Dark Sky Friendly Business Certification

WHAT IS IT?

A public recognition program supporting businesses that adopt lighting practices that reduce light pollution and protect dark skies.  Starry Skies North assists businesses in their transition to better lighting.

WHY IS IT?

Light pollution has negative effects on human and environmental health, scientific research, public safety, and degrades the aesthetics of the natural and built environment.  Minnesota’s starry nighttime sky is a treasured natural resource that we can protect and preserve for future generations.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR MY BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY?

Public awareness of light pollution is growing globally.  Installing dark sky friendly lighting has a positive economic impact for businesses by:

  1. Distinguishing your business as a responsible member of the community that cares about protecting Minnesota's night sky, thereby attracting customers.

  2. Reducing electrical usage and expense

  3. Encouraging dark sky tourism that generates higher local spending and creates jobs

HOW DOES MY BUSINESS QUALIFY?

A business or organization can qualify for recognition as being Dark Sky Friendly by meeting three criteria:

  1. Have no outdoor lighting fixture that allows light to escape above the horizon to cause light pollution.

  2. Have no outdoor lighting fixture that allows light to trespass over the property line in sufficient amounts to cause glare that endangers safety or inhibits people nearby from enjoying the night sky.

  3. Have no outdoor lighting fixture that has a bulb or other light emitting element greater than a color temperature of 2,700 Kelvin. (2700 Kelvin = a warm, yellow or golden kind of light.  5,500 - 6,500 Kelvin = daylight).

HOW DO I START?

Any business or organization can request that Starry Skies North conduct an evaluation of its outdoor lighting to determine if it qualifies for recognition and/or to recommend lighting solutions for problematic fixtures.

IF MY BUSINESS QUALIFIES, WHAT DO I GET?

Businesses or organizations that qualify as being Dark Sky Friendly receive:

  1. A Certificate of Merit presented by Starry Skies North for display inside your business as appropriate.

  2. A Dark Sky-Friendly window cling to announce to customers your certification as a Dark Sky Friendly business.

  3. Potential publicity related to the presentation of the Designation and Certificate of Merit. Starry Skies North will send Press Releases to area media outlets regarding your business being awarded certification

  4. Notation on the Starry Skies North website that your business/organization is Dark Sky Friendly

  5. The right to use the Dark Sky Friendly Business logo in your business advertising and communications

WHAT ELSE DO I HAVE TO DO?

By accepting the Certificate of Merit, your business or organization agrees to the following:

  1. Any future outdoor lighting installed or activated on your premises will be Dark Sky Friendly.

  2. Your business agrees to practice sound outdoor lighting management with the intention to eliminate light pollution and thus protect the health of our environment, human health and safety and preserve the natural wonder of the night sky.

For More Information: info@starryskiesnorth.org www.starryskiesnorth.org