How do we re-think lighting in a way that has a lower impact on the environment, while still fulfilling human needs? How do we implement our good intentions in real life? Gladsaxe municipality needed a lighting solution that affected a nearby bat colony as little as possible, while maintain safety on the bicycle path running through a wooded area. Taking point of departure in this case, we discuss how lighting professionals should work to translate scientific research and technical knowledge into innovative site specific projects with the lowest possible environmental impact. Talk by: Philip Jelvard and Rune Brandt Hermannsson, Light Bureau

1. We share the night
Philip Jelvard | Lighting designer
Rune Brandt Hermannsson | Designer, visualizer

2. Defintions
• Biodiversity
• Sustainability
• Environmental impact
Photo by: Rune Brandt Hermannsson

3. Between research and solutions
Photo by: Rune Brandt Hermannsson

4. Analytic approach – who needs the light
• Who benefits from the light, and how?
• When is the light beneficial (time of day, and time of year)
• Who is harmed by light and how?
• When is the light harmfull (time of day, and time of year)
• What is the nature of the specific biotope - Macro, local, micro
• Who do we need to involve

5. In real life
• Environmental impact an initial design parameter
• Light controls and sensors
• Dim to nature / mixed lighting solutions
• As little light as possible
• A short a period as possible – but no short off/on cycles
• Only light where it is needed
• Adapted wavelengths – normally as long and narrowband as possible
• Flickerfree

6. CASE:
GLADSAXE BAT PROJECT
Photo by: Rune Brandt Hermannsson

7. Image: Ministry of Environment of Denmark

8. Image: Ministry of Environment of Denmark

9. Occupants:
• Bats
By-passers:
• Cyclists
• Motorists
Objective:
A lighting design that take into
consideration the local wildlife,
specifically bats, while still considering
the human needs
Image: Ministry of Environment of Denmark

10. Current traffic conditions
• Fast moving traffic, going to and from the highway (Prioritized)
• Two two-way bike paths with a central crossing with not traffic signals or road markings
Image: Google streetview Image: Google streetview

11. Old lighting:
• 70W Metal halide
• 6-7 m poles
• 30 m pole spacing
Image: Google streetview

12. Research
Macro [1] Local Micro [2]
[1]Baagøe, H. j, & Møller, J. D. (2011). (rep.). (M. L. Ujvári, Ed.)Flagermus og større veje (Vol. 382). Vejdirektoratet.
[2]Spoelstra, K., van Grunsven, R. H., Ramakers, J. J., Ferguson, K. B., Raap, T., Donners, M., ... & Visser, M. E. (2017). Response of bats to light with different spectra: light-shy and
agile bat presence is affected by white and green, but not red light. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 284(1855), 20170075.

13. Priorities

14. No lighting is still lighting design
Illustration by: Filipe Almeida

15. 1. Placement &
Luminaire height
2. Colour &
Distribution
3. Controls &
Construction
Illustration by: Filipe Almeida

16. Placement & Luminaire height
Illustration by: Filipe Almeida

17. Colour & Distribution
Illustration by: Filipe Almeida

18. Control & Construction
Illustration by: Filipe Almeida

19. A Cinderella story
Illustration by: Filipe Almeida

20. No such thing as a free lunch
• Every light has an impact
• All projects will contain compromises
• People will go where the light is
• Darkness consultants
Photo by: Rune Brandt Hermannsson

21. Communication
• Explain to gain acceptance - The Good Story
• When something looks different, someone will be angry
• Everything is a change, until its not
Photo by: Rune Brandt Hermannsson

22. We share the night
• New compromises leads to new solutions
• Follow the research – follow up on the research
• New cross disciplinary co-operations
• Challenge the existing
Photo by: Rune Brandt Hermannsson