RANGE REVIEW: LIGHTING & ELECTRICAL
LIGHT POLLUTION T
ILLUMINATING THE IMPACT OF
When embarking on an outdoor lighting project, many DIYers make the mistake of over illuminating their space, causing not only visual discomfort for humans but a host of problems for wildlife and the wider environment. Here, Katie Georgeson, Marketing Manager from 4Lite explores the very real ‘Dark Skies’ issue, highlighting the negative impact bright lighting has on the world around us whilst also explaining how retailers can support customers to avoid making this common mistake.
hroughout the globe, light pollution is a very real problem. Approximately eight out of ten people on Earth live
under light-polluted night sky, with levels of global light pollution said to be increasing at around two per cent per annum. From disrupting ecosystems to washing out starlight and harming human health, the negative impacts caused by light pollution are diverse, far reaching and getting worse. It a waste of huge amounts of energy worldwide and is also contributing to climate change - not to mention escalating energy bills.
Essential lighting A necessity few can live without, outdoor lighting is essential for safety, security, work and recreation during hours of darkness. But the problem is that much of the lighting we use at night is unnecessary. Often too bright, ineffectively shielded and badly directed, it is causing needless radiance in the world around us. To help rectify the problem, manufacturers, lighting installation designers and professional installers are taking positive steps to overcome these issues with huge efforts being
serious effects. As with recycling and other pollution tackling movements that have occurred in the past, many consumers are keen to change their habits to protect the environment if given the knowledge and means to do so. Organisations such as the Dark Sky Association provide excellent guidance on how to preserve the natural environment and by following their principles installations can have much less impact on the environment.
made to reduce the creation of light pollution across the industry. But for real change to occur, action needs to be taken by everyone involved in lighting spaces – including homeowners and the DIY trade. With calls for more education amongst consumers, the DIY market has an important role to play in tackling light pollution and supporting individuals to avoid it. As with many situations where a change in approach is required, awareness and education on the issues are key. Highlighting the problem through marketing and promotional materials can help to bring the matter to the attention of customers – many of whom will be unaware of its existence and its
Dark Sky Design principles The following five commonly recognised ‘Dark Sky Design’ principles are easily discussed and should be recommended to customers when approaching new projects. Consumers should be reminded to consider the following: USEFULNESS: Every fitting should have a clear purpose and benefit, and customers should be encouraged to consider whether lighting is actually required. Thought should also be given to how the fitting will impact the specific area and any wildlife in the local environment. TARGETED: Lighting should illuminate only the area needed and not impact on neighbouring spaces. LOW LEVEL: Fittings should provide only the desired level
of illuminance and nothing more. Glare and skyglow should also be considered within this, with customers reminded to consider the ground surface as some may reflect more light into the sky than intended. CONTROL: Systems should be completely controllable and only switched ‘on’ when they are useful. Products which have integral control, such as dimmable functionality, selectable colour temperature and selectable power function are a must as they can be set to optimise colour, performance, and energy usage. COLOUR: The colour of the lamps is hugely important in reducing light pollution. A warmer colour with a CCT of 3000K or less should be used as they have a lower blue-violet component.
By following the ‘Dark Sky Design’ principles, consumers can help to make a real difference to light pollution, whilst also benefitting from lighting installations that are both energy and cost efficient. Light pollution affects everyone who lives and works in the built environment but with a considered and well- defined approach it’s negative effects can be reduced.
For more information, visit
www.4liteuk.com.
4LITE ADDS FESTOONS TO OUTDOOR LIGHTING RANGE
A stylish and decorative addition to any outdoor installation, leading lighting manufacturer 4lite has introduced festoon lights to its extensive range of products. Ideal for commercial and
residential projects, the festoon lights and light holders are available in both 11.5m and 20m lengths. Up to ten sets of the lights can be linked together to form longer displays of up to 200m.
20 DIY WEEK MAY 2023
Hugely durable and robust, the festoon lights are manufactured from weather-proof materials and are suitable for year-round use. A four-year warranty is also provided for complete peace of mind. 4lite’s LED festoon lights
are fitted with E27 LED lamps, spaced at 1m intervals along each length, providing gentle warm white illumination (2700k) for an attractive glow and the versatile, built in hanging rings
to secure lamp holders to fixing points allows for multiple layout options, including flat surface and suspended mounting. The Festoon Light holders
are also compatible with 4Lite’s A60 smart bulbs, enabling the festoons to be operated remotely via Bluetooth or WiFi via an app. From homes and gardens to courtyards, outdoor concerts and festivals, festoon lights offer a stylish way to light up the
www.diyweek.net
outdoors - making them a great product for retailers to offer.
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