Statement on Outdoor Lighting Energy Legislation: International Dark-Sky Association
This one-page brief by the International Dark-Sky Association provides four priority recommendations for Outdoor Lighting Energy Legislation. The IDA also encouraged the consideration of lighting factors such as glare and stray light that negatively impact the outdoor environment. These factors are often overlooked in efforts to increase energy efficiency and reduce overall energy consumption.
Light pollution wastes energy and money.
It is estimated that the United States spends over $2.2 billion annually on light that is wasted through unshielded outdoor lights. Theses same lights are also directly responsible for 14.7 million tons of carbon dioxide waste. The IDA Statement on Outdoor Lighting Energy Legislation provides support to the argument that over-lighting the night neither improves visibility nor increases nighttime safety, utility, security, or ambiance.
Waste light that produces glare, is directed upward to the sky, or is directed off the site. Waste light does not increase nighttime safety, utility, or security and needlessly consumes energy.Energy efficiency is the process of using less energy to produce the same or increased functions. Often used mistakenly as a synonym for ENERGY CONSERVATION. The ability or potential of a physical body to do work. The most common forms of energy are heat, light, mechanical (moving parts), and electrical.
