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Dark Sky Lighting Solutions

Transforming outdoor spaces with responsible lighting that respects our night skies and reduces light pollution. Dark sky brochure talk to an expert Tamlite logo

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Reduced Light Pollution

Our Dark Sky solutions are specifically designed to minimise the harmful effects of light pollution, whilst improving visibility and safety. Whether for residential, commercial, or public spaces, our lighting systems help preserve the beauty of the night sky and promote sustainable lighting practices for both urban and rural areas. By adhering to DarkSky-approved standards, we ensure our products reduce excess light spill and glare, directing light exactly where it’s needed. Tamlite Dark Sky certificate logo in white UK skies are brightening by 6% every year, making responsible lighting more urgent than ever

What is Dark Sky

Dark skies are defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as:
“Places where the darkness of the night sky is relatively free of interference from artificial light."

From 1993 to 2000, light pollution in England rose by 24%. As a result, fewer than 10% of the UK population can currently see our galaxy, the Milky Way.

What Are Dark Skies?

Nature

Artificial light can greatly disrupt the ecology and behaviour of nocturnal animals, affecting their natural rhythms, diet, and sleep patterns. This disruption is especially harmful to endangered or threatened species.

Therefore, it’s crucial to design lighting that minimises negative effects on wildlife, ensuring their survival and preserving their natural habits.

Biodiversity and Dark Sky

Light Pollution

Our luminaires lead the way in reducing light pollution. Carefully designed to minimise upward illumination and glare, they protect local wildlife and preserve the environment.

With Dark Sky lighting, Tamlite is committed to creating ideal outdoor spaces, promoting responsible lighting choices for a brighter, greener future and a balanced night sky.

Reducing Light Pollution

IDA

Dark Sky International (Formerly The International Dark-Sky Association) is the leading authority on dark skies and light pollution, spearheading global efforts to combat light pollution since 1988.

As the foremost organisation in this field, Dark Sky advocates for solutions that enable people to enjoy the beauty of dark, starry skies while benefiting from responsible outdoor lighting.

Who Are Dark Sky?

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City path dark sky tamlite

LED Bollards

CITY PATH Range

Suitable for pathways and pedestrian areas.

View CITY PATH City PT dark sky tamlite

Road Lantern

CITY RL
RANGE

High performance road lantern for use on minor roads

View CITY RL City PT dark sky tamlite

decorative post top lantern

CITY PT
range

Modern, stylish post top lantern for city beautification projects

View CITY PT City PTS Dark Sky

decorative post top lantern

CITY PTS
RANGE

Modern, stylish swan neck style post top lantern

View City PTS city park scene at night showing london skyline and park lanterns

Post top for urban areas

CITY PARK RANGE

Suitable for parks and urban areas with lower mounting heights

View CITY PARK City path dark sky tamlite

LED Bollards

CITY PATH Range

Suitable for pathways and pedestrian areas.

View CITY PATH

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The Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting

dark sky icon 1 Useful All light should have a clear purpose. Consider how the light will impact the area. dark sky icon 2 Targetted Use shielding and careful aiming to target the direction of the light beam. dark sky icon 5 low level Use the lowest light level required. Be mindful of surface conditions and reflections. dark sky icon 3 controlled Use controls, like our Vision Air, to ensure that light is available when it is needed. dark sky icon 4 warm coloured Limit the amount of shorter wavelength light to the least amount needed.

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What is Light Pollution?

Light pollution occurs when artificial light extends beyond the area where it is required, contributing to glare, wasted energy and disruption to natural ecosystems.
In planning and environmental guidance, these effects are often described collectively as obtrusive light.

Effective exterior lighting design seeks to control light distribution, minimise spill beyond site boundaries and limit unnecessary upward light.

Responsible lighting does not compromise safety or visibility. It delivers appropriate illumination while protecting residential amenity and environmentally sensitive locations.

