How wireless lighting control is combatting light pollution

Artificial light can have many positive effects. It increases our effective hours and helps us become more productive. Artistically it creates wonderful experiences and moments of joy. It also increases safety and helps us feel more secure outdoors during later hours.

But, even light itself has its dark sides. With more light comes more light pollution and that has an impact on humans, wildlife and the climate. For outdoor light pollution, LumenRadio can offer a solution that helps ease the harm: AirGlow wireless outdoor lighting control.

There’s no doubt that LumenRadio has a passion for light. We know everything there is to know about wireless lighting control and most of what’s worth knowing about light. But whilst we love light, we’re also aware about its negative effects and want to contribute to less light pollution in outdoor spaces.

The only constant is change – stay in control

There’s nothing as natural as the shift between night and day, sunshine or rain. But with an ever-changing world comes ever-changing surrounding conditions. Cities expand, with new or refurbished streets, buildings, parking lots, walkways, sports venues and parks – the number of outdoor environments requiring lighting solutions are many. And one thing we can be sure of – sooner or later, they will change again. Wireless lighting control solutions from LumenRadio offer flexibility through change, without the hassle of cables that need to be installed, repositioned or removed.

French progressiveness leads the way for new environmental laws

Well-lit outdoor spaces are a necessity to ensure an environment where people feel safe, no matter the time of the day or night. But while humans tend to prefer streetlights at night, wild animals are not so keen. Artificial light disturbs their circadian rhythm, causing them to be confused about the time of day, which is a real problem for nocturnal animals.

In fact, certain wavelengths affect certain animals at different times of the day, so it’s important to study the local environment and choose not only the colour intensity but also the exact colour temperature that the wildlife need at dusk or later in the evening. From feeding, socialising or building nests, animals and insects are dependent on the correct lighting conditions during the year.

Awareness about the negative effects of light pollution is increasing and several countries are implementing new laws stating clear regulations and requirements for outdoor lighting – both for the physical installation and the way they operate. One of the most progressive countries leading this development is France. In 2018, a decree on “the prevention, reduction and limitation of light pollution” established policies for lighting applications in a variety of locations, from parks and gardens to building exteriors and parking facilities.

Leading by example

With LumenRadio’s wireless outdoor lighting control system, AirGlow, it’s easier than ever to control streetlamps to produce suitable lighting for humans, wildlife and the climate, using features such as scheduling, night dimming and presence detection.

One example comes from a French shopping centre in Melun, not far from Paris. They asked landscape lighting designers and lighting manufacturer, Le Studio LED, to swap the HPS luminaires in their parking lot for more economical and eco-friendly LED lighting. Le Studio LED chose LumenRadio’s AirGlow to allow quick and easy programming of the new LED streetlights. With AirGlow, Le Studio LED has lowered power consumption and reduced light pollution at night.

The parking lot at Bois Sénart shopping center in Paris

Raising awareness about light control solutions

As a part of making AirGlow accessible to a wider audience for potential light pollution-reducing installations in France, LumenRadio has joined Cluster Lumière – a French network for lighting solutions and experts. They work to improve the effects of man-made light, develop innovative lighting solutions and promote better quality lighting installations.

“France is one of the leaders when it comes to human, wildlife and environmentally-friendly lighting regulations. Since LumenRadio has a product that can make a real difference to outdoor lighting control, it’s a natural choice for us to be part of Cluster Lumière to spread the word.”
“Not only is AirGlow the perfect solution to control and reduce light pollution, it also helps reduce cost, trouble-shooting and maintenance during both installation and operation.”
LumenRadio