Image courtesy of DarkSky International
April 3, 2025 — While light at night is essential in today’s world, the way we illuminate outdoor spaces comes at a growing cost. Light pollution is increasing globally by nearly 9.6% each year, wasting energy and disrupting the nighttime environment that people, wildlife, and ecosystems rely on. When we overlight, fail to shield, or use the wrong color temperature, we contribute to this global crisis—flooding the world with bad lighting.
Leading the quality lighting revolution
DarkSky International is leading the movement to improve outdoor lighting through education, advocacy, and the promotion of responsible lighting installations and luminaires (light fixtures). The DarkSky Approved Luminaires program is central to this work—an objective, third-party certification for products that meet the highest standards for reducing light pollution.
Initially launched in 2002 as the Fixture Seal of Approval (FSA), the program has become a trusted resource for manufacturers and consumers alike. Now, DarkSky is unveiling a long-anticipated update to strengthen its criteria, expand its reach, and increase its impact.
With these updates, the program is more accessible, more effective, and more closely aligned with DarkSky’s Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting at Night. Whether you’re a lighting manufacturer, a lighting designer, or updating fixtures around your home, business, or community—this program is the perfect place to start. By choosing to get a product DarkSky Approved as a manufacturer, or purchasing a product with our seal, you’re joining the quality lighting revolution.
Why choose DarkSky Approved?
- Better quality lighting
Precision optical control, shielding of the light source, and virtually no wasted uplight provides a targeted solution, and more efficient application of light. - Future-ready compliance
DarkSky Approved luminaires meet the requirements in the recently published DarkSky ordinance templates for cities, states, provinces and countries. - Trusted seal of approval
As the leading nonprofit in the movement to protect the night, the DarkSky Approved seal is a recognized and respected symbol. - Environmental protection
Grounded in science-based principles, approved luminaires protect the nighttime environment and help reclaim our view of the stars.
Stronger guidelines for responsible lighting
The updated criteria align with the Five Principles, developed in collaboration with lighting engineers, designers, and experts in wildlife, ecology, and health. These guidelines ensure outdoor lighting minimizes glare, skyglow, and light trespass—while enhancing safety and functionality.
“DarkSky International is not against the use of light at night—we support quality lighting,” says James Brigagliano, DarkSky Approved Program Manager. “The program proves that human-built environments can coexist with the nocturnal world while maintaining—and even improving—safety, performance, and design. It’s a ‘have your cake and eat it too’ scenario. By designing or choosing DarkSky Approved products, you invest in responsible light that protects the night.”
Key program updates and criteria changes
To meet a broader range of needs, the program now features expanded categories: Residential, Commercial, Pedestrian Comfort, and Wildlife-Tuned Luminaires. These tailored classifications reflect the diversity of outdoor lighting applications.
New technical standards strengthen protections against light pollution. Residential luminaires must stay under 1,000 lumens to prevent excessive brightness and light trespass. Commercial products must limit high-angle light above 80 degrees from nadir, reducing glare and skyglow in public and commercial spaces.
For lighting manufacturers: Get DarkSky Approved
DarkSky invites lighting manufacturers to be part of the solution by joining the DarkSky Approved Luminaires program. With a clear set of guidelines and a streamlined application process, manufacturers can quickly begin their path toward approval.
Those who meet the program’s rigorous criteria earn the right to display the DarkSky Approved seal—a trusted mark that signals quality, environmental responsibility, and compliance with the highest standards for night sky-friendly lighting. This distinction helps products stand out in a competitive marketplace and demonstrates a manufacturer’s leadership in the growing dark sky movement.
To learn more or begin the application process, visit the DarkSky Approved Luminaires Program webpage.
For consumers: Shop smart
For anyone looking to make smarter, more responsible lighting choices, the DarkSky Approved Luminaires program provides a clear and accessible path. Start by applying the Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting at Night to assess the fixtures around your home, business, or community.
Then, explore our searchable database of approved products or look for the DarkSky Approved seal when shopping in stores—ensuring your lighting reduces light pollution while maintaining excellent performance and design.
Search DarkSky Approved luminaires by visiting the DarkSky Approved Luminaires program webpage