Pittsburgh recently became the first city in the U.S. to enact “Dark Sky Lighting” ordinance.
The aim is to use technology, lower color temperature, and shielding to use outdoor lighting “only needed for comfort and safety,” according to a city news release. The law applies to all city parks, facilities, and streetlights.
The “Dark Sky Lighting” concept reduces unnecessary light pollution and dangerous glare that can come from lighting areas for no specific purpose, the release says. “Over-lighting and light pollution can negatively impact the mental and physical health of nearby neighbors, visibility for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, as well as habitats for plants, animals and birds,” it says.
The city will employ Dark Sky principles for newly installed or retrofitted streetlights, newly constructed and renovated park spaces and playgrounds, as well as newly constructed and renovated city-owned buildings. The Office of Sustainability and Resilience will compile a guide for residents and businesses to scale and implement Dark Sky principles on private property.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 21, 2017
Senate bill would prohibit tax money for sports stadium projects
Bipartisan legislation would prevent use of municipal bonds by pro teams.
Codes and Standards | Jun 19, 2017
Developer, architect hit with $10 million construction defect verdict
Case pertained to construction of condo development that was not fire code-compliant.
Codes and Standards | Jun 19, 2017
Green building advocates erect icehouses on Penn. state capitol steps to make point on codes
State’s codes have not been updated since 2009.
Codes and Standards | Jun 15, 2017
Cornell Tech unveils plans to reach Net Zero at The Bloomberg Center
Campus plans include photovoltaic arrays and geothermal ground source heat pumps.
Codes and Standards | Jun 13, 2017
Canada Green Building Council and Green Business Certification Inc. announce partnership
New joint venture will deliver enhanced services and support tools and programs throughout Canada.
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2017
Nail-Laminated Timber Design and Construction Guide released
New document focuses on design and construction considerations for horizontal NLT applications.
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2017
Car sharing popularity means parking zoning and codes may be promoting overbuilding of garages
Some designers look to modular designs in anticipation of alternate uses.
Codes and Standards | Jun 7, 2017
IAPMO advances toward new 2017 Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standard
Revised pipe-sizing method for residential applications will be included.
Codes and Standards | Jun 7, 2017
New Colorado law could stimulate stalled condo market
Construction defect law modifications could ease litigation risk and cut insurance rates.
Codes and Standards | Jun 6, 2017
New York City will require construction superintendents on buildings higher than three stories
New laws focus on construction safety.