{"id":31419,"date":"2024-09-11T11:46:19","date_gmt":"2024-09-11T18:46:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/?post_type=darksky_news&p=31419"},"modified":"2024-09-12T11:25:43","modified_gmt":"2024-09-12T18:25:43","slug":"darksky-approved-the-seal-you-can-count-on","status":"publish","type":"darksky_news","link":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/news\/darksky-approved-the-seal-you-can-count-on\/","title":{"rendered":"DarkSky Approved, the true standard in dark sky preservation."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What does DarkSky Approved mean? Understanding the true standard in dark sky preservation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At DarkSky International, we celebrate the growing movement to protect the night! This movement, often referred to as the \u201cdark sky movement,\u201d brings together individuals, communities, organizations, and companies worldwide to reduce light pollution and its damaging effects. We wholeheartedly support and commend all genuine efforts to preserve our dark skies. However, as the movement gains momentum, it’s crucial to ensure the integrity of dark sky protection isn’t diluted by unsubstantiated claims or misleading assertions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dark sky buzzwords: Are they legitimate or just marketing?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In today’s market, terms like “dark sky compliant” have become popular buzzwords. You may have seen them on websites, product packaging, or boxes of light bulbs and fixtures. But it’s important to scrutinize these claims. Are these products genuinely meeting established standards, or is it just clever marketing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drew Reagan, DarkSky International\u2019s Communications Manager, explains, “Consider how ‘greenwashing’ has plagued the auto industry or how misleading food labels have led consumers to believe they’re making healthy choices. Product packaging is often designed to appear eco-friendly or health-conscious, but the contents frequently fail to deliver on these promises. We’re seeing a similar trend with ‘dark sky friendly’ lighting \u2013 attractive labeling doesn’t guarantee genuine responsibility.”<\/p>\n\n\n

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Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase<\/em> was the first to earn the DarkSky Approved Lodging<\/a> certification. Developed in partnership with Under Canvas<\/a>, this program sets a new standard in the travel industry, encouraging hospitality companies to join in DarkSky’s efforts to protect the night sky. Photo credit: Bailey Made<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The importance of a third-party verification<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Without scientifically grounded criteria and independent third-party verification, claims of responsible lighting can be hollow or even harmful to the environment. It’s crucial to question the source and authority behind these assertions. That’s where the DarkSky logo and seal come in, offering consumers a trustworthy indicator of products and places that genuinely meet the gold standard of dark sky preservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a product, place, or initiative earns the DarkSky Approved seal, it signifies a profound commitment to preserving our night skies. Our certification process is rooted in scientific integrity, involving a rigorous evaluation based on the latest peer-reviewed research. In fact, DarkSky International, in collaboration with the Illuminating Engineering Society, developed the Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting at Night (ROLAN). These principles have become a trusted resource for organizations within the lighting and environmental communities. We set the standard, and we strictly adhere to it.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The DarkSky Approved Outdoor Sports Lighting<\/a> program, developed in partnership with Musco, is just one of the growing list of certification initiatives designed to protect the night. Programs like these prove that the human-built environment does not have to be at odds with dark sky preservation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Brian Liebel, Chief Program Officer, explains the significance of these principles: “The Five Principles that we co-authored are the guidelines by which we author our programs and set criteria. Outdoor lighting must have a clear purpose, be targeted only where it is needed, be limited to the amount of light recommended by standards and not over-lighted, turned off or dimmed when not in use, and have a warm color temperature.” He adds, “From those principles, we set limits on lighting that produce higher quality outdoor lighting that enhances the night environment through reduced glare, better illumination, and significant reduction of light pollution.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DarkSky International is a trusted authority in the fight against light pollution. Our knowledgeable and dedicated team has been at the forefront of this crucial environmental issue for over thirty years. As a nonprofit organization, our mission is to protect the night. This singular focus, combined with our scientific expertise, allows us to offer a truly independent and reliable third-party certification. The only truly dark sky approved products, places, or initiatives are ones with an official DarkSky Approved seal, so be sure to keep an eye out for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

DarkSky Approved programs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

DarkSky International offers a range of certifications designed to support dark sky preservation across various locations and products. Our flagship initiative, the International Dark Sky Places program<\/a>, has certified over 220 locations worldwide and continues to grow. Building on this success, DarkSky developed the DarkSky Approved program, a third-party verification system for outdoor lighting fixtures. This program has since expanded to include certifications for DarkSky Approved Lodging<\/a>, DarkSky Approved Outdoor Sports Lighting<\/a>, and DarkSky Approved Sea Turtle Sensitive<\/a> lighting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These programs, which continue to expand annually, represent the gold standard in dark sky preservation. As an internationally renowned non-profit, DarkSky International provides trustworthy certifications that ensure enthusiasts and businesses alike are actively contributing to the protection of dark skies and critical nocturnal environments.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Goblin Valley State Park in southeast Utah proudly displays the International Dark Sky Places<\/a> seal of approval below their entrance sign. Be sure to look for the official DarkSky logo or seal of approval when visiting a dark sky place to ensure they are protecting the night to the highest standard.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

DarkSky International: More than just a certification<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It’s also important to note that DarkSky International isn’t just a certification body; we’re a dedicated advocacy group working tirelessly to educate and implement dark sky ordinances at the state and municipal levels. By choosing products or visiting places with the DarkSky logo or seal, you’re actively supporting a growing movement to protect the night and preserve dark skies for future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The DarkSky seal stands as a trusted symbol of genuine progress in the battle against light pollution. By choosing products and places with our seal, you’re actively contributing to darker, healthier nights. Together, we can realize the dream of restoring starry skies for everyone to enjoy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What does DarkSky Approved mean? Understanding the true standard in dark sky preservation At DarkSky International, we celebrate the growing movement to protect the night! This movement, often referred to as the \u201cdark sky movement,\u201d brings together individuals, communities, organizations, and companies worldwide to reduce light pollution and its damaging effects. We wholeheartedly support and …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":67,"featured_media":31422,"template":"","categories":[633],"tags":[535,1419,296,1420],"advocacy_type":[],"events_terms":[],"locations_terms":[],"admin_issue":[],"class_list":["post-31419","darksky_news","type-darksky_news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-darksky-approved","tag-darksky-brand","tag-idsp","tag-sports-lighting"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/darksky_news\/31419","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/darksky_news"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/darksky_news"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/67"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31422"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31419"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31419"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31419"},{"taxonomy":"advocacy_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advocacy_type?post=31419"},{"taxonomy":"events_terms","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/events_terms?post=31419"},{"taxonomy":"locations_terms","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/locations_terms?post=31419"},{"taxonomy":"admin_issue","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/admin_issue?post=31419"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}