As outdoor lighting continues to evolve, Dark Sky Compliance is no longer just a buzzword — it’s becoming an essential design consideration for architects, landscape designers, and municipalities alike.
Whether you're illuminating a campus walkway, a community park, or a residential development, here's what you need to know:
Dark Sky Compliance refers to lighting practices and products designed to reduce light pollution, particularly sky glow and light trespass. The goal? To preserve nighttime views, protect ecosystems, and promote human health — all without sacrificing performance or safety.
Dark Sky–friendly lighting typically includes:
Fully shielded fixtures to direct light downward
Lower lumen outputs appropriate to the task
Warm color temperatures (typically 3000K or below)
Timers or controls to reduce unnecessary light usage
Municipal Regulations: More cities are adopting ordinances based on the guidelines of the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). Specifying compliant fixtures early can help avoid costly redesigns.
Environmental Responsibility: Excessive nighttime lighting disrupts wildlife patterns, especially for birds, insects, and sea turtles.
Design Integrity: Thoughtful, downward-directed lighting can enhance architectural features without overwhelming them — and create safer, more inviting outdoor spaces.
Several of our manufacturing partners are taking initiative by offering IDA-approved fixtures and dark sky–friendly modifications. From sleek bollards to area lights and wall sconces, there's no shortage of options that blend performance with responsibility.
Have a project in mind that needs to meet compliance? We can help with:
Fixture selection & photometric support
Spec guidance for ordinance adherence
Samples or mock-ups for client presentations