LANDSCAPING & EXTERNAL WORKS
A BETTER FUTURE FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING
SUCCESSFULLY REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT THROUGH DESIGN & FUNCTION
Installing outdoor lights in any location now carries the important responsibility to reduce environmental impact on natural surroundings and wildlife . After years of improvement , the professional luminaire specifications now fulfil both criteria of highly effective illumination , and less light pollution . Here ’ s what to look for …
GO SOLAR
Solar lights are a greener , more sustainable solution to 240v ( mains ) lighting , using a renewable energy source , and slashing the expense of energy and installation bills . Look for improved technology such as monocrystalline solar panels and high capacity , long-life Lithium- Ion / LiFePO4 batteries that retain charge efficiently . Certain ranges contain sophisticated in-built functions such as gradual dimming sequences from dusk to dawn .
Lumena Lights ’ Pro-Solar Range and ViaMAX Solar Street Lights are guaranteed for up to 5 years and especially designed for UK weather , reliably illuminating for hours every night of the year . Over 4 years , the ranges have been successfully installed in larger gardens , public areas , hospitality venues , schools , and housing developments .
POLLUTION SOLUTION
To avoid light pollution , low level ‘ anti-glare ’ LED fittings are preferred . Pools of directional light shine downwards and bright light is diverted away from eye-level . ‘ Glare shields ’ or louvres further reduce unnecessary light spillage . Glare shields don ’ t mean less brightness ; simply controlled , directed illumination . Nocturnal animals such as bats rely on darkness to survive , thus the phrase “ Bat friendly ” outdoor lighting .
For illumination without dazzling , opt for spread lighting designs ( Charleston ), angled louvered bollards ( Boleda Range ) and adjustable spotlights .
“ Solar lights are a greener , more sustainable solution to 240v ( mains ) lighting .
Above left , Charleston Spreadlights emit anti-glare light . Above right , Boleda Ventus louvered bollards . Top right , Amber LED lamps reduce disruption to nocturnal wildlife .
WARM GLOW
Previously , high output daylight white fittings ( 6000 + kelvins ), were commonplace on larger-scale lighting installs . Due to blue light scattering via atmospheric particles , it is harsher on the eye and can have a negative influence on surroundings and wildlife , particularly bats . Studies show that colour temperatures of 2700-3000K , ( warm white ), result in much less distraction and disruption . Blue light deters bats which can result in them not feeding as they should , as some insects are attracted to blue light . Lumena stock many warm white Solar options as well as a brand new amber 240v LED lamp in ultra-warm 1800K – a great replacement for existing cool white LEDs .
MOTION SENSORS
A motion sensor ( PIR / Microwave ) controls fittings to illuminate when motion is detected but then dims or turns off when the area is clear . In comparison to constant lighting , this prevents light pollution and protects nocturnal wildlife from unnecessary artificial light . This also reduces energy consumption . Pair with solar to decrease your carbon footprint even further . Consider Lumena ’ s innovative , durable PIR path lights including both 240v and solar options .
Lumena offer solar samples at trade prices if you ’ d like to trial one on your project . Photometric data is available for many of their path light designs if required .
Consider colour temperature www . lumenalights . com
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