Understanding the World's Most Progressive Lighting Policy

It's easy to miss good news. In January, France began implementing its National Light Pollution Policy — widely regarded as among the most progressive in the world.

The policy is phased: new installations must comply now, and existing lighting must be adjusted to meet Upward Light Ratio targets. It sets an important standard in Western Europe for protecting night-time darkness.

Why France has taken the lead

Satellite data has shown alarming growth in lit areas across Europe, along with intense uplight and spill. The French Decree of 27 December 2018 on preventing, reducing and limiting light pollution is a significant step towards real, national-level change.

The policy has two parts. The first sets technical requirements for designing and operating outdoor lighting on public and private property — roads, parks, building surrounds, monuments, sports facilities and car parks. The second gives eleven astronomical observatory sites the highest level of protection.

The key points

• Curfews — lighting must be dimmed or switched off at set times depending on the application.
• Upward Light Ratio — limited to less than 1% of a fixture's total emission.
• Reduced glare — 95% of emission confined to approximately 14.5° below the horizontal.
• Reduced blue light — CCT must not exceed 3000K, with lower limits in conservation areas.
• Reduced lumens — no more than 35 lumens per square metre of illuminated surface.
• No light trespass into dwellings.
• Sky beams and lasers generally prohibited.
• Waterways — night-time lighting generally prohibited, including light shining out to sea.

What makes it stand out?

For the first time, national rules clearly aim to "prevent, limit, and reduce light pollution, including excessive disturbance to persons, fauna, flora or ecosystems, causing energy wastage or preventing observation of the night sky." All of France must comply — even much-loved monuments and churches.

Crucially, it's achievable. The approach is measured, still allowing every application to be lit while limiting environmental impact — a lesson for us all. Will the rest of the world follow?

As sole UK distributor for Eclatec, EOS offers a range of fully compliant outdoor luminaires designed and manufactured in France. Email hello@weareeos.com or call +44 (0)203 633 4366.