Salt Lake City is demonstrating a strong dedication to safety, community well-being, and ecological responsibility by tackling the challenges of nighttime light pollution. The city’s Department of Public Utilities has launched a groundbreaking Streetlighting Master Plan that signals a significant evolution in how the city manages its Street Lamp Street infrastructure. This plan strategically balances crucial factors such as public safety, urban character, environmental stewardship, public health considerations, and equitable resource allocation. By integrating Dark Sky principles, the Master Plan aims to optimize street lamp street usage for the benefit of all.
Endorsement from the International Dark Sky Association
The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), a globally recognized authority in the fight against light pollution, has officially expressed its support for Salt Lake City’s proactive approach. The IDA highlights that the Master Plan effectively embodies the best practices they advocate for municipalities worldwide, setting a new benchmark for urban street lamp street planning in major cities.
The IDA’s endorsement emphasizes the Plan’s alignment with both Values-Centered Outdoor Lighting and the Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting, which are crucial for effective street lamp street management:
- Useful: Every street lamp street should serve a clear and necessary purpose.
- Targeted: Light should be precisely directed to where it is needed, minimizing spillover.
- Low Light Levels: Street lamp street illumination should be no brighter than absolutely necessary for the task.
- Controlled: Light usage should be limited to the times when it is actively beneficial.
- Color: Employing warmer color temperature lights is preferable whenever feasible to reduce blue light pollution.
Private Street Lamp Street Lighting and Dark Sky Compliance
Homeowners and businesses also play a vital role in supporting Dark Sky initiatives. By adopting the International Dark-Sky Association Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting for their private street lamp street and outdoor lighting, they can contribute significantly to reducing light pollution. These principles—Useful, Targeted, Low Light Levels, Controlled, and Color—are equally applicable to private lighting installations.
To assist in selecting compliant lighting, the IDA provides a searchable database of certified lighting products designed to minimize glare, prevent light trespass, and protect the night sky.
For those seeking information about private street lamp street components and service providers, the Salt Lake City Private Lighting Program offers valuable resources and guidance.
