Nashvillians know the frustration: Looking up at the clear sky on a crisp Tennessee evening, expecting a blanket of bright stars to paint the dark canopy overhead, only to find a grey glow of city lights. Once a year, International Dark Sky Week celebrates the night sky and aims to protect the night from light pollution and reduce the amount of artificial light.
On April 6, 2021, Nashville’s Metro Council passed its Dark Sky Ordinance (BL2020-535). The legislation amends city code surrounding “the design and operation of outdoor electrical lighting to achieve light pollution reduction consistent with the International Dark Sky Association guidelines.” This means that light fixtures must be directed and illuminated only as necessary. Additionally, the ordinance calls for controls to dim or turn off lights when not in use and sets the maximum color temperature at 3000 Kelvin as opposed to fluorescent white or blue. The legislation will affect private streetlights, construction or major renovations of commercial and multifamily homes, and keep existing light trespass regulations for residential areas.
The Dark Sky Initiative is consistent with recommendations made by the Mayor’s Sustainability Advisory Committee Climate Action Report and the principles of NashvilleNext.
Five Ways to Benefit from a Darker Sky
A Better Night’s Sleep
Light pollution can disrupt circadian rhythms, which plays a role in our hormones, sleep cycles, and immune systems. We need sunlight, but we equally need darkness.
Safer Streets
A darker sky reduces glare for drivers and pedestrians. Too much (particularly white) light can create a harsh shadow and reduce visibility down roads and alleys, contributing to related motor accidents.
Improved Health
Smart lighting means less energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). GHGs drive climate change, which has a range of negative implications for human, animal, and environmental health. Artificial light at night disrupts reproduction, sleep, and hunting behavior or all kinds of animals, changing the ecosystems around us.
Reconnecting with the Milky Way
Stargazing promotes an appreciation of our solar system. Better clarity of constellations can also encourage early interest in science for children.
Saves Money
With energy use savings come monetary savings. According to the International Dark Sky Association, nearly 30% of all outdoor lighting in the United States is wasted, which amounts to roughly $3.3 billion a year spent on wasted electricity.
Based on information from www.darksky.org
Dark Sky Viewing
By ensuring our outdoor lights reduce light pollution, BL2020-535 helps Nashvillians enjoy a darker sky – and all the benefits that go along with that!
For yearlong dark sky viewing, Pickett CCC Memorial State Park and Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area are two Tennessee State Parks that have earned a Silver-tier International Dark Sky Park designation, the first of their kind in the Southeast to be recognized. Find dark sky programs by visiting the Tennessee State Park event calendar.
Blog Author
This blog was authored by Brooke Ellis, Intern with the Division of Sustainability.
Related Images
“Darkest place in Middle Tennessee” - Dan Russo via Unsplash