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Rethinking light pollution: it’s not just about street lighting
Words by: WE-EF
At WE‑EF, we believe that outdoor lighting must do more than illuminate. It should respect ecosystems, protect the night sky, and contribute to healthier, more sustainable cities. A recent study featured in Forbes challenges a long-held assumption: that street lighting is the primary contributor to urban light pollution. The findings point to a more complex reality and one that aligns with the direction WE‑EF has long championed.
New data, new understanding
According to the study, street lighting accounts for only 10 to 13 percent of total light emissions in cities. Instead, the major contributors are:
– Interior lighting from office buildings and apartments, especially when emitted through unshaded windows (48%)
– Commercial lighting from shopfronts, billboards, façade lighting, and large LED signs (7.4%)
– Poorly shielded luminaires that allow light to escape upward and horizontally (7.3%)
This suggests that simply upgrading street lighting is not enough to tackle the broader problem of skyglow and light trespass. (Forbes, 2025)
What this means for WE‑EF and our partners
At WE‑EF, we design luminaires that prioritise optical precision, sustainability, and night-sensitivity. This research reinforces our focus on delivering lighting solutions that don’t just meet performance requirements but also respond to ecological and social needs.
Here’s how we are addressing the real sources of light pollution:
1. Optical control
Our luminaires are engineered for maximum visual comfort and minimal spill. By ensuring precise beam control and using full cutoff designs, we direct light only where it’s needed.
2. Responsible colour temperature choice
Cooler, blue-rich light contributes more to skyglow. Our lighting solutions are available in warmer colour temperatures (for example, 3000 K or lower) and PC Amber, suitable for sensitive applications and wildlife corridors.
3. Smart control options
Lighting products equipped with dimming, motion sensing, and scheduling functions help reduce overlighting, especially during off-peak hours.
4. Collaboration with planners and architects
We actively engage with stakeholders beyond public infrastructure. Because commercial and private-sector lighting plays a large role in skyglow, broader design conversations are essential.
5. Thoughtful urban integration
Lighting design must consider how different sources interact across the cityscape. Façades, signage, landscaping, and indoor light all contribute to the nighttime visual environment.
Reducing light pollution is not the sole responsibility of street lighting manufacturers or councils. A coordinated approach is needed across multiple domains, including:
– Regulation and policy: enforce shielding, dimming, colour temperature limits, and zoning requirements
– Education: raise awareness among building owners and designers on the cumulative effect of light trespass
– Data and monitoring: encourage use of satellite imagery, ground-level measurements, and modelling tools to assess light pollution holistically
Lighting with respect
As a manufacturer of outdoor luminaires, WE‑EF’s commitment is clear: to provide products and guidance that align with sustainable design practices and the long-term health of our cities and ecosystems.
We welcome this evolving conversation. It shifts the focus from blaming street lighting alone to acknowledging the shared responsibility we all have in protecting the night. Let’s continue to challenge assumptions, embrace better data, and design lighting solutions that respect both people and place.
