{"id":22821,"date":"2023-04-24T16:12:36","date_gmt":"2023-04-24T23:12:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/?page_id=22821"},"modified":"2026-02-26T10:24:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T17:24:24","slug":"advancing-responsible-outdoor-lighting","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/what-we-do\/advancing-responsible-outdoor-lighting\/","title":{"rendered":"Support responsible outdoor lighting"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-ds-gr-full remove-margin-top box-padding-top-btm has-sun-2-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div id=\"intro\" class=\"wp-block-group is-style-ds-landing-gr has-transparent-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns !max-w-full lg:!grid grid-cols-12 gap-x-10 mb-0 px-0 py-0 ds-block-columns--2 is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns !max-w-full lg:!grid grid-cols-12 gap-x-10 mb-0 px-0 py-0 ds-block-columns--2-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-lg-font-size\">Our desire to light our world at night is not new. We have illuminated our outdoor public places and private realms for centuries. What has changed is that outdoor lighting is now ubiquitous, cheap, and powerful. With it, the world has gotten brighter. A lot brighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-font-size\">Lighting brings tremendous benefits to modern society. It has revolutionized the way we live and work outdoors. Modern society requires outdoor light at night for various needs, including safety and commerce.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Responsible outdoor lighting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Meets the needs of people to see at night<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conserves energy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoids harmful effects on wildlife<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protects our night sky<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"guides\" class=\"wp-block-group box-margin-pad-top-btm is-style-ds-landing-gr has-transparent-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns !max-w-full lg:!grid grid-cols-12 gap-x-10 mb-0 px-0 py-0 ds-block-columns--2 is-style-ds-landing-r is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns !max-w-full lg:!grid grid-cols-12 gap-x-10 mb-0 px-0 py-0 ds-block-columns--2-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ordinances-Icon-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-31554\" srcset=\"https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ordinances-Icon-1.png 1080w, https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ordinances-Icon-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ordinances-Icon-1-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ordinances-Icon-1-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ordinances-Icon-1-480x480.png 480w, https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ordinances-Icon-1-240x240.png 240w, https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ordinances-Icon-1-720x720.png 720w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Create state and local lighting codes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-lg-font-size\">Establishing lawful requirements for outdoor lighting is an effective way to protect local character, improve visual safety, and reduce the harmful effects of unnecessary and misdirected light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Created in collaboration with city planners, lighting designers, scientists, and other industry professionals, DarkSky International has developed a set of expert-approved policy templates that provide comprehensive guidance and requirements for outdoor lighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/darksky.org\/what-we-do\/advancing-responsible-outdoor-lighting\/darksky-recognized-codes-and-statutes\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"five-principles\" class=\"wp-block-group mb-10 is-style-ds-landing-gr is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns !max-w-full lg:!grid grid-cols-12 gap-x-10 mb-0 px-0 py-0 ds-block-columns--2 is-style-ds-landing-l is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns !max-w-full lg:!grid grid-cols-12 gap-x-10 mb-0 px-0 py-0 ds-block-columns--2-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Five Principles for Outdoor Lighting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-lg-font-size\">We promote a holistic approach to light pollution reduction using the <a href=\"https:\/\/darksky.org\/resources\/lighting-principles\/\">Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thoughtful lighting installations limit light to where it is needed, and only in the amounts necessary. This approach eliminates unnecessary lighting and light going up into the sky, and reduces over-lighting, glare, and lighting that spills out past its intended area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/darksky.org\/resources\/guides-and-how-tos\/lighting-principles\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div id=\"faq\" class=\"wp-block-group boxed-faq is-style-ds-gr-full has-eggplant-1-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Responsible outdoor lighting is<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<accordion-item class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item alignfull c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js is-open\" data-initially-open=\"true\" data-open-breakpoint=\"0\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-uuid=\"228210\"><h4 id=\"at-228210\" class=\"js-accordion-controller c-accordion__title\" role=\"button\"><strong>1 \u2014 Useful<\/strong><\/h4><div id=\"ac-228210\" class=\"c-accordion__content\"><div class=\"c-accordion__content-wrapper\">\n<p><strong>Use light only if it is needed<\/strong><br>All light should have a clear purpose. Consider how the use of light will impact the area, including wildlife and their habitats.