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In response to the widely shared news articles where scientists believe artificial light may be affecting the natural ecology of plant life by creating extended photosynthesis, the ILP Technical Committee has been discussing the findings.

The ILP provided written and verbal evidence at the House of Lords Science & Technology Committee inquiry into the effects of artificial light on human health in 2023. During the inquiry, the ILP welcomed and supported any research and investigation into the application of light & lighting that leads to an improved understanding and supports / develops good lighting practice. We acknowledged that artificial light at night (ALAN) brings many benefits to users such as the comfort and safety of people and that a balanced approach needs to be taken to consider both the needs of humans and ecology.

The ILP Guidance notes GN01 The reduction of obtrusive light and GN08 Bats and artificial lighting provide good practice in relation to reducing the impact of ALAN on the environment. The ILP also aligned to the responsible Outdoor Lighting at night (ROLAN) manifesto which also aims to reduce the impact on the environment at night.

As the impact and understanding of ALAN on the environment is a rapidly evolving field, the ILP will be regularly reviewing all new academic research to ensure the members are provided with the most appropriate advice at the time. Furthermore, it is important to note that ALAN is not caused by just street lighting alone and that all research papers should clearly identify sources of ALAN in the study to ensure accurate messages such as the impact of different light sources & responsibility of those owners or maintainers can be clearly defined.

As lighting practitioners it is our responsibility to adopt best practices to limit the use of uncontrolled lighting be it domestic & interior lighting, all exterior lighting i.e. façade & lit buildings, security lighting, or illuminated advertising signs, etc. that could be inadvertently contributing to ALAN. The ILP recommends the adoption of best practices including the ROLAN manifesto which the ILP amongst other organisations partners to support the application of the five principles of ROLAN.

Stuart Morton, ILP Technical Committee

The acceleration in roll-out of new communications equipment and smart-cities infrastructure is happening in many towns and cities. These facilities can deliver economies of scope and scale in service delivery driving costs down whilst improving the service user experience. Similarly, the roll-out of communications services such as 5G mobile phone infrastructure or city centre Wi-Fi networks will enhance the worker and visitor experience at a time when city centre retail is under pressure from on-line retailers.

The Fundamental Lighting Electrical Course has joined our online training platform and covers basic electrical practices and principles for outdoor lighting schemes, and other electrical street furniture.

Delivering any face-to-face training during the Covid pandemic is challenging if not impractical. However, lighting professionals still need to keep abreast of latest developments, current thinking and keep their CPD up to date.

No one likes light pollution, obtrusive light, or nuisance light. It affects people, animals and plants, it wastes energy, and it is completely avoidable. The ILP’s world-renowned guidance on the reduction of obtrusive light was updated in 2020 and in our free CPD session, we invite all lighting engineers, designers, consultants and manufacturers to:

Here are some more FAQs which we hope will help you. Our first set of FAQs was published here on 14 April 2020 and the second set was published here on 1 May 2020.