Artificial light at night is important for
safety, sense of security, and navigation, however light pollution results when lighting is excessive or inappropriately used. The ability to recognize poor lighting design and determine whether lighting is appropriate or excessive is the first step towards addressing light pollution.
The Lighting Design Tookit includes resources for understanding outdoor lighting basics, responsible lighting principles, and identifying dark-sky-friendly lighting. Ideas and examples of how to creatively incorporate dark-sky themes into outdoor designs are also included.
Resources
OUTDOOR LIGHTING BASICS
An overview of what constitutes “good” outdoor lighting based on dark-sky-friendly principles and best practices.
International Dark-Sky Association
BETTER LIGHTS FOR BETTER NIGHTS – pdf
An Illustration of fixtures that produce glare and light trespass vs. fixtures that shield the light source to minimize glare and light trespass.
Illustrations by Bob Crelin, darkskysociety.org
DARK SKY ASSESSMENT GUIDE
This worksheet guides users through several evaluation methods which could be used for a general assessment of dark sky friendly lighting in a community.
Utah Community Development Office
INTERNATIONAL NIGHTTIME DESIGN INITIATIVE
An international team generating an interdisciplinary, socially aware approach to the issues of cities after dark, conducting research, education and strategic planning.
nighttimedesign.org
FIVE PRINCIPLES FOR RESPONSIBLE OUTDOOR LIGHTING
By applying these five principles, properly designed electric lighting at night can be beautiful, healthy, and functional. Projects that incorporate these principles will save energy and money, reduce light pollution, and minimize wildlife disruption.
International Dark-Sky Association & the Illuminating Engineering Society
FIND DARK SKY FRIENDLY LIGHTING
The International Dark Sky Association’s Fixture Seal of Approval program certifies outdoor lighting fixtures as being dark-sky friendly, meaning that they minimize glare while reducing light trespass and skyglow.
International Dark-Sky Association
TRANSFORM A WALKWAY INTO A SOLAR SYSTEM TRAIL
This company enhances trails and public walks by creating a scaled journey across the solar system using signage and an audio guide.
X-Trails, Explore the Universe
HOW TO DESIGN A MOON GARDEN
A Moon Garden is a garden meant to be enjoyed by the light of the moon through sight, smell, and sound.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac
”Generally, use lighting where it’s
needed, when it’s needed, and only
as bright as needed.”
