The Good, The Bad, and The Illegal
The Sustainable Lighting Committee – University of Arizona
GOAL
To develop an evaluation methodology for assessing light pollution on the U of A main campus and its effects on energy use and public safety and to disseminate educational materials related to this topic.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Light pollution is a major environmental and sustainability concern for everyone. While poor outdoor lights have negative biological effect on plants and animals, light trespass, glare, and sky glow affects our nighttime view of the stars, wastes energy, water, and natural resources, and can have an adverse effect on nighttime safety.
Up-light (sky glow) has major economical effects when astronomical observatories lose parts of the night sky or have their telescope power greatly diminished in viewing capability.
OBJECTIVES
Ø Initiate a Light Pollution research foundation on campus to foster future possibilities.
Ø Strengthen collaboration between the U of A, the community, businesses, and other organizations to apply their collective knowledge and wisdom towards a comprehensive solution.
Ø Provide educational opportunities and promote community awareness of light pollution issues and its effects on energy, safety, astronomy, human and animal health, and plant life so that the public can benefit and help implement solutions.
PROJECT BENEFITS
Ø Saving energy which also reduces pollution from the power generating plants and saves water. The US wastes more than $2 billion a year due to inefficient light fixtures which radiate light skyward causing light pollution.
Ø Making a safer and more secure night time environment by reducing glare and harsh lighting shadows which improves visibility.
Ø Preserving dark skies necessary for our astronomers and optical sciences industry to continue to prosper - grants exceed $40M/year.
Ø Developing educational materials, studios, short-courses, and workshops to effectively convey sound lighting principles.
Ø Minimizing the harm to human health, our plants, insects and wildlife by not disrupting their daily and seasonal cycles and habitat with excessive and unneeded artificial light.
Ø Enhancing the beauty of our campus, cities and neighborhoods and facilitating the continued
THE COMMITTEE
The Sustainable Lighting Committee (SLC) was formed in the Fall of 2004. The committee is comprised of the University of Arizona College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture in collaboration with the of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America – Southern Arizona Section and the Southern Arizona Section of the International DarkSky Association.