The Dark Side of Light

In overlit cities and suburbs throughout the world, it has become nearly impossible to see the natural light of stars due to the flood of artificial light emanating from homes, buildings, outdoor advertisements, and street lamps.

Join the Building Energy Exchange for a symposium examining light pollution and the many issues surrounding over-illumination.

Though easy to address in most situations, light pollution remains largely unchecked, with dire consequences for human health and well-being, the natural functioning of ecosystems, and energy conservation. Both humans and animals rely on the natural processes of light and darkness for healthy functioning, yet when the night sky is unnaturally and perpetually aglow, circadian rhythms are interrupted. Our sleep patterns can be negatively affected resulting in increased stress, fatigue, and anxiety. The migration of patterns of wildlife, and the feeding and reproduction habits of nocturnal animals are frequently thrown off-course. And the energy costs to society for having artificial lights glaring 24/7 has become unsupportable. The recent implementation of energy-saving outdoor lighting (such as the LED street light program in NYC) is reducing energy use but may not be adequately addressing human health and light pollution issues.

The BEEx symposium will explore these issues and discuss both current and incoming solutions – Outdoor lights to design downward instead of upward or outward, sensors that turn outdoor lights off when not needed, and communities that demand technologically-advanced public and private night-lighting. These solutions can not only reduce the amount of energy and light used, but will also contain reflected and scattered light waves.

Our esteemed panel will include Jason Neches of L’Observatoire International, a leading lighting design consultancy spearheading the push to reduce nightglow, and Fred Maxik of Light Science Group, a leading manufacturer of advanced lighting products.

SPEAKERS:
Jason Neches, Director, L’Observatoire International
Fred Maxik, Chief Technology Officer & Founding Member, Lighting Science Group
Margaret Newman, Principal, More Urban

Special thanks to our Programs Committee for organizing this event.