Cities Embrace Sustainable Lighting Practices to Reduce Light Pollution

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact Drive the Shift Towards Adaptive Building Lighting

Cities worldwide are taking measures to combat excessive artificial lighting and reduce light pollution. London's Square Mile is proposing regulations that would require owners to switch off unnecessary lights during certain hours to minimize visual pollution and save energy. Similarly, New York's Dark Skies Act mandates the turning off, covering, or sensor activation of non-essential outdoor lights after 11 pm to protect migratory birds. Pittsburgh is transitioning to lower-wattage LED bulbs and implementing streetlamp shading to mitigate the effects of light on homes and habitats, following the lead of designated International Dark Sky Places like Flagstaff, Arizona, and Fulda, Germany.

The focus on reducing light pollution aligns with broader sustainability initiatives in the real estate sector. Earth Hour, an annual event, encourages individuals worldwide to turn off lights for an hour to raise awareness about energy consumption and climate change's impact.

"Lighting design historically prioritized visual comfort and occupant safety over its impact on the external environment," says Patrick Staunton, Sustainability Associate at JLL. "Now, an increasing focus on ecology, alongside a greater understanding of the impact of artificial lighting on people and biodiversity, means that tackling light pollution is becoming a critical part of urban sustainability strategies."

Improving energy efficiency in real estate is a key goal for many companies, and lighting is often the first area addressed in energy efficiency plans. Electric lighting accounts for approximately 40% of energy consumption in commercial buildings in the United States. Upgrading to newer bulbs, such as LEDs, can result in significant energy savings as they use up to 90% less energy than halogen or fluorescent lights. Smart lighting controls, including occupancy sensors and internet-connected LED luminaires, further reduce energy consumption by adjusting light intensity based on space utilization.

Studies have shown that luminaire-level lighting control can lead to additional energy savings of up to 48% compared to manual controls. Implementing power-over-Ethernet lighting networks instead of traditional electrical systems can also significantly reduce energy expenditure.

Regular assessments and audits of a building's lighting usage help optimize energy consumption. Understanding when lights need to be on and using smart systems to deploy lighting controls effectively are crucial. Building design also plays a role in improving lighting efficiency, both indoors and outdoors. Shielding streetlights and using unidirectional fittings minimize light loss and its impact on nocturnal animals. Maximizing natural daylight through proper design and the use of reflective interior materials also contributes to energy efficiency and healthier environments.

Optimizing lighting practices not only improves energy efficiency but also enhances the overall quality of buildings. Healthy buildings with good light quality positively impact productivity, happiness, and performance, making them more attractive to tenants and investors. As sustainability regulations become more stringent worldwide, buildings that fall short may face decreased value compared to those with strong green credentials.

Reducing light pollution is part of a comprehensive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy for real estate assets, contributing to eco-resilience and the mitigation of climate risks. By embracing sustainable lighting practices, cities can create more environmentally friendly urban environments.