Directed
Light should be directed only where it is necessary to illuminate. For this, use fixtures that point the light downward, without allowing it to escape upward or sideways.
Light pollution
Discover how excessive artificial lighting affects biodiversity, human health, and astronomical activity.
What is light pollution?
If you live in an urban environment, when you look at the sky at night, you have probably noticed that it is becoming increasingly difficult to see stars. This is due to light pollution, an effect of human activity that alters the natural darkness of the night sky and is caused by excessive artificial light.
Artificial light is necessary and useful for humanity, but when it is not utilized properly, is not needed, or is inappropriate in terms of intensity, direction, or color temperature, it can have a negative impact on living beings. Additionally, it affects scientific research and contributes to climate change.
83% of people in the world live under light-polluted skies.
Astronomy
Light pollution is the main threat to astronomy because it affects the quality of the observable sky. One of its main negative effects is sky glow. This is a diffuse brightness in the night sky that reduces the ability of astronomers to observe fainter celestial bodies. When the direction of artificial light is not properly controlled, it can travel 100 km or more, reaching even remote areas far from the urban zones that generated it.
A 10% increase in sky brightness would mean a loss of 12.07% of the original capacity of optical telescopes.
Climate Change
It is estimated that more than 30% of the energy used for lighting is wasted by illuminating upwards, over-illuminating, or lighting areas that really do not need it. Lighting accounts for about 10% of total energy use, so its waste represents a squandering of energy resources. Globally, most electricity is produced from coal, oil, or gas, contributing to the carbon footprint and climate change.
It is estimated that more than 30% of the energy used for lighting is wasted by illuminating upwards.
Human Health
The circadian cycle is a biological clock that regulates the physical and mental functions of humans in 24-hour cycles. This system is regulated by melatonin, a hormone that also induces sleep. Artificial light with a high percentage of blue spectrum delays the natural release of melatonin, disrupting our biological clock. This leads to difficulties in sleeping and can even alter cellular reproduction. There is scientific evidence indicating that artificial light is affecting the health of people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Additionally, there is evidence that light pollution can increase the risk of developing breast cancer by 10 to 14% and also raises the risk of developing prostate cancer.
There is evidence that artificial light is affecting the health of people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and certain types of cancer.
Biodiversity
Differentiating between day and night is very important for living beings, to the extent that the mechanisms for adapting to these changes in light are encoded in the genetic information of all plants and animals. Light pollution disrupts reproduction, feeding, sleep, and protection against predators in many species, having negative effects on various amphibians, fish, mammals, insects, and plants.
Light pollution disrupts reproduction, feeding, sleep, and protection against predators in many species.
The rate of increase in light pollution grows by 9.6% per year, more than three times the increase in CO2 emissions.
How to light responsibly?
To prevent light pollution, it is not necessary to have dark cities; we just need to illuminate correctly. To achieve this, follow these principles of sustainable lighting:
Intensity
Brighter light or a greater number of fixtures does not mean better lighting. Your eyes can adapt to lower light intensities.
Control
Use light only when necessary. Technology today allows us to control, dim, or turn off lights when they are not in use.
Color
Prefer warm colors that are comfortable for your eyes. 'Cool-white' lights have a higher percentage of blue spectrum, which affects your health and the environment.
Utility
Light should serve a purpose; consider avoiding reflections on other surfaces, ensuring it is not bothersome to the eyes, or that it does not intrude into other spaces.
Stay Informed
Learn about the new lighting regulations, adopt these measures in your environment, and join our mission to preserve dark skies.
Learn more about the Lighting Regulation.
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