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Hakaniemi, Helsinki at night

Helsinki conducts study to find ways of reducing light pollution

Helsinki conducts study to find ways of reducing light pollution

Inappropriate and excessive use of artificial light harms the environment and wastes energy

Many people today are unaware of how the use of artificial light can impact ecosystems, harm organisms, and waste energy. More specifically, they do not realise that light is a type of pollutant that can have negative consequences on the surrounding environment. For this reason, they often install lighting in inappropriate and inefficient ways.

Understanding this, the Finnish City of Helsinki has conducted a study to find ways of reducing light pollution in the urban environment. On 4 October, the capital reported that it has asked the city’s residents to participate in a survey and help map out areas with improper lighting. A total of 1,500 people responded, giving 4,000 map entries.

What did the study find?

Based on the survey, background studies, and other types of research, the City of Helsinki was able to pinpoint the most common sources of light pollution. Some of these reportedly include advertising screens, yard lighting, and construction sites, among others. Commenting on the study, Planning Manager Pia Rantanen shared:

“This study serves as a basis for the future goal that Helsinki is an undisturbed urban environment. In practice, this means that Helsinki has lower light contrasts, a more harmonious night landscape and urban space, and a brighter starry sky. This requires responsible lighting in both public and private areas.”

In a press release, Helsinki shared that it has published a report featuring guidelines for the design of environmentally friendly lighting. In this publication, the city shares its findings and explains that inappropriate and excessive use of lighting can cause irritation, affect safety, and harm the environment. According to the municipality, it is the first report of its kind in Finland.

Lighting designer Annukka Larsen clarified that the city’s study cannot solve the problem of light pollution as it only seeks to find ways of reducing it. In other words, it is now up to the municipality’s various organisations and bodies to collaborate, use the findings, and take action.

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