ADAMA SCINECE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF CIVIL AND ARCHITECTURE
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
Sustainable design
JOURNALS REVIEW ON THE TITLE OF “LIGHT POLLUTION”
Prepared by
Eyuel Asrat UGR/23344/13
Ermias Endeshaw UGR/22573/13
Biniyam Getenet UGR/23677/13
Robel wendwesen UGR//2300413 submitted to Kedeja
Hallelujah Bekele UGR/22732/13 date 3/28/2024
Sustainable Architecture Light pollution
Abstract
A serious environmental problem, light pollution has an extensive influence on human health, ecosystems, and
society. This essay offers a thorough analysis of light pollution, looking at its causes, effects, and possible
remedies. The physiological and medical effects of light pollution are discussed, with particular attention paid to
its links to cancer, irregular circadian rhythms, and other illnesses. The study also looks at how the general public
views light pollution and how aware they are of it, highlighting the need for more advocacy and education
initiatives. The ecological effects of light pollution—including those on bird and marine species—on biodiversity
and ecosystems are examined. The article also discusses international issues and projects meant to lessen light
pollution by means of laws and rules pertaining to the environment.
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Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Artificial light ............................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Cause and effect ......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Cause ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Effect........................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Solution ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Solution by design: .................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Solution by Regulation.......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Case Study ................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
United state ........................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Korea ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Conclusion: ............................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Reference: .................................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Table of figure
Figure 1 impact on plant .............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Figure 2 impact on plant .............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Figure 3 impact on bird ................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Figure 4 impact on bird ................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Figure 5 impact on turtles ............................................................................................................................................................ 8
Figure 6 impact on turtles ............................................................................................................................................................ 8
Figure 7 impact on human ........................................................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 8 impact on human ........................................................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 9 energy consumption ....................................................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 10 energy consumption..................................................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 11 bad angle ...................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 12 good angle ................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 13 min application .......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 14 max application.......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 15 unnecessary height light ............................................................................................................................................ 10
Figure 16 low elevation light ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 17 advanced light ............................................................................................................................................................ 11
Figure 18 advanced light ............................................................................................................................................................ 11
Figure 19warm light ................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 20 medium temp light ..................................................................................................................................................... 11
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Figure 21 cold light .................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 22 lighting systems. ........................................................................................................................................................ 12
Figure 23 Power-efficient lamps ................................................................................................................................................ 12
Figure 24 Decorative purposes .................................................................................................................................................. 13
Figure 25 Lighting used for advertising ..................................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 26 Streetlights. ................................................................................................................................................................ 13
Figure 27 Signboards ................................................................................................................................................................. 13
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Sustainable Architecture Light pollution
Introduction
Light pollution encompasses various issues stemming from inefficient or unnecessary artificial lighting. These problems
include light trespass, over-illumination, glare, light clutter, and sky glow, each contributing to the degradation of the
nighttime environment.
Light Trespass: This occurs when unwanted light spills into areas where it's not needed or wanted, such as neighboring
properties. For example, a neighbor's bright outdoor light shining into someone's bedroom window constitutes light trespass.
It can disrupt sleep patterns and affect the quality of life for those affected.
Over-Illumination: Over-illumination refers to the excessive use of artificial light, often resulting in unnecessary brightness.
This can occur in various settings, including streets, commercial areas, and residential neighborhoods. Over-illumination not
only wastes energy but also contributes to light pollution and obscures views of the night sky.
Glare: Glare arises from the stark contrast between bright and dark areas within the field of vision. It can be caused by
poorly shielded or unshielded lights, such as those with exposed filaments. Glare can impair visibility, especially for
pedestrians and drivers, leading to safety concerns and accidents, particularly at night.
Clutter: Light clutter refers to the excessive grouping of light sources, which can cause confusion and distract from
important visual cues. This clutter can be found in urban areas with numerous signs, billboards, and illuminated structures.
Light clutter not only detracts from aesthetic appeal but also poses risks to navigation and safety.
Sky Glow: Sky glow is the diffuse glow of light that spreads over the night sky, often emanating from populated areas. It
obscures celestial objects and diminishes the visibility of stars and constellations. Sky glow not only hinders astronomical
observations but also disrupts the natural nocturnal environment for wildlife and affects human health and well-being.
These various forms of light pollution highlight the need for responsible lighting practices and the implementation of
measures to mitigate their adverse effects. From shielding lights to reducing unnecessary illumination and minimizing light
clutter, addressing light pollution is essential to preserving the beauty of the night sky and promoting sustainable living.
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Artificial light
Artificial light includes illumination from incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lights, and light-emitting diodes
(LEDs). Each type of light differs in intensity and spectral composition, which can impact both human
health and the environment.
The usage of LED lighting has seen a remarkable increase of 875% between 2016 and 2023. This surge
can be attributed to several factors. LED lighting is highly efficient, consuming 70% less energy
compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Additionally, LEDs boast a longer lifespan, emit higher
lumen output, generate less heat, and are cost-effective in the long term due to their durability. One
notable advantage of LED lighting is its absence of UV radiation emission, making it safer for both
human health and environmental sustainability.
