NLPIP Lighting Answers: Light Pollution

Outdoor lighting has become a necessary integral part of society. Light pollution is a by-product of outdoor lighting. Light pollution can be reduced by lighting only what is actually needed, when it is needed, and to the appropriate level. This publication discusses the three elements of light pollution, which are sky glow, light trespass, and glare, and gives examples and recommendations for minimizing or eliminating the undesirable effects of each element when designing and using outdoor lighting.

Research relating to the Lighting Research Center is funded by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and various sponsors. This digital document was provided to Rensselaer Libraries by the Lighting Research Center. Use of this digital version is prohibited without the expressed permission of the Lighting Research Center.