Dimming and scheduling reduce energy and minimize light pollution impacts

Saving energy while reducing skyglow, light trespass, and glare, lighting controls have emerged as a critical component of responsible outdoor lighting.

The LED light source is highly compatible with responsible outdoor lighting. 

Its compact size enables precise optical control in luminaires. The efficacy divide between warm and cool light sources has diminished; lower-CCT LED products are nearly as energy-efficient as their higher-CCT counterparts. And LEDs are readily controllable via switching and dimming.

Lighting control is a pillar of responsible outdoor lighting. 

By reducing or eliminating lighting when not needed, lighting controls can play a critical role in minimizing unintended effects of nighttime lighting. Specifically, using lighting controls directly fulfills one of the IES-IDA Principles of Responsible Outdoor Lighting and three DLC strategies.

“Lighting control is arguably the most important way to reduce light pollution,” said Leora Radetsky, LUNA Program Director/Senior Lighting Scientist, the DLC. “Three strategies in our seven that reduce light pollution involve controls.”

Lighting control is a best practice for outdoor lighting. 

Commercial building energy codes require that outdoor lighting be turned Off or reduced when not needed, saving energy while commensurately reducing light pollution. Specifying LUNA luminaires ensures that all lighting is controllable and controls-ready, requiring only control implementation to realize benefits.