Following on from last week’s Bat Week & also Bat Appreciation Month, we wanted to expand on what Bat & Insect Friendly means, so we have generated a quick Q&A.
Q & A
Bat & Insect Friendly – What Is It? And What Does It Mean?
‘Bat & Insect Friendly’ is our way of self-certifying that our products meet the requirements set out by the International Dark-Sky Association, meaning that our lights are compliant with the Dark Sky Approved criteria.
Dark Sky Approved Criteria – What Is It?
The Dark Sky Approved Criteria is a list of requirements which when assessed by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), will grant you the ‘Dark Sky Approved’ fixture seal of approval.
What Are The Specific Requirements?
The requirements to be Dark Sky Approved are:
1) Approved fixtures shall employ warm-toned (3000K and lower) white light sources or may employ amber light sources or filtered LED light sources. (If other CCTs or mounting options are available for the luminaire, a notation needs to be made on the web page, spec sheets, and order forms).
NB: Gemma Lighting offer 3000K as a CCT option, and also have 2700K, 2200K and Red LEDs available as special order. Gemma Lighting note on their datasheets to refer to the 3000K CCT option or lower to be compliant.
2) Photometric files are needed to validate performance characteristics.
NB: Gemma Lighting have LDT files for all our luminaires to support this, and are also readily available for download in the Lighting Reality software.
3) There is an uplight allowance of 0.5% of total output or 50 lumens; whichever is lower, with no more than 10 lumens in 90-100 degree UL zone. Allowable uplight as a by product of the structure and not the source.
NB: The selected range of Gemma Lighting compliant luminaires have 0% uplight. They have internal and external photometric tests which support this.
4) Street and area lights must have a pre or post-installation shielding option.
NB: Spill shields are available from Gemma Lighting for the compliant luminaires.
5) Luminaires are required to have fixed mounts to ensure they are mounted as photometered. There can be up to + or- 10-degree adjustment for levelling if needed.
NB: Gemma Lighting’s compliant luminaires are required to be installed on columns or fixing plates, which is the same way they are mounted photometered in the photometric labs.
6) Luminaires must have dimming capability to 10% of full rating.
NB: Gemma Lighting’s compliant luminaires have DALI dimmable driver options, supplied from Osram for increased reliability.
7) Luminaires must have Safety Certification by an independent laboratory.
NB: Gemma Lighting’s compliant luminaires are independently tested by the LIA.
Why Does The Colour Temperature Need To Be 3000K or Warmer?
This is to remove the blue light content from artificial light which has become disruptive to the ecosystem, including bats & insects which are nocturnal, but also other animals too. In addition to the colour temperature, there must no upwards light spill.
What Is ‘Bug U-0’?
Bug U-0 is an ‘Innovation’ requirement, which isn’t required for the Dark Sky Approved status, but more of a best in class status. It states no uplight allowance, and in doing so achieves the BUG rating U-0.
Any Other Requirements?
The ‘Innovation’ requirement, which isn’t required for the Dark Sky Approved status, also states dimmable to 1% of full rating. smart controls to meet the purpose, no more than 7% of visible emissions in spectrum range of 380-520nm.
