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“A new senior housing community in Bemidji, Minn., developed by Ecumen has received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.

Ecumen developed the LEED-certified community, which opened in 2009, for North Country Health Services. Called WoodsEdge at North Country, the Bemidji site has 107 apartments, which include independent living, assisted living and memory care.

“Green senior housing will undoubtedly become a larger part of the country’s landscape,” said Steve Ordahl, Ecumen senior vice president of business and fund development. “I anticipate we’ll begin to see that reflected more and more in land use. For example, one opportunity we see is more village-type housing concepts that integrate intergenerational housing, dining, shopping, recreation and other features in one location.”

Innovation in design, water efficiency, light pollution reduction, and energy use are among the categories the U.S. Green Building Council awarded points to the Ecumen project.

Nearly 600,000 square feet of native plantings surround WoodsEdge at North Country. Potable water use is being reduced by 23 percent through the use of water-efficient sinks, showers and toilets. More than 900 tons of construction waste was diverted from landfills to recycling. Many of the building materials originated within 500 miles of the site. Underground parking at the site lessens impervious space and reduces storm water runoff. Preferred parking spaces are featured for low-emitting and fuel efficient vehicles. Light waste was reduced through energy efficient lighting. And a number of the interior design features are created from recycled materials.

Ecumen, which is based in Shoreview, Minn., is the most innovative leader of senior housing and services, empowering individuals to live richer and fuller lives. Ecumen provides a wide array of senior housing and services, including a senior housing development division that provides consulting and management services nationally. Ecumen has been named 6 years in a row by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal as one of Minnesota’s Best Places to Work.”

Materially, we all live in a finite world. As our world continues to grow in size, the amount of stress species around the globe puts on our planet increases. Plain and simple. There is a solution to lessen the amount of stress we as humans put on our environment: sustainability through increased efficiency. Whether it be light fixtures, power plants, electronics, natural resources, or waste, the increased efficiency equates to the same or more for less. That’s where the LEED certification comes in. The LEED certification evaluates both existing or future buildings’ impact on the environment, noted above in the article above. One of the metrics used to evaluate a building lies in how efficient its light fixtures are. It should be duly noted, that a light bulb with a high efficiency rating does not, in itself, reduce nor eliminate light pollution. It’s all about the shielding. When choosing to modify or purchase a new light fixture, make sure it’s 100% shielded, to ensure darker skies for everyone to enjoy!

Let there be night!

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“Lights will be switched off for five hours at night on part of the M5 motorway from midnight on Wednesday.

The plans will affect an eight-mile stretch between junctions two near Oldbury in the West Midlands and four by Lydiate Ash in Worcestershire.

The Highways Agency said it hoped to reduce carbon emissions and light pollution by 40%.

That part of the motorway network has a good safety record at those times, the agency said.

Switch-offs have taken place in other areas over the last two years including in Kent, Berkshire, Hampshire, Devon, Avon and Somerset and on an adjoining site on the M6 in Lancashire.

Bob Castleman, divisional director for the Highways Agency, said he expected the switch-off to achieve up to a 40% saving in carbon emissions and energy use as well as giving local communities reduced light pollution of the night sky.

Staff in the Highways Agency’s regional control centres have the ability to override the mechanism and will consider leaving the lights on should severe weather be forecast on these parts of the strategic road network overnight, the agency added.”

Good show. An otherwise good start to reducing the amount of unnecessary light fixtures on our roads. If a road’s safety record remains unchanged or improved by fewer lights, than why even bother erecting light fixtures? Especially if it’s an unshielded light fixture, who will benefit from it? No one. Absolutely no one. The gravity of unshielded light fixtures continues to remain unknown to most of the general public. Heed my words: without proper shielding, all attempts to curb light pollution would be for naught. Here at Starry Night Lights, we are committed to educating and eliminating light pollution once and for all.

Let there be night!

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“The Board of Supervisors last week approved a revised streetlight policy intended to improve energy efficiency, cut light pollution and help decrease projected increases in operating costs. Since its introduction on July 28, the policy revision has been tweaked in response to supervisor concerns. At the Dec. 1 meeting, William Dupler, interim deputy county administrator for community development, said the staff had been working diligently on the revision and to address supervisors concerns. Three issues prompted the policy’s revision, he said in July: Renewed interest in energy conservation and light pollution, the fact that the policy was last revised in 1988 and increasing costs.