At Tamlite, we apply controlled optical design, warm colour temperature options and lighting controls to support compliant and considered exterior schemes.
The four primary components of light pollution commonly referenced in DarkSky guidance and planning documents are: Glare | Skyglow | Light Nuisance | Clutter



Glare This is the uncomfortable brightness of a light source when viewed against a contrasting darker background. In less densely populated rural areas, glare will seem relatively more intense than in urban areas. This is particularly noticeable when looking from raised viewpoints into the darker landscape below. SKYGLOW This is the brightening of the night sky which can be seen emanating from the horizon, originating mostly in built-up areas. It is caused by badly directed light sent above the horizontal and scattered by aerosols and particles in the air. It can also be reflecting from surfaces. Light that travels near the horizontal is the most damaging as it travels furthest through the lower, denser atmosphere. This can be avoided by ensuring that lights are directed downwards where the light is needed. NUISANCE Sometimes called 'light trespass or intrusion,' this involves light spilling beyond the property or area being lit. Although this pollution generally relates to windows and intrusion into private property, the term 'light intrusion' also applies to natural habitats and areas of high species interest. CLUTTER A fourth consideration - Even if a lighting scheme were designed that avoided sky glow, intrusion, and glare, there still exists the possibility of significant impact on dark and sensitive landscapes and wildlife due to the mere presence of the lights. When the presence of lighting itself creates negative impacts, alternatives and re-siting should be considered.

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Precise Optical Control

Our Dark Sky approved fixtures are designed to shield the light source, preventing light from escaping above the horizontal plane. This ensures that light is directed solely to the intended task or area, minimising unwanted upward light spill. Through precise optical control, we can manage the beam distribution to reduce glare and light spill. By using optics such as micro-prismatic diffusers and asymmetric distribution lenses, Tamlite's Dark Sky-approved solutions provide optimal light output while maintaining strict control over beam angles. This is especially crucial for street lighting, where uniformity and comfort are essential. Integration With Smart Controls Integrating smart control systems such as Tamlite Vision or motion sensors can further optimise energy usage and reduce light pollution. These systems allow lighting to adjust based on ambient conditions, occupancy, or time of day, ensuring that only the required amount of light is used at any given moment.

Lighting in a city park

Bats & Artificial Light

As of August 2023, GN08 has been updated to include guidelines for modern LED light sources and their environmental impact, particularly on wildlife.

It introduces a "mitigation hierarchy" for lighting in areas where bats may be present, focusing on avoidance, minimisation, remediation, and compensation strategies to manage these impacts.

The update aims to balance the need for effective lighting with the protection of vulnerable species and their habitats. Artificial Lighting Guidance

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Tips to Reduce Light Pollution

Dark sky off icon Turn off unnecessary lights and limit lighting to where it is truly needed.

Use motion sensors and timers and ensure lights are only on when they are required.

Dark sky dimmer icon Opt for dimmers and reduce brightness to limit excess light.

city park scene at night showing london skyline and park lanterns CITY PARK CITY PARK Suitable for parks and urban areas with lower mounting heights. Available with photocell. post top for urban city path city rl watch video City path dark sky led bollard CITY PATH Suitable for pathways and pedestrian areas. Built for exterior fit-and-forget installations. LED bollards city pt city park watch video CITY PT and PTS Dark Sky lighting Dark Sky City PT CITY PT Modern, stylish post top lantern for city beautification projects. Perfect for open areas and car parks. decorative post top lantern city rl city path watch video City RL Dark Sky lighting road lantern image CITY RL High performance road lantern for use on minor roads and housing estates. road lantern city park city pt watch video

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Lighting Choices and the Food Chain

At a recent Dark Sky conference, research highlighted how reducing light spill along rural roads with hedgerows led to a significant increase in moth populations.

Moths aren’t just insects, they’re a vital part of the food chain, supporting bats, birds, and other nocturnal species. This demonstrates how thoughtful lighting design can restore balance to local ecosystems.

By limiting upward and horizontal light spill, Tamlite luminaires help protect biodiversity, ensuring that even the smallest species can thrive. Read Article on Biodiversity

dark sky lighting brochure Tamlite Download Dark Sky Brochure

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At Tamlite Lighting we collaborate with designers, specifiers, and local authorities to deliver compliant, people centred, and biodiversity friendly lighting solutions.