhythms. Too much artificial night light can result in inadequate or irregular sleep patterns, increased stress, fatigue, and more. They say New York is the city that never sleeps. Do you know why? Because the lights are always on!
WARM LIGHTING
You may be wondering – What is warm-colored lighting, and why should it be used? First, warm-colored illumination is lighting that ranges from 1000 K to 3000 K in temperature. This kind of lighting produces long-wave lighting that is safe for living organisms.
On the opposite side of the scale is short-wave light (blue/violet), to which wildlife can be highly sensitive. It is generally recommended to utilize color temperatures of less than 2700 K to ensure the safety of the animal kingdom.
SPECIALLY DEVELOPED OPTICS
All of Selux’s DarkSky-approved solutions project targeted light with a clear cut-off. This means that the illumination is only projected below the horizontal plane. As a result, no light can escape into the night sky.
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Selux discovered that various types of lighting fixtures can help prevent light pollution:
Projection: Indirect surface lighting (like façades) decreases radiation.
Precision floodlighting: Illuminates buildings without generating too much stray light.
Grazing: If directed downwards, it can provide accent lighting without pollution.
Shielding: Well-shielded solutions prevent radiation being aimed into the sky.
With detailed research, thoughtful design, and responsible technology like Selux’s DarkSky-certified lighting, we can reduce light pollution and restore natural balance - one luminaire at a time!