“In our current environment, controlling costs is really going to be imperative for the continuing viability of our community,” he said. “If we can direct our illumination on the ground, it’s a much more efficient use of energy, much more efficient use of our resources.” Currently, the county spends about $644,700 a year operating and maintaining streetlights, a staff report on the revision says. At the current pace, those costs are expected to double as early as 2016, and increase by more than $1 million by 2020, the report says.

According to a summary of the revised policy, a streetlight will be required at the entrance to any new subdivision or subdivision section where the entrance forms an intersection. Developers will pay for the installation, and pay a fee equivalent to the five-year cost to the county for the type of light installed. Additional lighting will be the responsibility of the developer or homeowners associations and will not be added to the county’s streetlight program.

In new commercial and industrial developments, a streetlight will be required at road entrances and exits. Developers will pay for the installation, and pay a fee equivalent to the five-year cost to the county for the type of light installed. Additional lighting will be the responsibility of the developer or operator and will not be added to the county’s streetlight program. In existing residential areas or developments, streetlights should be located at intersections. A requested streetlight that costs less than $300 can be approved by staff. After making a motion to adopt the policy revisions, Matoaca Supervisor Marleen Durfee thanked Dupler “for being patient with the board” throughout the process. Dale Supervisor Jim Holland said he appreciated the hard work that went into the revision.”

It’s astounding how a small change in policy can have such a large impact on communities. When you direct street lights and home property lights downward, it saves not only you energy, but the community as well. In addition, having less street light fixtures, though shielded, can offer the same amount of illumination than additional, more traditional light fixtures would have provided. Rightfully so, if a homeowner wishes to install additional light fixtures on their property, they’re certainly entitled to it, though they should be properly shielded – especially if the community wishes to maintain congruency. That’s the simple truth of the matter: shielded light fixtures eliminate light pollution 100%. As more and more communities across the globe continue to reevaluate their energy budgets, shielding preexisting or newly built light fixtures is an extremely cost effective solution. Once a light is shielded, the only thing requiring additional maintenance would be replacing the bulb itself. We can do this!

Let there be night!

“The Conservative-controlled council has controversially decided to turn off or dim street-lights to save cash and energy.

But opposition members are worried that it could lead to road accidents as well as a rise in crime.

The council’s Cabinet says the project will save more than £1 million a year and cut carbon emissions and light pollution.

The proposal will involve turning some street lights off between midnight and 5.30 am, dimming some between 10 pm and 7 am and switching others off entirely.”

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Cutting costs, due to the global economic slowdown, has been dominating city councils, state governments and federal governments around the globe these past five years. Perhaps, all of us know we use too much light to light our homes, streets and cities. Perhaps, it’s ‘easily cut’, given it’s position in the budget ‘totem pole’ of government. Regardless, light pollution is a 100% reversible problem. As for the context of the article, increased lighting does not increase safety. In good form, a comment proclaimed how crime will spike dramatically and how the city should erect more light fixtures. Utter nonsense. Shielded lighting paired in conjunction with motion sensors would not only save money, but also help secure properties, streets and cities better than over-illuminated solutions. This alternative will not completely deter crime entirely, but given some of the research conducted about this topic, less illumination is either neutral or better than excessive lighting. In this case, Shielded lighting paired in conjunction with motion sensors is a win-win situation.

Let there be night!

SPJ Lighting – Exterior Wall Sconce in Brass or Copper

Founded in 1998, SPJ has been delivering high quality lighting fixtures for over 12 years. What separates SPJ lighting from other competitors, lies in the materials used. Every SPJ light fixture uses either solid brass or copper (at the customers choice) and they are as durable as they are attractive. Utilizing brass or copper as an outdoor fixture is a great investment because both brass and copper are immune to oxidation: corrosion and rust. Naturally, all SPJ lighting fixtures come with a lifetime warranty.

SPJ Lighting – Copper or Brass Exterior Wall Mount Fixture
This lamp is eligible for SPJ’s patent pending ForeverBright LED technology(tm), touting an impressive 50,000 hour lamp life. Fear not, the color emitted from the light is a natural warm glow rather than the bright white light found in most LED lights. In addition, ForeverBright LED technology(tm) includes includes “Smart Systems” such as low voltage motion detection devices and emergency battery back-up products.

