As we head into the summer months, many of us look forward to spending our evenings under the stars. But sadly, that precious view is rapidly diminishing. Experts estimate that by the end of 2025 only a few true dark sky locations will remain in the United States. One of the two main culprits: light pollution.
In recent years, the conversation surrounding exterior lighting design has shifted significantly. As awareness of light pollution and its effects on both the environment and human health grows, the demand for Dark Sky compliant lighting has surged. At Barton, we believe in creating outdoor spaces that are beautiful, safe, and environmentally responsible. One effective way to achieve this balance is through the use of warmer color temperatures and amber LED lighting in exterior applications.
The Dark Sky movement, led by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), aims to reduce light pollution by promoting responsible quality outdoor lighting. The key goals include minimizing glare, reducing skyglow, and limiting light trespass. Achieving these standards involves careful consideration of the type, placement, and color temperature of exterior light fixtures.
Color temperature, measured in degrees Kelvin (K), describes the hue of a light source. Higher color temperatures (4000K and above) emit bluish-white light, while lower color temperatures (3000K and below) produce a warmer, yellow-orange light. Research has shown that higher color temperatures contribute more to skyglow and have a greater negative impact on nocturnal wildlife and human circadian rhythms at night. Therefore, opting for warmer color temperature light sources is a fundamental step in adhering to Dark Sky guidelines.
Amber LED lighting, with color temperatures typically around 1800K to 2200K, offers an excellent solution for exterior applications. Below are several reasons why they are a smart choice for Dark Sky compliance:
- Reduced Skyglow: Amber LEDs emit less blue light, which is the primary contributor to skyglow. By using amber lighting, we can significantly decrease the amount of light scattered into the atmosphere, preserving the natural darkness of the night sky.
- Enhanced Visibility and Safety: Contrary to popular belief, warmer lighting can actually improve visibility (when compared to cooler color temperatures) by reducing the possibility of glare. The softer illumination provided by warmer color temperatures, especially amber LEDs, enhances contrast and depth perception, making outdoor spaces safer and more comfortable.
- Ecological Harmony: Plants and animals depend on the Earth’s natural light and dark cycle to govern their life-sustaining behaviors. Scientific evidence suggests that white light at night has negative and even deadly effects on many of these creatures, including birds, mammals, insects, and amphibians. Amber LEDs minimize the disruption to wildlife, support biodiversity, and ecological balance.
- Human Health Benefits: Exposure to blue-white light at night can interfere with our sleep patterns which in turn can have a negative effect on our overall health. Warmer lighting mitigates these effects by promoting melatonin production in the body leading to better sleep and overall well-being.
With the IES and IDA’s encouragement, the lighting industry is quickly jumping to answer the call for more environmentally responsible outdoor lighting that aligns with Dark Sky standards. New light fixture options which offer lower lighting levels, proper shielding, and warmer color temperature ranges including Amber LED technology are being released in the market daily. This along with the support of the lighting design community is creating hope for restoring and preserving our precious view of the stars while promoting ecological sustainability and human health here on earth. If you would like to learn more, please contact Barton’s Director of Lighting Design, Jennifer Harrington, PE, LC, LEED AP at 814-237-2180 or jlh@ba-inc.com.