SYDNEY OUTDOOR LIGHTING IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY INC.

LIGHT POLLUTION BY SOLIS

 

 

Last Updated
2011-11-24

 

SOLIS, a successful Sydney community organisation, has been working at restoring the view of a starry night sky since 1998. Our objectives include: connecting environmentally aware people concerned about the problem of wasted energy from outdoor lighting; gathering and distributing information about obtrusive lighting; building awareness of the need for dark skies and for more efficient lighting; providing individuals and astronomy groups with information that will enable them to tackle light pollution issues; initiating and participating in debates about the environmental affects of spill light; and offering advice to assist with the solution of problems caused by inappropriatete lighting. Our key goal is to work alongside lighting engineers, architects and policy makers in local, state and federal governments to achieve the objectives outlined above.

In Australia it is astronomers, both professional and amateur, who stand to gain most from the work carried out by a few individuals and groups such as SOLIS. However, they show little inclination to help educate the public about the astronomical, environmental and economical impacts of light pollution.

SOLIS, using the Australian Standard AS 4282 "Control of the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting" as a guide, responds to planning issues advertised by governments on all levels, and also comments on Building Approvals, Development Applications and Development Control Plans that involve exterior lighting. AS 4282 is very specific in that it deals with obtrusive lighting within residental and urban areas, where a measurement of light on residental windows is considered, but has few references to requirements or locations of illuminated signs in rural areas. It should be noted that the Standard is not mandatory but that any disregard for the requirements which cause incidents leading to litigation obviously places the person or organisation responsible for the installation in a difficult situation. As an pro-active membership based organisation we rely on membership fees and donations in order for us to continue educating the public, and lobby governments for the benefit of us all. SOLIS has office expenses and the cost of maintaining our website each year. SOLIS committee meetings take place on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 pm at Sydney Observatory. Visitors are always welcome. Contact SOLIS on how to make payments via email, at solissydney@telstra.com Type of membership per year: Individual $20.00 Society $50.00 - $100.00 Corporate $50.00 Life member $1000.00 Donation $

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