SPJ Lighting – Brass or Copper Recessed Light

“Copper and brass are not just for “coastal environments”. In modern landscape conditions with constant irrigation, fertilizer and soil amendments, a coastal environment is created in almost every garden. It is difficult for anything to survive in such harsh surroundings; therefore you can trust SPJ Lighting finishes to remain beautiful and functional until the end of time!”

There are a lot of new lighting technologies to choose from these days, so ‘which one is the best one to choose’ you may ask? Hopefully, this article will help you make a more informed choice, depending on your needs.

Compact Fluorescent

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Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) represent a new process in which we produce light, albeit with significantly increased longevity and energy efficiency over traditional incandescent lamps. CFLs have been lauded for their remarkable features. Unfortunately, as with most new technology, it also has its problems. CFLs contain mercury, a rather harmful element to the environment if not properly recycled correctly. CFLs are meant to stay on, rather than switched on/off periodically. By doing so, you decrease the life cycle of the CFL drastically, thereby limiting CFLs in their application (especially active motion or motion sensing uses). CFLs usually take a minute to warm up to its peak luminance. Despite their shortcomings, CFLs are a good choice if you plan leaving it on constantly. Personally, I think we’ll see more development with LED lighting than CFLs.

Sodium-Vapor Lamps

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High Pressure Sodium
Known as Sodium-Vapor Lamps, it comes in two flavors: High Pressure Sodium (HPS) and Low Pressure Sodium (LPS). These lamps are typically used mostly in large-scale lighting infrastructures across the globe. HPS/LPS lamps are known as the infamous light polluters to Astronomers and dark sky enthusiasts and financial ‘vampires’ to governments and tax payers. HPS lamps experience ‘cycling,’ which occurs when there’s a loss of sodium in the arc. For example, a HPS Lamp can start a low voltage, but as temperature rises during operation, the internal gas pressure from within the arc tube increases and more additional voltage is required to maintain its lumen or its brightness.

Low Pressure Sodium
LPS is similar to HPS, but usually has a significantly lower wattage and does not exhibit drastic energy consumption than its heavier cousin. If Astronomers had to choose, they would most certainly prefer LPS to HPS lamps and rightfully so. In fact, LPS lamps do not decline in lumen output as they age, typically consume less energy and they have been compared to Fluorescent lamps due to their low–pressure nature. The problem is, from a construction point of view, that the larger the LPS lamp you create, the more design and engineering problems  increases dramatically. Though an efficient light, their construction issues and slight energy need (~10%) at their end-of-life cycle are costly to repair and maintain (similar to HPS).

LED

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Light-emitting-diode lamps represent the latest and greatest in lighting technologies. There are three options, the former two being presently not commercially available, organic light-emitting diodes, polymer light-emitting diodes and light-emitting diodes. These three are also known as Solid-state lighting, for they possess diodes, rather than electrical filaments, plasma (fluorescent lamps), or gas. As for the two former options, they’re quite amazing. Imagine super efficient bendable, paper thin light. We probably won’t see those two options commercially available for several years. As for Light-emitting-diode lamps, they’re similar, if not better, than fluorescent lamps. They contain no mercury, are easy to dispose of and also are quite easy to repair in large-scale applications (just replace the diode rather than the entire circuit). Of course, LEDs have their problems as well. The two big problems are its cost and its light output. As the process matures, LED prices should decrease significantly. As for light output, some studies suggest white LEDs produce light ‘too bright.’ While white LEDs are the easiest to make, other more difficult and colored LEDs correct that issue. Personally, I think this is the future of lighting and probably the best investment.

So there you have it. I hope this helps and of course, always research, research, research. That’s your power as a consumer. One last piece of advice:

Shield all your lighting, no matter what the application!

Without shielding, light still escapes into the heavens above.

Let there be night!

Kemerovo in Siberia is converting to street lighting with Golden Dragon Oval Plus LED from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors on a broad scale. (Press picture: OSRAM)

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“Kemerovo in Siberia is converting to street lighting with LEDs by OSRAM Opto Semiconductors on a broad scale. The city of 520,000 inhabitants on the Trans-Siberian Railway has installed 200 street luminaires made by LLC TD Focus, which are equipped with Golden Dragon Oval Plus LEDs. The city can therefore achieve significant savings in energy costs and CO2 emissions.

Two hundred LLC TD Focus street luminaires of the USS-90 Magistral type with OSRAM Opto Semiconductors’ LED technology have already been installed at various locations in Kemerovo. Another 200 luminaires will also be put up in the neighbouring village of Neftebazy and in Leninsk-Kusnetsky.