However, LED lighting does emit blue light, which has garnered attention due to its potential effects on
health. Blue light exposure, despite this concern, ongoing research and advancements in LED technology
aim to mitigate these potential drawbacks while harnessing the numerous benefits of this increasingly
popular lighting option.
Types of light and differences between them .
Cause and effect
Cause
Urbanization: The growth of cities and urban areas has led to an increase in the use of artificial lighting,
resulting in light pollution.
Inefficient Lighting: The use of inefficient lighting sources such as incandescent bulbs or poorly
designed lighting fixtures can contribute to light pollution.
Lack of Regulations: The absence of regulations or guidelines for lighting practices can lead to excessive
lighting and light pollution
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Effect
Light pollution negatively affects the environment, harming nocturnal and migratory animals, as well as
those in flight. It also impacts plants, posing risks to both the animal and plant kingdoms, as well as to
humans.
On Plant
Disrupts the natural cycles of plants, affecting their metabolism, development, and life processes. Plants
rely on darkness, with some requiring long nights for proper growth and flowering. When exposed to light
during long nights, plants may interpret it as multiple short nights, leading to disrupted flowering and
developmental patterns. This interference can disturb their natural response to seasonal changes,
impacting their ability to bloom and enter dormancy effectively.
Figure 2 impact on plant
Figure 1 impact on plant
On Animals
Light pollution disrupts natural light-dark patterns, impacting various aspects of animal behavior. It
confuses navigation, alters competitive dynamics, changes predator-prey relationships, and affects animal
physiology. Like birds, turtles
Birds
Light pollution threatens birds through attraction, disorientation, and collisions. Sources include
fire/lamps, lighthouses, light beams/ceilometers, offshore platforms/fisheries, city lights/horizon
glow, and towers. Efforts to mitigate these impacts include filtering lamp wavelengths and using
rotating or blinking lights.
Figure 4 impact
on bird
Figure 3 impact
on bird
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Turtles
Artificial light affects female turtles' selection of nest locations and hatchlings' journey to the sea.
Illuminated beaches are avoided for nesting, leading to concentrated nests in darker, shaded areas.
This can result in suboptimal nesting habitats, altered hatchling numbers and sex ratios, and
increased mortality. Light sources like car parks, road lighting, and housing developments can
attract turtles, disrupting their nesting and return to the sea.
Figure 6 impact on
turtles
Figure 5 impact on
turtles
On Human
Light pollution significantly impacts human health by disrupting the natural circadian rhythm, which
governs the sleep-wake cycle, metabolism, and hormone secretion. Exposure to artificial light at night can
lead to sleep disturbance, insomnia, fatigue, and decreased productivity. Even low levels of light pollution
have been found to affect the timing and quality of sleep in humans. Moreover, light pollution is
associated with an elevated risk of various health issues such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases,
and cancer.
Research has linked night-time artificial light exposure to an increased likelihood of developing type-2
diabetes, particularly in women who are exposed to high levels of light at night, increasing their
susceptibility to breast cancer. Additionally, light pollution has been correlated with mood disorders like
depression and anxiety. Blue light emitted by electronic devices before bedtime can hinder melatonin
secretion, disrupting sleep patterns and heightening the risk of depression, as blue light signals
wakefulness while red and yellow light indicate the body's need for sleep.
Figure 7 impact on
human
Figure 8 impact on
human
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Energy consumption
Light pollution is a significant contributor to wasted energy and increased carbon emissions, posing
environmental and economic challenges. One key factor is the prevalence of excessive illumination,
where outdoor lighting systems are often designed inefficiently, resulting in unnecessary brightness and
energy consumption. This includes streetlights, commercial lighting, and decorative fixtures that often
extend beyond their intended areas, needlessly illuminating unoccupied spaces and adding to light
pollution.
Moreover, outdated and inefficient lighting technologies, such as incandescent bulbs, exacerbate energy
consumption and carbon emissions. These traditional sources convert a substantial portion of electrical
energy into heat rather than visible light, further contributing to environmental damage. Continuous
illumination of outdoor spaces, regardless of necessity, also plays a role in energy wastage. Buildings,
sports facilities, and advertising displays often remain lit throughout the night, consuming electricity
when lighting is not required.
Figure 10 energy
consumption
Figure 9 energy
consumption
Solution
Solution by design:
1. Low Angle Direct Light: Install lights with glass or sunshades to reduce upward or backward emission.
Place lamps in the middle of roads to ensure good lateral light distribution. Avoid tilting the lights at
angles above 15° to prevent light from shining into the sky.
Figure 12 good
angle
Figure 11 bad angle
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2. Maximize Light Application: Ensure that light is directed where needed and doesn't spread to
unnecessary areas. Use a measurement called "utilization" to assess how well the light is directed. Aim
for utilization levels above 75% to minimize light pollution while still providing adequate brightness.