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/accordion-item>\n\n\n\n<accordion-item class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item alignfull c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-open-breakpoint=\"0\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-uuid=\"228211\"><h4 id=\"at-228211\" class=\"js-accordion-controller c-accordion__title\" role=\"button\"><strong>2 \u2014 Targeted<\/strong><\/h4><div id=\"ac-228211\" class=\"c-accordion__content\" hidden><div class=\"c-accordion__content-wrapper\">\n<p><strong>Direct light so it falls only where it is needed<\/strong><br>Use shielding and careful aiming to target the direction of the light beam so that it points downward and does not spill beyond where it is needed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/accordion-item>\n\n\n\n<accordion-item class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item alignfull c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-open-breakpoint=\"0\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-uuid=\"228212\"><h4 id=\"at-228212\" class=\"js-accordion-controller c-accordion__title\" role=\"button\"><strong>3 \u2014 Low level<\/strong><\/h4><div id=\"ac-228212\" class=\"c-accordion__content\" hidden><div class=\"c-accordion__content-wrapper\">\n<p><strong>The light should be no brighter than necessary<\/strong><br>Use the lowest light level required. Be mindful of surface conditions, as some surfaces may reflect more light into the night sky than intended.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/accordion-item>\n\n\n\n<accordion-item class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item alignfull c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-open-breakpoint=\"0\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-uuid=\"228213\"><h4 id=\"at-228213\" class=\"js-accordion-controller c-accordion__title\" role=\"button\"><strong>4 \u2014 Controlled<\/strong><\/h4><div id=\"ac-228213\" class=\"c-accordion__content\" hidden><div class=\"c-accordion__content-wrapper\">\n<p><strong>Use light only when it is needed<\/strong><br>Use controls such as timers or motion detectors to ensure that light is available when it is needed, dimmed when possible, and turned off when not needed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/accordion-item>\n\n\n\n<accordion-item class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item alignfull c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-open-breakpoint=\"0\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-uuid=\"228214\"><h4 id=\"at-228214\" class=\"js-accordion-controller c-accordion__title\" role=\"button\"><strong>5 \u2014 Warm-colored<\/strong><\/h4><div id=\"ac-228214\" class=\"c-accordion__content\" hidden><div class=\"c-accordion__content-wrapper\">\n<p><strong>Use warmer-color lights where possible<\/strong><br>Limit the amount of shorter wavelength (blue-violet) light to the least amount needed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/accordion-item>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"positions\" class=\"wp-block-group mb-10 is-style-ds-landing-gr is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns !max-w-full lg:!grid grid-cols-12 gap-x-10 mb-0 px-0 py-0 ds-block-columns--2 is-style-darksky-landing is-style-ds-landing-r is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns !max-w-full lg:!grid grid-cols-12 gap-x-10 mb-0 px-0 py-0 ds-block-columns--2-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"680\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2023\/02\/fi-our-positions.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of a person looking contemplatively at a piece of paper\" class=\"wp-image-21555\" srcset=\"https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2023\/02\/fi-our-positions.jpg 680w, https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2023\/02\/fi-our-positions-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2023\/02\/fi-our-positions-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2023\/02\/fi-our-positions-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2023\/02\/fi-our-positions-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2023\/02\/fi-our-positions-240x240.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">DarkSky positions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-lg-font-size\">Our <a href=\"https:\/\/darksky.org\/what-we-do\/our-positions\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"21554\">Position Statements<\/a> take a stance on: <a href=\"https:\/\/darksky.org\/what-we-do\/our-positions\/#satellite-mega-constellations\">satellite mega-constellations<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/darksky.org\/what-we-do\/our-positions\/#outdoor-sports-lighting\">outdoor sports and stadium lighting<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/darksky.org\/what-we-do\/our-positions\/#border-lights\">lights along the U.S.