Ninety Golden Dragon Oval Plus LED are used per luminaire. These LEDs have been developed specifically for street lighting and meet the special requirements for an efficient lighting solution without light pollution. The Golden Dragon Oval Plus has a special directional characteristics based on an integrated, durable silicon lens. The LED light is only aimed at the parts of roads or squares that have to be lit.

The range of color temperatures and shades of white that light-emitting diodes offer meet the various lighting requirements at individual locations. From cold white (5,000 to 6,500K) to neutral or warm white (2,700 to 5,000K) the right solution is available for every application. Light output is on average between efficient 65 to 95lm/W.

Robust, weatherproof and economical

LED street lighting is also well prepared for adverse weather conditions with freezing temperatures, rain, ice and snow: their operating life and radiant power even increase as temperatures fall. Compared with conventional solutions using 150W sodium high-pressure discharge lamps the USS-90 Magistral streetlamp with a total power consumption of only 105W requires far less energy. For the local authority this means savings of more than $20,000 a year. Plus, the luminaires emit more than 200kg less of CO2 annually. With the LEDs’ durability they can also reduce their maintenance costs considerably.

But it is not just the energy balance compared with conventional lighting solutions that looks impressive – both the even illumination and good quality light improve perception of objects and therefore increase safety. The LEDs’ small size also gives lighting manufacturers greater design opportunities.

Martin Wittmann, marketing manager of solid-state lighting at OSRAM Opto Semiconductors explains: “With their great efficiency, long life and low maintenance, lighting solutions based on LED soon pay for themselves. This protects not only the public households but the environment as well.”"

Indeed, the energy savings from using energy efficient light bulbs are quite noticeable, but what about the lighting fixtures themselves? Is it important to use proper lighting fixtures to house these energy efficient light bulbs? Absolutely! In fact, I’d argue proper lighting fixtures take precedent over energy efficient light bulbs. Why? Simple. If a light lacks shielding, then a light will leak into the sky. This phenomenon is known as light pollution. Regrettably, light pollution litters much of the night sky around the globe, due to poor lighting principles. Shielding directs the light downward where it’s needed. In addition, when the light is focused downward, it becomes more concentrated, ergo a smaller light bulb would perceptibly emit more light. High wattage bulbs, for the most part, would be unnecessary. Incorporating motion sensors with high efficiently light bulbs and shielded lighting principles, would further reduce not only our electrical footprint, but also the ‘criminal-footprint’. Studies have indicated that motion-sensorsed fixtures deter crime better than excessive, constant light. From an environmental, an economic and a fiancial standpoint, the choice should be obvious. Shielded lighting fixtures + energy efficient light bulbs + motion sensors = an efficient, environmentally conscious solution to a 100% solvable problem. Here at Starry Night Lights, we take pride in the fact that all our products are 100% shielded. Guaranteed. Reading this post is the first step towards a brighter future.

Let there be night!

“Last week, reports indicated that Gulf sea turtles were even burned alive as BP tried to corral and burn off oil before it reached the shore.

With your help, we can make a difference for the imperiled sea turtles of the Gulf. Your donation will help us…

* Fight in court to save sea turtles and other wildlife threatened by the Gulf oil disaster. Defenders – and our partners at the Southern Environmental Law Center – were the first to serve notice on BP that we will take them to court to ensure the greatest safeguards possible for sea turtles protected by the Endangered Species Act and to hold the company responsible for the loss of sea turtles and other wildlife.

* Stop the next drilling disaster. We’ve mobilized more than 113,000 caring individuals like you in our efforts to stop dangerous new offshore drilling that could further threaten sea turtles and other coastal wildlife and we’re working with allies in Congress and fighting in the courts to stop risky drilling in the Gulf, off the coast of Alaska and off the coasts of Atlantic states like North Carolina.

* Work on the ground to save sea turtles. We’ve recruited hundreds of people in Florida for beach clean-ups to speed recovery efforts as oil strikes the beaches of the Sunshine State. We’re also coordinating efforts with refuge managers, officials on the federal response team and wildlife rehabilitation professionals. And our hazmat-trained Florida team is on call, prepared to assist with cleanup and restoration efforts to protect our sea turtles and other wildlife.”

