Preventing light pollution

Smart lighting concepts for company premises: saving energy and protecting nocturnal wildlife

Artificial light at night disturbs many animal species: insects are drawn to illuminated areas, bats avoid brightly lit zones, and birds can lose their orientation.
Light pollution also affects humans, contributes to sleep disturbances, and unnecessarily increases energy consumption.

By implementing thoughtfully designed lighting concepts, companies can improve their environmental impact while cutting energy costs. Effective measures include installing motion or time controlled lighting, directing light towards the ground, choosing warm white, insect friendly LED lights, and reducing unnecessary lighting on parking areas, building façades, or advertising displays.

Through holistic lighting management, businesses can reduce expenses, maintain adequate safe conditions, and contribute to lowering light pollution at night.

The following sections outline the key steps to consider during planning and implementation

Analysis of objectives and requirements

• What are my specific objectives: is the focus on saving energy, increasing the efficiency of outdoor lighting, or demonstrating the company’s ecological commitment?
• What types of outdoor lighting are currently installed on company premises, and for what purpose?
• Which areas would be suitable for improvement?

Identifying possible solutions

• Identify the outdoor areas currently illuminated on site and document the lighting technologies in use.
• Assess the purpose and functional need of the existing outdoor lighting (e.g. pathway or façade lighting for safety reasons, advertising).
• Evaluate the feasibility of alternatives, such as the use of motion sensors, scheduled switch off times, or warm white LED lighting (< 3000 K).

Consultation, support and application for possible subsidies

Contact local or national institutions that can provide technical guidance:

• Ecological service of your municipality
• Nature park or nature conservation syndicate
• natur&ëmwelt
• Ëmweltberodung Lëtzebuerg a.s.b.l.

You can also make use of dedicated “light consultancy” services (see example in the info box).

Lighting consultancy

Daniel GLIEDNER, lighting consultant

Since 1 October 2019, the nature parc Our has employed a lighting consultant whose task is to establish, organise and manage an independent advisory service. This service provides professional support and guidance on reducing light pollution and improving the energy efficiency of lighting installations.
The primary mission of the consultant is the development of an action plan to reduce light pollution. This includes initiating, coordinating, implementing, monitoring and documenting measures, as well as offering advice, support and oversight for private and public infrastructure projects.
Additional responsibilities include preparing information materials, providing training sessions and raising public awareness of light pollution.

Project implementation

• Carry out an initial assessment of the site’s potential (see info box).
• Obtain technical advice and cost estimates from qualified experts for measures such as the replacement of outdated lighting fixtures, adjustment of lighting parameters (e.g. colour temperature ideally below 3000 K, dimming options), installation of motion sensors or time switches, or the improvement of light direction.

Follow up

• Measure the reduction in electricity consumption and gather feedback from employees and customers regarding perceived comfort and safety.
• Document the lighting situation using a before and after comparison and communicate the resulting improvements internally (employees) and externally (customers, municipality).