\/Mexico border<\/a>; and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/darksky.org\/what-we-do\/our-positions\/\" rel=\"\/resources\/light-pollution\/\">Read all positions<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"policy-database\" class=\"wp-block-group mb-16 is-style-ds-landing-gr is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns !max-w-full lg:!grid grid-cols-12 gap-x-10 mb-0 px-0 py-0 ds-block-columns--2 is-style-darksky-landing is-style-ds-landing-l is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns !max-w-full lg:!grid grid-cols-12 gap-x-10 mb-0 px-0 py-0 ds-block-columns--2-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lighting code database<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-lg-font-size\">In partnership with the University of Arizona\u2019s James E. Rogers College of Law, we have developed a database of statutory regulations and case law regarding outdoor lighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you are researching light pollution or advocating for laws in your community, we hope this database will support your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/idadb.cals.arizona.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Visit the law database<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"680\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2023\/04\/fi-legal-policy-database.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of a person using a technology interface to search through documents.\" class=\"wp-image-22855\" srcset=\"https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2023\/04\/fi-legal-policy-database.jpg 680w, https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2023\/04\/fi-legal-policy-database-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2023\/04\/fi-legal-policy-database-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2023\/04\/fi-legal-policy-database-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2023\/04\/fi-legal-policy-database-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2023\/04\/fi-legal-policy-database-240x240.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"partnerships\" class=\"wp-block-group mb-10 is-style-ds-landing-gr is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns !max-w-full lg:!grid grid-cols-12 gap-x-10 mb-0 px-0 py-0 ds-block-columns--2 is-style-darksky-landing is-style-ds-landing-r is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns !max-w-full lg:!grid grid-cols-12 gap-x-10 mb-0 px-0 py-0 ds-block-columns--2-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"680\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2023\/04\/fi-global-standards-partnerships.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22859\" srcset=\"https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2023\/04\/fi-global-standards-partnerships.jpg 680w, https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2023\/04\/fi-global-standards-partnerships-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2023\/04\/fi-global-standards-partnerships-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2023\/04\/fi-global-standards-partnerships-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2023\/04\/fi-global-standards-partnerships-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/darksky.org\/app\/uploads\/2023\/04\/fi-global-standards-partnerships-240x240.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Global standards and partnerships<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-lg-font-size\">DarkSky participates as a stakeholder in many of the professional organizations that establish lighting standards worldwide, including the <a href=\"https:\/\/cie.co.at\/\">International Commission on Illumination<\/a> (CIE) and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ies.org\">Illuminating Engineering Society<\/a> (IES).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our advocacy is focused on getting light pollution recognized as a core issue and incorporating the <a href=\"https:\/\/darksky.org\/resources\/guides-and-how-tos\/lighting-principles\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"14092\">Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting<\/a> in all relevant standards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>DarkSky supports responsible outdoor lighting through policy positions, public education, scientific research, partnerships, and more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":22822,"parent":21371,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-full-width.blade.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[617,548],"tags":[598,11,78,599],"advocacy_type":[],"events_terms":[],"locations_terms":[],"admin_issue":[],"class_list":["post-22821","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-advancing-responsible-outdoor-lighting","category-what-we-do","tag-education","tag-light-pollution","tag-outdoor-lighting","tag-policy"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22821","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22821"}],"version-history":[{"count":109,"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22821\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36626,"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22821\/revisions\/36626"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21371"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22822"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22821"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22821"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22821"},{"taxonomy":"advocacy_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advocacy_type?post=22821"},{"taxonomy":"events_terms","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/events_terms?post=22821"},{"taxonomy":"locations_terms","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/locations_terms?post=22821"},{"taxonomy":"admin_issue","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/admin_issue?post=22821"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}