The good folks at the Defenders of Wildlife urge individuals around the world to become aware of the catastrophic damage caused by the BP oil spill. As a proponent for conserving and protecting all wildlife, DoF need your support to help offset the damage done to the gulf sea turtles. Sea turtle populations have been waning since the advent of misguided, unshielded lighting principles; yet sea turtles could possibly face extinction now due a new compounding problem: oil contamination. Help support these good folks by donating to a worthy cause, for the survival of these maritime creatures. Starry Night Lights is proud to carry 100% safe, sea turtle friendly lighting. We, at Starry Night Lights, support this organization and we hope you support them as well.

Let there be night!

“These images of the Dumbbell Nebula, left, in the constellation Vulpecula (visible with binoculars), and the Aurora Borealis were taken during a previous Star Party at Cherry Springs State Park in Potter County, Pa., an International Dark Sky Park.”
Photo by Alan Friedman

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“The electric company provides free light-shielding caps to local residents to contain light pollution, and strict state laws maintain the integrity of the dark skies. Estimates indicate visitors can see 10,000 stars with the naked eye, along with the nucleus of the Milky Way and, when conditions are right, the aurora borealis.”

Cherry Springs State Park received the International Dark Sky Park recognition in 2007. In fact, to date, it still remains as the only IDA recognized areas east of the Mississippi. So why has this small park achieved such a prestigious title? Well, for one, the closest city  to Cherry Springs State Park is located 60 miles. It’s located atop of the Allegheny Plateau and because it’s located in the Susquehannock Forest, it escapes natural and unnatural fog. As noted above, the electric company actually provides free light-shielding caps to contain light pollution. Yes, you read that correctly. The electric company actually provides free light-shielding caps to contain light pollution. That’s absolutely unheard of, yet certainly laudable! No wonder the cottage industry there has absolutely exploded due to the high demand for pristine, dark skies.

Congratulations on your continued efforts, Cherry Springs State Park. May you enjoy pristine dark skies for many, many years to come!

Let there be night!

Results of the lighting reduction project in the Chisos Basin. NPS photo.

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“The Big Bend lighting project is a collaborative effort with the National Park Service and a Best Lighting Practices grant with Musco Lighting. This grant is administered through the National Park Foundation and the NPS’ Denver Service Center, and part of the funding is coming from the Friends of Big Bend National Park. Forever Resorts, Inc., contributed labor and made other donations to the project, which is among the first of its kind of this scope in the National Park System.”

“The new LED fixtures are rated at less than 1 watt each and replace 60 watt incandescent and fluorescent lamps. That adds up to some impressive results: a 98% reduction in wattage, energy consumption, and greenhouse emissions. Park budgets are always tight, and this project will provide some welcome cost savings. It’s estimated that annual energy bills for the equipment that was replaced will drop from $3,292 to $164.”

“The amount of energy that will now be used to light the Chisos Basin is a tiny fraction of the energy used with the old style lights. So from an environmental standpoint, and a sustainability standpoint, it’s a really good project. This is a great project that we wanted to celebrate tonight. You just do not get that many projects that have this wide a range of benefits. So I think this one is really worth celebrating. We are proud to be working in concert with surrounding towns and agencies to improve the quality of the night skies in the Big Bend region.” – William Wellman, park superintendent

Located in Texas, Big Bend National Park offers some of the most pristine dark skies in the country. Pictured above, the Chisos Basin area is one of the more developed areas within the park. As you can see from the photograph above, Chisos Basin offered decent views in the top photograph. You can see a few unshielded lights in the first photograph, but in reality, most of the light pollution within Big Bend National Park came from the Chisos Basin are. But because of the retrofit, the Chisos Basin area now offers even darker skies whilst significantly reducing their annual electrical budget by ~95%. How is the Chisos Basin area saving so much? Traditional 60 watt incandescent and fluorescent lamps have been replaced with new LED fixtures are rated at less than 1 watt each – a 98% reduction in wattage! Furthermore, the park claims that:

“the new LED fixtures utilize technology that provides comparable light with dramatically less electricity, have an average life of 50,000 hours and provide a natural moon glow color-rendering effect. These new fixtures are designed to complement existing infrastructure, blend into the landscape, and are appropriately shielded, providing illumination where needed on the horizontal plane.”

Starry Night Lights wishes to congratulate Big Bend National Park on their successful lighting retrofit. As you can see in the ‘after’ photograph, you can really notice a huge difference between the two photographs. The light is contained, yet illuminates the same original area as well as the first where it is needed: downward. For that, cheers!

Let there be night!