From News Desk
DarkSky International, an organisation working in authority on light pollution, has launched a new certification programme to bring responsible lighting to industrial-scale ports. This Port Marine Terminal Lighting Programme is designed to significantly reduce light pollution, safeguarding sensitive coastal ecosystems and nearby communities, while enhancing safe and efficient working conditions.
A Model for Sustainable Industrial-Scale Lighting
Initiated in 2023 in partnership with Port Tampa Bay, this project aims to transform Berths 301 and 218, active material handling terminals, into a model for responsible industrial lighting, while protecting sensitive wetlands and an adjacent nature preserve.
Through this collaboration, the port engineering team selected state-of-the-art LED fixtures with advanced optical controls, dimming capabilities and shielding to reduce glare and minimize light trespass beyond the port property – virtually eliminating uplight spilling into the night sky and helping protect critical marine and coastal habitats. These improvements were achieved while still meeting OSHA-required light levels and maintaining uniformity.
A Third-Party Certification
This Port Marine Terminal Lighting Programme is the latest addition to the DarkSky Approved programmes suite, a trusted, third-party validation programme that recognises lighting products and projects that protect the night. Grounded in DarkSky’s Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting, developed in partnership with the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), this programme is said to represent an advance in applying these principles to large-scale industrial environments.
“The programme marks a pivotal shift in how we approach lighting at an industrial level,” said Ruskin Hartley, CEO, DarkSky International. “Our partnership with Port Tampa Bay shows that dark sky quality and community-friendly lighting can be effectively scaled, reducing light pollution while maintaining and even improving operational efficiency and working conditions. It’s a win not only for Port Tampa Bay, but the community and nighttime environment as well.”
More than 22% of the world’s coastal waters are exposed to artificial light at night, disrupting marine ecosystems, including wetlands and beaches critical for birds, pinnipeds; and nesting sea turtles, as well as habitats for fish and coral. Port terminals are often intensely illuminated, with glare and light trespass spilling into nearby communities and fragile environments. With the majority of the world’s population living along coastlines and global trade continuing to grow, balancing development with environmentally responsible lighting has never been more urgent.
The new certification is said to fill a critical gap, guiding ports in transitioning to LED lighting with proper optical control, shielding and dimming systems. These solutions are said to ensure light is used only where and when it’s needed, while virtually eliminating unnecessary spill into surrounding areas.
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