Gladsaxe Municipality in Denmark is using red-spectrum LED street lighting to minimize the environmental impact of artificial lighting, specifically focusing on protecting nocturnal wildlife. This innovative project balances public safety with ecological concerns, providing a model for sustainable urban planning.
The municipality of Gladsaxe, located on the outskirts of Copenhagen, has implemented an innovative approach to street lighting , prioritizing environmental sustainability alongside public safety. The initiative involves the installation of red-spectrum LED street lighting along a 700-meter section of Frederiksborgvej and the Farum cycle superhighway.
This strategic choice of lighting color is a deliberate effort to minimize the adverse effects of artificial light on local wildlife, particularly nocturnal species like bats. The project aims to balance the need for adequate illumination for cyclists and pedestrians with the imperative to protect the natural environment, marking a significant step towards more ecologically-conscious urban planning.\The rationale behind this project stems from growing concerns about the impact of traditional white street lighting on nocturnal wildlife behavior. Conventional street lighting, while effective for enhancing visibility and safety, can disrupt the natural rhythms and activities of animals, including bats, which are sensitive to light pollution. Gladsaxe's approach seeks to mitigate these negative impacts by utilizing red light, which research suggests is less disruptive to bat activity than shorter-wavelength white or green light. The design incorporates a combination of 30 one-meter-high bollards, spaced at 30-meter intervals, creating 'corridors of complete darkness' to allow bats to navigate without exposure, while still maintaining lighting along the bicycle path. At intersections, 12 strategically placed 3.5-meter poles provide increased visibility and safety for cyclists and pedestrians. This comprehensive lighting strategy underscores a commitment to both human safety and environmental stewardship.\The Gladsaxe project, part of the EU's Lighting Metropolis program, serves as a 'living lab' and a potential model for other cities grappling with light pollution. It demonstrates how urban infrastructure can be designed to achieve both human safety and environmental objectives. The project partners, including the design company Light Bureau, have been engaging with biologists to evaluate the ecological outcomes of the red-spectrum approach through post-installation monitoring and assessment. The project's success is further validated by its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals framework and the receipt of the Build Back Better GREEN Award in 2022. The municipality's proactive communication with residents, via local and social media, has played a key role in explaining the project's rationale and goals, emphasizing the functional and symbolic value of the red lighting as an indicator of an environmentally sensitive area. This project signals a shift towards a more thoughtful and sustainable approach to urban lighting, balancing the needs of people and the environment
Street Lighting Light Pollution Wildlife Conservation Sustainability Urban Planning
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