Light Pollution

The solution

Streetlights can be replaced with full-cutoff fixtures (all light directed downward — no light emitted upward) and fitted with energy efficient lamps. Sign-lighting should preferably be aimed down on signs—not upwards. Outdoor security, and display lighting should be fitted with quality shielded flood lights and fitted with efficient lamps directing light at the target area only. Residential BBQ floodlights can be shielded to minimize light trespass and uplight. Also, avoid over lighting where possible.

We don't need "more lights". We need more effective lights!

Quality full cut-off road lights on Sir Donald Bradman Drive reduce glare and facilitate night vision

In Australia this will save tens of million of dollars in electricity and hundreds of thousands tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. In addition, efficient, quality, shielded outdoor lighting creates better illumination and contributes to safety. It also helps to bring the stars back to the night sky by reducing sky glow.

Lighting controls are increasingly adopted in many countries around the world with benefits in energy savings, and improved efficacy in lighting. In Australia we have good outdoor lighting Standards. Some councils comply while most business and private installations still ignore them. It's time for Australia catch up!

	The Good Full cut-off fixtures direct light below the horizontal. At top is one of the standard "cobra head" fixtures fitted with a flat glass. It aims light downward and sideways avoiding uplight and glare that improves the quality of lighting. The floodlight (bottom) is mounted in the horizontal position for security lighting and areas such as car yards and parking lots.
	The Bad These semi-cutoff lights are fitted with drop-lenses or refractors that emit a greater portion of their light sideways for wider road coverage but create more glare. They also send light upwards that contributes to skyglow. Full cut-off fixtures should be considered as an alternative. Mercury lights (bottom) are a bad choice. They are especially glary and inefficient compared to other lights and their used should be discouraged.
	The Ugly Intended to highlight advertising or "enhance" architecture, these globe-type and upward-aimed billboard lights can indiscriminately spray light everywhere. Badly aimed sign, business, and architectural lighting, are often placed so that a substantial portion of the light completely misses its target and adds to wasted light and sky glow. Post-top lights used for pathway and parkland lighting such as this globe-light waste light skyward. They should preferably be replaced with aesthetic alternatives that direct light below the horizontal.