Figure 14 max application Figure 13 min application
3. Avoid Excess Lighting Levels: Adhere to lighting standards for different areas to avoid excessive
brightness. Know the required lighting level for your project to prevent over-lighting.
Figure 15 unnecessary height light
Figure 16 low elevation light
4. Application of Lighting Control Systems:
Timer Dimming: Automatically adjust lamp brightness at night according to a set schedule to
reduce light pollution after midnight.
Constant Lumen Output (CLO): Compensate for light source degradation over time to maintain
consistent brightness without requiring higher wattage lamps.
Motion Sensors: Activate lights only when motion is detected, saving energy and reducing light
pollution when no one is around.
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Wireless Control: Use technologies for remote management of street lighting systems, providing
efficient and flexible control options.
Figure 18 advanced light Figure 17 advanced light
5. Minimize Use of Cold Light: Choose warmer, softer light instead of cold light to protect sleep and
reduce eye strain. Cold light can disrupt melatonin production and cause discomfort, affecting sleep
quality and visual comfort.
Implementing these solutions can help mitigate light pollution, ensuring efficient and responsible use of
outdoor lighting while minimizing its environmental impact.
Figure 20 medium temp light Figure 19warm light
Figure 21 cold light
Solution by Regulation
Even though there is a different rule and regulation around the world here are some of common and
effects regulation and rule on light pollution
Shields for lights: Lights got to point down, not up into the sky.
Lights out at night: No more super bright lights on when everyone's sleeping (except for safety reasons).
Dimmer switches: Lights can be brighter when needed, but not super strong all the time.
Warm colored lights: Less harsh blue light is better for plants and animals (and our eyes!).
Building lights under control: No lighting up the whole building at night, just the important parts.
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(Indian Institute of Science,, 10 SEPTEMBER 2023)Plan lighting for new developments to avoid light pollution
from the start.,
Remember, these are just examples. You'll need to check with your local government to see the exact
rules in your area.
Case Study
United state
The US alone accounts for energy wastage of up to 7 billion dollars every year. It has been reported under
the California Energy Commission (2005) that outdoor lighting sources consume 6% of the 4.054 million
megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity produced. A study conducted by Cinzano et al. (2001) showed that
artificial lighting at night has polluted 0.6% of the landmass that is more than natural levels. Awareness
about the issue of light pollution was first in the US. There are many founding astronomical observatories
and centers in California and Arizona that have observed the sky brightness and its effects on the dark
skies over the years. International Dark-sky Association (IDA), a non-profit organization, was founded in
the USA, aiming at reducing sky glow and brightness by increasing awareness and regulations related to
lighting systems. Former US President, Barack Obama for his climate change plans proposed a scheme
for more
Power-efficient lamps lighting systems.
Figure 23 Power-efficient lamps Figure 22 lighting systems.
Many studies also showed that many people visiting the National Parks in Western America are willing to
pay to preserve the dark skies (Holker et al., 2010 € ).
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Korea
In 2000, Korea began with light pollution awareness and the first management plan was executed in 2009.
Cha et al. (2014) did a review on the ‘Light Pollution Prevention Act’ implemented by the then Korean
government to manage light pollution. A committee was also established to execute the plans within the
act every five years. This committee evaluated and set some zones for light pollution management
targeting four types of light sources
Lighting used for advertising Decorative purposes
Figure 24 Decorative purposes
Figure 25 Lighting used for advertising
Signboards Streetlights.
Figure 27 Signboards
Figure 26 Streetlights.
It was also made sure that the disobeyers paid a fine of 1000 USD to the local district office. The paper
suggests that this act can help prevent the harmful effects of light pollution on animals and humans.
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Conclusion:
Light pollution is a multifaceted problem caused by inefficient, unappealing, or unnecessary use of
artificial light. It encompasses various categories such as light trespass, over-illumination, glare, light
clutter, and sky glow, all of which have detrimental effects on the environment, wildlife, and human
health. Urbanization, inefficient lighting, and lack of regulations contribute to the proliferation of light
pollution, exacerbating its negative impacts.
However, solutions exist to mitigate light pollution and promote more responsible lighting practices. By
designing lighting systems to direct light where it's needed, minimizing excessive brightness, and
implementing lighting control systems, we can reduce energy consumption and minimize light pollution.
Additionally, regulations such as shields for lights, dimmer switches, and use of warm-colored lights can
further curb light pollution's adverse effects.
It's crucial for individuals, communities, and governments to work together to address light pollution
effectively. Through collective efforts to implement sustainable lighting solutions and enforce regulations,
we can preserve the beauty of our night skies, protect wildlife habitats, and safeguard human health and
well-being for generations to come.
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Reference:
(Indian Institute of Science,, 10 SEPTEMBER 2023)
(Light pollution: facts, issues and solutions for public lighting, 2024)
(Rajkhow, 10, October 2014)
(Reduce lighting pollution with street light design, 2024)
Cinzano et al. (2001)
(Gallaway et al., 2010)
(Walker, 1973).
(Kyba, 2018)
Cha et al. (2014)
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