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
| Oct 6, 2011
Florida county proposes saving on construction costs by trumping city regulations
This summer, Pinellas County, FL wanted to save money on an $81 million public safety complex in Largo by using the county’s own building regulations and permit fees, not the city’s more expensive fees.
| Sep 30, 2011
OSHA Releases New Nail Gun Safety Document
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have developed a new guidance document, Nail Gun Safety—A Guide for Construction Contractors.
| Sep 30, 2011
Cement Industry Advocates For Environmental Regulatory Relief
EPA regulations impacting the cement industry could force the closure of 18 of the nearly 100 US cement plants and cost 4,000 manufacturing jobs .
| Sep 30, 2011
IRS Releases New Rule On Reclassifying Independent Contractors
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a new Voluntary Classification Settlement Program that allows an employer to reclassify independent contractors as employees if those workers previously were misclassified.
| Sep 29, 2011
Illinois Grapples With Definition of ‘Clean’ Construction Debris
The Illinois Pollution Control Board holds hearings this week about construction debris rules proposed by the state Environmental Protection Agency.
| Sep 15, 2011
Alabama Prepares First Statewide Residential Building Code
Following a series of devastating tornadoes that ripped through Alabama on April 27th, the state is preparing to implement the first statewide building code for residential structures.
| Sep 15, 2011
New Label Established For Energy Efficient Doors in UK
The British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) has established a labelling program for all types of domestic pedestrian doors.
| Sep 15, 2011
EPA Releases New High-Rise Residential Energy Star Rating
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced an Energy Star rating for multi-family high-rise buildings.
| Sep 15, 2011
Bill Seeks To Spur Stronger Building Codes Nationwide
The Safe Building Code Incentive Act of 2011 would provide strong financial incentives for states to adopt and enforce strong building codes.
| Sep 15, 2011
New Federal Law Limits Amount of Formaldehyde in Wood
President Obama signed into law legislation that limits the amount of formaldehyde in wood. The new measure will impact particle board and other composite wood products .