This document discusses considerations for lighting and ecology. It addresses the importance of using the right light, in the right place, and at the right time. The right light involves using lower color temperatures of 2200-2700K, maintaining low intensities, and avoiding blue light. The right place is directing light downward and shielding sensitive areas. The right time is using timers, sensors and dimmers to provide dark periods and limiting duration. With an understanding of local wildlife and habitats, lighting plans can minimize negative impacts on species' circadian rhythms, feeding behaviors and photoperiod responses.

1. Lighting for Ecology
Hardeep Singh
10th March 2022

2. Why should we care?
What are the
considerations?
What can be done?
Lighting for Ecology - Hardeep Singh

3. Lighting for Ecology - Hardeep Singh

4. Legal Responsibility & Guidance
Lighting for Ecology - Hardeep Singh

5. What are the considerations?
A well known concept for lighting but it is just as important for ecology
Right Light
(Intensity)
Right Place
(Direction)
Right Time
(Duration)
Lighting intensity
and spectra’s effect
on wildlife.
Habitat locations
that are sensitive to
light
Mammals - Circadian rhythm
Plants – Photoperiodic
response
Lighting for Ecology - Hardeep Singh

6. Consider Lighting…
• What light intensity and spectra causes the most and
least impact?
• Possible impact to nature
• Are they attracted to the light source which diverts food
from their normal feeding locations?
• Where the common feeding areas and habitats are for
the effected wildlife
An understanding of what species of concern are
sensitive to, allows us to consider the following:
Lighting for Ecology - Hardeep Singh

7. Consider Placement…
• Conducting ecological surveys to identify sensitive areas
• Gathering knowledge on the local wildlife
• Referring to Guidance documents
An understanding of the location requiring light allows
us to identify areas that don’t and the negative effects
of light spill can be minimised.
This can be resolved by:
Lighting for Ecology - Hardeep Singh

8. Consider Timing…
• Will night time lighting affect the circadian rhythm of
animals?
• Could wildlife lighting specification change throughout the
year/seasons?
• Can night time light affect the photoperiodic response?
An understanding of what effects lighting can have
on the lifecycle and circadian rhythm of wildlife.
Possible effects could include:
Lighting for Ecology - Hardeep Singh

9. Right Light - Intensity
How to have an ecologically sympathetic design?
• By providing white light with reduced blue
light content – warmer CCT’s – 2200/2700K
• Maintaining the brightness as low as possible
• Photometric distribution to avoid any up-light
at the horizontal plane.
Lighting for Ecology - Hardeep Singh

10. Right Place - Direction
Light can be restricted to certain areas by:
• Luminaire Shields
• Optical Control
• Plants
• Roosting/Feeding Areas
• Limiting column heights
Lighting for Ecology - Hardeep Singh

11. Right Time - Duration
• Turn them off
• Sensors to trigger lights only when needed
• Dimmers/Timers must provide a dark period
Lighting for Ecology - Hardeep Singh

12. Summary – Things to consider…
Support Dark Skies | McDonald Observatory
Intensity
• Lower CCT’s –
Ideally 2700K
• Peak wavelength
of >550nm
Direction
• No upward light
• Use of shields
• Limit column
heights to 8m
Duration
• Turning off lights
• Dimmers/Sensors
Lighting for Ecology - Hardeep Singh

13. Lighting for Ecology - Hardeep Singh
Thank you for listening.
hsingh@indolighting.com