What is the DarkSky concept?
DarkSky does not mean darker streets or sacrificing safety. Quite the opposite. The purpose of the program is to promote high-quality lighting that ensures comfort and safety for users of public spaces while minimizing environmental impact.
Responsible outdoor lighting should:
- illuminate only where light is required,
- reduce glare,
- prevent light emission above the horizon,
- use appropriate light distributions,
- allow power reduction during nighttime hours,
- use the warmest appropriate color temperature.
The five principles of responsible outdoor lighting
DarkSky International and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) have established five key principles for responsible outdoor lighting.
1. Light should have a clear purpose
Every lighting installation should serve a specific function. Areas that are not used after dark generally do not require illumination.
2. Light should be directed only where it is needed
This is achieved through carefully designed optics, shielding, and proper luminaire aiming.
3. Light levels should be no brighter than necessary
Excessive brightness does not automatically improve safety and often increases glare while reducing visual comfort.
4. Light should be used only when needed
Modern DALI controls, dimming systems, and lighting schedules help reduce energy consumption without compromising safety.
5. Warmer light sources should be preferred
Lower blue-light content reduces the impact on living organisms and minimizes atmospheric light scattering.
How can you identify a dark-sky-friendly luminaire?
One of the most important parameters is ULR (Upward Light Ratio), which defines the proportion of light emitted into the upper hemisphere.
- ULR > 0 means that some light is emitted into the sky.
- ULR = 0 means that no direct light is emitted above the horizon.
Luminaires designed according to DarkSky principles also help reduce:
- glare,
- intrusive light affecting nearby residents,
- energy losses caused by inefficient light distribution,
- urban sky glow.
The Tiara 2 LED family. DarkSky for road lighting infrastructure
The latest generation of road luminaires, Tiara 2 LED M, Tiara 2 LED S, and Tiara 2 LED XS, features advanced directional optical systems that provide exceptionally precise control of light distribution. As a result, the light reaches the roadway, sidewalk, or bike path instead of shining into residential windows or the atmosphere.
Benefits for investors
- DarkSky certification,
- high luminous efficacy,
- compatibility with DALI control systems,
- CLO (Constant Light Output) functionality,
- programmable power reduction,
- a wide range of optics for different road-lighting applications.
The Tiara 2 LED family is ideal for illuminating:
- urban streets,
- residential roads,
- parking areas,
- pedestrian crossings,
- bicycle paths,
- industrial and logistics facilities.
Skver LED S. An urban luminaire with ULR = 0
In parks and recreational areas, protecting the nighttime environment is especially important. For this reason, Skver LED S luminaires have been designed to minimize upward light emission.
The defining feature of this family is ULR = 0, meaning no direct light is emitted into the sky.
Additional advantages include:
- DarkSky certification,
- optional glare-reduction accessories,
- IK10 impact resistance,
- Zhaga-D4i compatibility,
- both omnidirectional and directional light distribution variants.
This makes Skver LED S an excellent choice for:
- parks,
- public squares,
- urban green spaces,
- pedestrian pathways,
- recreational areas,
- residential developments,
- parking lots.
DarkSky and energy savings
Protecting the night sky is often associated solely with environmental concerns. In practice, it also delivers significant economic benefits.
When light is directed precisely where it is needed:
- fewer luminaires may be required for a project,
- energy consumption is reduced,
- operating costs decrease,
- overall lighting system efficiency increases.
These benefits are particularly important for municipalities upgrading public lighting infrastructure and for investors managing large public or commercial sites.
DarkSky and the cities of the future
An increasing number of European cities are implementing strategies to reduce light pollution. Responsible lighting design is becoming an integral part of climate policies, ESG initiatives, and Smart City concepts.
DarkSky-compliant luminaires help to:
- protect biodiversity,
- reduce the carbon footprint of projects,
- improve residents' comfort,
- increase urban energy efficiency,
- preserve natural day-night cycles.
This is why solutions such as Tiara 2 LED and Skver LED are increasingly selected for modern road, urban, and park lighting projects.
Summary
DarkSky is far more than a lighting design trend. It is a practical response to the growing issue of light pollution, which affects people, wildlife, and the natural environment. Through advanced optics, reduced upward light emission, and intelligent lighting controls, it is possible to provide both safety and effective protection of the night sky.
Tiara 2 LED M, Tiara 2 LED S, Tiara 2 LED XS, and Skver LED S demonstrate that modern road and urban lighting can be energy-efficient, highly effective, and environmentally responsible, supporting the sustainable development goals of contemporary cities.