Not long ago, nightfall naturally brought most outdoor activity to a close. Day and night had their own distinct rhythms. In the century since Edison’s light bulb, however, artificial light at night (ALAN) has made it possible to extend our days well into the evening — illuminating streets, workplaces, and public spaces almost as brightly as daylight.
While this has transformed the way we live, work, and move, it has also introduced a new challenge: rising levels of light pollution. The task now is to find ways to enjoy the benefits of illumination without erasing the beauty — and ecological value — of the night sky.
As more urban and residential environments aim to reduce light pollution, Dark Sky-compliant lighting is becoming a key consideration in architectural and landscape design. At Moth Light, we work closely with architects, specifiers, and councils to deliver lighting solutions that balance performance with environmental sensitivity — and our exclusive access to BEGA’s Dark Sky range plays an important role in this. Our aim is simple: be part of the solution by helping reduce light pollution through compliant, well-considered lighting design.
Why Dark Sky Matters
Excessive or poorly controlled outdoor lighting can lead to skyglow, disrupt wildlife, interfere with circadian rhythms, and diminish our ability to see the stars. In a country like Aotearoa — well known by astronomers for its existing dark sky reserves and growing focus on pollution reduction — these concerns are gaining traction across residential and civic projects alike.
Local councils, architects and clients are now seeking ways to meet Dark Sky principles, especially as awareness grows around the environmental and ecological impacts of artificial light at night.
Principles of Responsible Outdoor Lighting
The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) developed the DarkSky Approved programme to promote responsible outdoor lighting and mitigate the adverse effects of light pollution.
Dark Sky guidelines offer five core principles:
- Useful – Use light only if it is needed.
- Targeted – Direct light precisely where it’s needed, using shielding and cut-offs.
- Low Level – Use the minimum light levels required, avoiding over-illumination.
- Controlled – Incorporate dimming, timers, and sensors to reduce unnecessary lighting.
- Warm-Coloured – Favour warmer colour temperatures and reduce short-wavelength (blue) light.
BEGA’s Dark Sky luminaires are designed to meet these principles — with less than 1% upward light emission, well-controlled beam angles, carefully shielded optics, and warm-tone LED options that help preserve the night environment.
Many of BEGA’s products are officially approved by the IDA, giving specifiers added assurance. To qualify, luminaires must:
- Direct 100% of light output below the horizontal plane (ULR = 0%)
- Be fully shielded to prevent glare and light spill
- Offer colour temperatures no greater than 3000K
In addition to meeting environmental goals and compliance standards, Dark Sky lighting often leads to more visually refined spaces. Instead of washing entire areas with unnecessary light, it encourages a more deliberate approach — guiding movement, highlighting features, and creating emphasis where it matters.
BEGA Dark Sky Luminaires
From bollards and pole-top luminaires to façade and garden lights, BEGA’s Dark Sky luminaires aren’t just compliant — they’re highly adaptable and thoughtfully designed for real-world environments. Their performance and visual control make them a strong fit for a wide range of applications:
- Public and Civic Spaces – Improve the comfort and safety of parks, squares, and shared gathering areas while reducing unnecessary upward light and glare.
- Architectural and Landscape Features – Reveal the form and materiality of buildings, façades, and gardens with precise illumination that avoids spill and maintains the integrity of the night.
- Pedestrian Paths and Roadways – Enhance visibility and orientation for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, while minimising glare and light trespass into surrounding residential or natural areas.
As urban areas expand and outdoor environments evolve, the need for lighting that serves people — without impacting the night sky — becomes increasingly critical. BEGA’s Dark Sky and IDA-approved luminaires are at the forefront of this shift, combining advanced optics with long-lasting, architectural-quality design.
For specifiers, designers, and councils committed to creating safer, more beautiful, and more environmentally sensitive outdoor spaces, these luminaires represent a practical and future-ready solution.
Explore the full range of BEGA Dark Sky luminaires on the Moth Light website here:
https://mothlight.co.nz/products/
→ use our Dark Sky filter quickly identify compliant options when browsing.
For Wildlife-Sensitive Areas: BEGA BugSaver®
For projects in ecologically sensitive locations — such as coastal areas, reserves, or parks — BEGA BugSaver® offers an additional layer of flexibility. These luminaires feature a tuneable light source that can switch between a warm amber light (ideal for protecting nocturnal wildlife) and a standard white light (used when task visibility is needed).
By reducing short-wavelength blue light during critical hours, BugSaver® supports both Dark Sky compliance and wildlife-conscious lighting design, without compromising safety or function.
👉 Learn more about BEGA BugSaver®
Designing for Dark Sky in New Zealand
We’re proud to be involved in a number of public and civic projects here in Aotearoa that reflect these principles. At Wellington City Library, BEGA Dark Sky bollards will support a sensitive reimagining of the library’s public space. And in the redevelopment of Hastings Civic Square, BEGA pole-top luminaires are being used to deliver considered, downward-directed light that enhances amenity without polluting the night sky.
These projects signal a clear direction: lighting that serves its purpose without compromising environmental or visual quality.
Let’s Talk About Responsible Light
At Moth Light, we combine technical expertise with an understanding of the broader impacts of light. Whether you’re designing a civic space, commercial environment, or residential development, we can help you specify luminaires that meet your performance, aesthetic, and environmental goals.
Get in touch to learn more about Dark Sky-compliant lighting — and how BEGA’s IDA-approved luminaires can work in your next project.
