Responsible Lighting for Your Business

As business owners, we must consider every aspect of our operations with care and responsibility. Every day, thousands of details and decisions need your attention. Each one can significantly impact the success of our business and the community and environment around us.

For example, outdoor lighting enhances the look of your building and property. It provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for customers and increases foot traffic. However, you may have yet to consider its impact on light pollution.

This is where responsible lighting for your business comes in.

What is Light Pollution?

We are familiar with air, water, environmental, and noise pollution. But what is light pollution? The term refers to the excessive artificial light produced by human activities. There are several types of light pollution:

• Skyglow is the brightening of the night sky over populated areas caused by streetlights, buildings, and illuminated billboards. It creates a dome of light that reduces the visibility of stars and other objects in the night sky.
• Light trespass occurs when intrusive artificial light spills over into areas where it is not wanted, such as residential properties or natural habitats. Improperly aimed floodlights, security lights, and streetlights are common causes of this type of light pollution.
• Clutter refers to the excessive grouping of bright lights, usually in urban areas. Neon signs, large advertising billboards, and densely packed streetlights all contribute to light clutter.

Light pollution continues to be a growing problem as the growth of cities and towns leads to more artificial lighting for streets, buildings, and public spaces. Airports, highways, sports stadiums, and amusement parks, with their powerful lighting systems, also contribute to the problem.

The Consequences of Light Pollution

Light pollution disrupts the natural darkness of the night environment, its adverse effects can be seen on both the environment and human health. It disturbs the natural behaviors of wildlife, including migration, reproduction, and foraging, particularly nocturnal animals.

Artificial lighting also interferes with the activities of pollinators like moths and bats. Combined with the light’s impact on plant flowering cycles, it ultimately affects plant reproduction.

Humans also feel the impact of light pollution. Our exposure to artificial light at night can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, leading to sleep disorders and other health issues.

The Five Principles of Responsible Lighting

Several cities across the United States have implemented lighting ordinances to mitigate the problems caused by light pollution. In Texas, the cities of Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, along with several others, now have lighting ordinances in place. Houston will likely do so in the near future.

However, you don’t need to wait for lighting ordinances before making any changes to your commercial property. You can begin by reviewing the five principles of responsible lighting and asking yourself the following questions:

1. Is it useful?

Determine which areas require lighting, such as entrances, walkways, parking lots, and signage. Focus on areas where lighting serves a clear purpose. 

2. Is it targeted?

Choose fully shielded fixtures that direct light downward, minimizing skyglow and glare. These fixtures focus the light where needed without scattering it into the night sky. Also, consider using cutoff fixtures that limit light emission above a certain angle, preventing unnecessary light from spilling into unwanted areas.

3. Is it at a low level?

Ensure that the brightness of your outdoor lighting is appropriate for its purpose. Overly bright lights can cause glare and discomfort, while insufficient lighting may compromise safety. 

4. Is it controlled?

Install dimmer controls to adjust lighting levels based on the time of day, or your specific needs. Use motion sensors for areas that do not require constant illumination. 

5. Is it warm-colored?

Choose lighting that is less harmful to nocturnal wildlife. Avoid bright, white lights. Instead, choose softer, warmer lights less likely to disrupt natural behaviors.

Consider a Professional Lighting Audit

An outdoor lighting professional can conduct a thorough audit of your existing outdoor lighting system. At Houston Lightscapes, our light design professionals can work with you to identify areas for improvement. We can create a lighting design that considers your specific needs and incorporates the principles of responsible lighting, along with functionality and aesthetics.

Contact us for a free consultation by calling (713) 461-3600.