If you’re looking to reduce lighting pollution, now is the time to upgrade your commercial lighting Oklahoma city, OK.
Have you ever walked outside at night and struggled to see the stars? That’s largely because of light pollution, a growing issue caused by excessive or poorly directed artificial lighting. Businesses and cities use bright outdoor lights that shine in all directions, including up into the night sky, creating glare and a lot of wasted energy.
This is where Dark Sky-friendly commercial lighting comes in. Designed to focus light where it’s needed—on the ground—these special light fixtures effectively reduce glare while improving visibility. More cities are adopting Dark Sky policies to help businesses and municipalities minimize unnecessary light pollution.
At Mel Northey Co. Inc., we specialize in commercial light fixtures that are both functional and comply with the Dark Sky initiative. If you’re unsure whether your lighting meets these standards, this guide will help you understand what to look for.
Understanding the Ride of Dark-Sky-Compliant Commercial Lighting Oklahoma city, OK
Dark Sky compliance refers to outdoor lighting that minimizes light pollution by focusing brightness only where it is needed. Unlike traditional lighting, which often sends light in all directions, these fixtures direct light downward.
Say goodbye to glare and skyglow with our commercial lighting Oklahoma city, OK.
Why does this matter? Poor outdoor lighting doesn’t just make it harder to see the stars. It also affects people, businesses, and the environment. Some of the biggest issues caused by traditional commercial lighting include:
- Skyglow – Excess light scatters into the atmosphere, creating a hazy glow that blocks out natural night skies.
- Glare – Harsh lighting makes it difficult for drivers and pedestrians to see clearly.
- Energy Waste – Lights that shine into the sky or across unnecessary areas waste electricity and increase energy bills.
- Disrupting Wildlife – Bright artificial light can interfere with natural sleep cycles for both humans and animals.
Dark-Sky-compliant commercial lighting helps businesses reduce these issues while improving efficiency and safety.
Signs That Your Commercial Light Fixtures Are Not Dark Sky Friendly
Many businesses don’t realize that their outdoor lighting could be causing excessive glare and waste. Here are some signs that your commercial light fixtures might be harming the night sky.
1. Your Lights Shine in All Directions
If your streetlights, parking lot lights, or building lights shine upward, outward, or sideways, they may be creating unnecessary brightness. A Dark Sky-compliant light is shielded so that all the light is directed downward toward the ground.
2. Your Lighting Causes Glare for Drivers and Pedestrians
Have you ever driven at night and been blinded by a streetlight or parking lot fixture? That’s glare, and it makes it harder to see properly. Dark Sky-friendly lights reduce glare by using lower-intensity bulbs and proper shielding.
3. Your Lights Are Too Bright or the Wrong Color
Bright white or blue-tinted lights (above 4000K) can cause harsh illumination, making it uncomfortable for both customers and employees. Dark Sky lighting uses a warmer color temperature (3000K or lower) to create a softer, more natural glow while still providing visibility.
4. Your Lights Stay on All Night Without Controls
Many commercial properties leave their lights on all night long, even when no one is around. This wastes electricity and adds to light pollution. Motion sensors, timers, and dimmable fixtures can help reduce energy waste while keeping spaces secure.
If your lighting matches any of these descriptions, it might be time to upgrade to Dark Sky-friendly fixtures.
How to Choose Dark Sky-Compliant Commercial Lighting
Making the switch to Dark-Sky-compliant lighting doesn’t mean sacrificing safety or visibility. Instead, it means choosing better-designed fixtures that focus light exactly where it’s needed. Here’s what to look for when selecting new commercial lighting.
Choosing the right commercial lighting is an investment in safety, efficiency, and aesthetics.
First, look for fully shielded fixtures. A fully shielded fixture directs light downward, with no excess brightness escaping into the sky. Many modern streetlights, lamp posts, and parking lot fixtures have built-in shields to control where the light goes.
Next, choose warmer color temperatures. Instead of harsh blue or white lights, Dark Sky lighting uses a softer, warmer glow. These lights still provide excellent visibility but are easier on the eyes and reduce glare.
Another tip is to use LED technology. LEDs are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and available in Dark Sky-friendly options. Switching to LED streetlights and parking lot lights can help businesses reduce energy costs by up to 50% while still maintaining brightness and safety.
To further maximize energy efficiency, install motion sensors and timers. Instead of keeping lights on all night, motion sensors and timers ensure that lighting is only used when needed. This not only cuts down on electricity waste but also extends the life of your fixtures.
At Mel Northey Co. Inc., we offer a variety of Dark Sky-complaint commercial lighting solutions, including shielded streetlights, energy-efficient lamp posts, and LED fixtures designed for safety and efficiency.
Upgrade to Dark Sky-Friendly Lighting with Mel Northey Co. Inc.
At Mel Northey Co. Inc., we specialize in high-quality commercial light fixtures that meet Dark Sky compliance standards. Our lamps and posts provide better visibility, energy efficiency, and a polished appearance while reducing light pollution.
Our collection includes:
- The Grands Lamps and Posts – Elegant and bold, perfect for upscale commercial areas.
- Capitol Lamps and Posts – A timeless design that enhances both historic and modern districts.
- Area and Streetlights – Durable, efficient fixtures for parking lots, sidewalks, and roadways.
- Sconces and Pier Mounts – Beautifully designed lights that add charm to storefronts and entryways.
All our fixtures are designed to direct light downward, minimizing glare and unnecessary brightness while keeping streets and pathways well-lit and inviting. Whether you’re upgrading an existing lighting system or designing a new space, we have the perfect solution for your needs.
Discover how commercial lighting can transform your business.
Request a Free Quote Today!
Ready to make the switch? Call us today to learn more about our Dark Sky-compliant commercial lighting solutions. Based in Houston, Mel Northey Co. Inc. provides commercial lighting solutions nationwide.
Do Dark Sky-compliant lights affect brightness? No, Dark Sky-compliant lighting is just as bright as traditional lighting, but it is better directed to illuminate the ground rather than the sky.
Can I retrofit my existing commercial light fixtures to be Dark Sky friendly? Yes! Many existing fixtures can be modified with shielding or replaced with LED retrofits that focus light downward. Mel Northey Co. Inc. has Dark Sky-friendly replacements for your setup.
Let’s work together to create brighter, safer, and more efficient outdoor spaces!
Fun Facts About Oklahoma city, OK:
- Oklahoma City is one of the largest cities in the U.S. by land area, covering over 620 square miles.
- Downtown Oklahoma City has a system of underground tunnels and skywalks, originally built in the 1930s to help people avoid the summer heat.
- The Oklahoma City Stockyards is the world’s largest feeder cattle market, where live cattle auctions still take place.