Table of contents
Community
Dark Sky and Light Pollution
Improving Safety and Preserving the Environment at Bede’s School
Bede’s School is located in the heart of the vibrant rural community of The Dicker in Sussex, England. The introduction of two new roundabouts created a complex junction where four roads converge, rendering the existing lighting inadequate. As safety around the school is a priority, the new lighting had to be balanced with the village’s commitment to preserving its dark rural skies.
The preservation of dark skies is increasingly recognised as an essential aspect of environmental sustainability, wildlife protection and human health. When artificial lighting is poorly managed, it leads to light pollution - an often underestimated yet significant environmental challenge. Light pollution disrupts the natural circadian rhythms of wildlife, affecting key behaviours such as migration, feeding and reproduction. For birds, insects and nocturnal mammals, excessive artificial light can fragment habitats and alter ecosystems. Humans are similarly affected: night-time overexposure has been linked to sleep disturbances, stress and other health issues. Light pollution also represents unnecessary energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Every lumen of wasted light represents energy that did not need to be consumed. At Schréder, we design lighting solutions that respect the night- time environment . Our luminaires provide optimal visibility for roads and public spaces, while minimising light spill and skyglow. Through advanced optical engineering and targeted design, we ensure light is delivered precisely where and when it is needed. Many of our luminaires offer a 0° tilt option to eliminate upward light spill, and our extensive range includes photometries tailored to specific applications, ensuring efficiency without compromising on comfort or safety. We also offer a wide selection of International Dark-Sky Association (IDA)-certified “ DarkSky Approved ” luminaires. These are designed to meet rigorous criteria for shielding, light direction and colour temperature. Our teams have fully integrated these principles into their approach and are continually enhancing product families with updated optics and accessories to ensure compliance with DarkSky standards. By combining high performance lighting with responsible design principles, Schréder enables cities and communities to thoughtfully illuminate their environments, protecting biodiversity, reducing energy waste and preserving the beauty of the night sky for generations to come.
A Heritage-First Approach to Visibility VALENTINO lanterns fitted with warm white LEDs (2,700 K) were installed. This specific colour temperature was chosen for its dual-purpose performance: · to enhance the nocturnal ambiance, as the warm colour mimics the soft glow of traditional gas lamps to reflect the village’s historic character; · to preserve the dark skies, as 2,700K emits less blue light, which scatters more easily in the atmosphere, creating the “sky glow” that obscures the stars. Intelligent On-Demand Lighting The most sustainable lighting is that which is only active when needed. Using the Schréder EXEDRA control platform, we integrated a responsive sensor network to manage the junction dynamically. Radar and PIR sensors detect vehicles and pedestrians before they reach the junction. The system instantly increases to full lighting levels, providing high visibility and reassurance. By identifying footfall and traffic flow in real-time, the system ensures that no user is ever left in the dark. Following a period of inactivity, the lighting gradually dims according to a programmed schedule. This “On-Demand Lighting” approach ensures that safety is never compromised while restoring the natural beauty of the night sky for the local community. This smart approach demonstrates that modern lighting can do more than just illuminate; it can also support community well-being while preserving the night sky.
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