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Setting the standard: Now certified by both ADSA and DSI
Words by: WE-EF
Why WE-EF supports both global and local dark sky certification – and what that means for your projects.
At WE-EF, we believe responsible lighting protects more than just people – it protects ecosystems, habitats, and the night sky. We have long supported the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance (ADSA) and were proud to become the first manufacturer in Australia to achieve ADSA Approval. Now, we have taken another step forward: select WE-EF luminaires have also been certified under the updated DarkSky International (DSI) v3.0 program, reflecting our commitment to meeting both local and global best practice.
As both programs continue to evolve, it is important to understand where they align – and where local needs still demand a more region-specific approach.
What is ADSA Approval?
Developed by the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance, ADSA Approval is the only certification designed specifically for the Australian and New Zealand market. It’s based on:
• AS/NZS 4282:2019 – Control of the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting
• Australian Federal Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife
• 240V power infrastructure (unlike US-based schemes)
• Real-world application testing (e.g. tilt angle glare and high-angle luminance)
• A focus on non-residential lighting – public infrastructure, ecological zones, and shared spaces
It is also a tiered program that enables designers to tailor their solution to the sensitivity of the application.
ADSA Approval Levels Explained
| ADSA Level | Key Requirements |
|---|---|
| ADSA Approved | ≤3000K CCT, on/off control, 0% upward light at full tilt, FVH/BVH ≤2.0% |
| ADSA Prized (Human Sensitive) | ≤2700K CCT, in-built control, FVH/BVH ≤1.0% |
| ADSA Prized (Wildlife Sensitive) | Amber/PC Amber/Red LED, ≤5000 lumens, in-built control, FVH/BVH ≤1.0% |
The Prized tiers require onboard dimming, sensors or adaptive control, and stricter spectrum limits – making them ideal for use near waterways, coastal reserves, or biodiversity corridors.
How ADSA Differs from DSI v3.0
While the new DSI v3.0 program is a significant improvement on earlier versions – with refined approval tiers, reduced upward light limits, and improved control expectations – some key differences remain that are relevant to our region:
| Feature | DSI v3.0 | ADSA (AU/NZ Specific) |
|---|---|---|
| Region of origin | Global (US-based) | Australia/New Zealand |
| Power compatibility | 120V-centric | 240V infrastructure |
| Wildlife guidelines | General | AU Federal Guidelines |
| Glare control | Basic | High-angle + tilt tested |
| Colour temperature | ≤3000K | ≤3000K / ≤2700K / amber/red |
| Control requirement | Optional or limited | Mandatory at higher tiers |
| Residential lighting | Included | Excluded — public applications only |
ADSA also avoids common US-centric barriers like mandatory shielding accessories that are less compatible with AU/NZ product typologies.
In 2024, WE-EF partnered with the University of Melbourne and the City of Salisbury on a landmark pilot study on wildlife-sensitive lighting. The study tested how changes in colour temperature, spectrum, intensity, and control affected the behaviour of both humans and wildlife in shared spaces.
The findings reinforced key ADSA and DSI principles:
• Lower colour temperatures reduced ecological disruption
• Smart controls like dimming and curfews maintained human amenity
• Glare direction and shielding mattered more than total lumen output
This research continues to inform our product development, and contributes valuable data to the evolving conversation around responsible exterior lighting – especially in sensitive natural areas.
Certification is a tool – not a guarantee
It’s important to remember: even certified luminaires can underperform if they are poorly aimed, installed incorrectly, or operated without control logic. That is why WE-EF goes beyond certification – offering technical support, product education, and hands-on demonstrations at our Lightbox showroom in Melbourne. We help our clients move from compliance to confidence.
Leading with purpose
As the first brand to achieve ADSA Approval, and now one of the few with dual certification under ADSA and DSI, WE-EF continues to lead the way in responsible outdoor lighting. Our luminaires are trusted across critical applications – from Phillip Island Penguin Parade, to UTAS Cradle Coast, to the Redcliffe Foreshore. Every project reflects our commitment to balancing performance, longevity, and ecological care.
Celebrating good lighting: the Beauty in Darkness awards
As part of our ongoing leadership in this space, WE-EF is proud to host the annual Beauty in Darkness Awards, in partnership with ADSA. These awards recognise real-world projects that reduce light pollution while enhancing public space, culture, and comfort. It is one of the ways we continue to support not just lighting compliance – but lighting excellence.
Lighting the way forward
With councils and infrastructure partners increasingly requesting ADSA-compliant solutions, it is more important than ever to choose a manufacturer who understands both the standard and the science behind it. Whether it is DSI, ADSA, or wildlife-sensitive design – WE-EF is here to guide your project from concept to compliance.
Want to explore night sensitive lighting in more detail? Get in touch or book a visit to the WE-EF Lightbox.
