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Less artificial light for environmental and health protection
The science city of Darmstadt sets new standards in dealing with artificial lighting. In its meeting on March 12, 2025, the magistrate approved a light guideline for public lighting and took note of a light guide for private households.
As stated in a message from the city of Darmstadt , the new light guideline should help minimize the effects of artificial light on people and nature. "Reducing artificial lighting means improving the health protection of the Darmstadt citizens, since reduced nightly lighting in particular promotes healthy sleep," explains city councilor Michael Kolmer. At the same time, the measure is a further step to achieve the city's climate protection goals.
Sustainable lighting for environmental and climate protection
the Federal Immission Control Act, light is considered to be harmful environmental influence. Federal Nature Conservation Act also provides for the protection of insects by reducing light emissions. The Hessian Nature Conservation Act also calls for the protection of light-sensitive animal and plant species and authorizes municipalities to issue corresponding statutes.
In the course of the new guidelines, relevant actors integrated in an extensive process, including the Hessian network against light pollution . The new light guideline serves as a guideline for the city administration, urban businesses and investments .
Guide for private lighting
Since sustainable lighting cannot be regulated alone at the municipal level, the city has also created the " light guide - practical paths to sustainable outdoor lighting ". This is aimed at private households, businesses, sports facilities, churches and monuments and offers specific tips on environmentally friendly lighting.
"This handout conveys knowledge, provides advice and shows examples of how success can be achieved in everyday life with very little effort for the benefit of nature," continued Kolmer. In addition to ecological aspects, the emotional factor also plays a role: "A look at the nightly starry sky also touches our heart."
Further action
After the final advice of the magistrate's template in the city council, the light guideline and the light guidelines will be available for download on the homepage of the science city of Darmstadt . The decision is already available in the city's information system .
(Darmstadt - Red/PSD/EVI)
