Light pollution in exterior lighting - towards a zero impact strategy

Abstract

Since the introduction of electric lighting in Malta in 1882, outdoor lighting has been rightfully considered an indispensable element of modern civilised societies for safety, recreation and decorative purposes. However, poorly-designed lighting schemes and excessive illumination levels have led to a huge waste of energy and money and adverse environmental consequences. The widespread use of artificial light might make it seem uncommon to recognise light as a pollutant. Nevertheless, light pollution is nowadays recognised as a worldwide environmental concern which is having an impact on science, biodiversity, economy and the quality of life. Excessive light at night is visually intrusive and is a significant waste of energy. Through proper attention to the selection and installation of light fixtures, light pollution is reduced while safety and visibility are enhanced due to much reduced levels of glare. The energy consumption-waste factor is of great significance in today’s energy-conscious world. Artificial lighting consumes in fact an estimated 19% of all electrical energy usage worldwide, accounting for greenhouse gas emissions of 1900Mt of carbon dioxide per year [1]. On the other hand, improvements in lighting technologies over the last century have reduced the cost of lighting (per utilised lumen output) – which has had the rebound effect of increased light levels rather than saved energy due to an exponential increase in installations. As a matter of fact the United Nations had highlighted its importance and environmental impact, by dedicating the year 2015, as the ‘Year of Light’. This report is therefore of special relevance for the Maltese Church’s Environment Commission, for which issues of sustainability and development are central to its core mission statement of environmental morality.