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Dark Sky and Light Pollution
Preserving dark skies is increasingly recognised as a vital component of environmental sustainability, wildlife protection and public health. The proliferation of artificial lighting, if poorly managed, results in light pollution - an often overlooked but serious environmental problem. Light pollution disrupts the natural circadian rhythms of wildlife, affecting critical behaviours such as migration, feeding and reproduction. For species such as birds, insects and nocturnal mammals, excessive artificial light can fragment habitats and alter ecosystems in harmful ways. Humans are not immune to these effects; overexposure to artificial light, especially at night, has been linked to sleep disorders, increased stress and other health challenges. From an environmental perspective, light pollution also contributes to unnecessary energy consumption and increased GHG emissions. Every lumen of wasted light represents energy that did not need to be consumed - and emissions that did not need to be released. At Schréder, we specialise in developing urban lighting solutions that respect the night. Our luminaires are designed to provide optimal visibility for roads, streets and pedestrian areas without contributing to light pollution. Through a combination of advanced optical engineering and strategic design, our solutions ensure precise light control - only where and when it is needed. Many of our luminaires feature a 0° tilt option, eliminating upward light spill and helping to preserve the natural darkness of the night sky. Our extensive portfolio includes photometric distributions tailored to specific applications, enabling efficient lighting without compromising visual comfort or safety.
As a further commitment to responsible lighting, we offer a complete range of luminaires certified by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). DarkSky certification recognises products that meet strict criteria for shielding, light direction and minimal colour temperature impact. In addition, our sustainability and product development teams have integrated new optics and accessories into several existing product ranges, enabling them to meet full or partial DarkSky compliance standards. By combining high-performance lighting with sustainable principles, Schréder empowers cities and communities to light their environments responsibly - protecting biodiversity, reducing energy waste and preserving the magic of the night sky for future generations. Schréder has been working on nature- centred, wildlife-friendly lighting solutions for decades. Cities want lighting solutions that provide safety for people and respect for wildlife. We firmly believe that the key to achieving this balance lies in careful project design. Used wisely, today’s technology makes it possible to minimise light pollution while still providing ample illumination.
Vincent Lang Research Manager
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