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Since it's inception, INTEGRA Works has
strived to protect the natural darkness of our nighttime sky. Light
pollution is one of the most insidious forms of environmental degradation.
It creeps into our cities, towns and rural countrysides almost unnoticeably.
As development levels increase in any given area, so too does the
amount of artificial light. With little attention paid to the types
of fixtures used and how they were installed almost every town and
city in the world is now emanating large amounts of light pollution.
Apart from obliterating our view of the stars, light pollution also hampers our ability to see properly at night and causes unsightly and annoying glare and light trespass. This accumulation of light pollution results in a condition know as sky glow, something that is easily seen as a halo of light that seems to hang over every town and city. Most recently there have been a number of studies that have shown that artificial light pollution is causing a significant detrimental effect on both wild life and human health. Clearly our past bad lighting practices have to change. Fortunately, it is possible to effectively light your nighttime environment while at the same time eliminating light pollution. Since 1999 INTEGRA Works has specialized in providing their clients with Dark Sky Friendly lighting systems. By using a systems based design approach, only specifying Full Cut Off fixtures, and by installing all of the components with the final goal in mind, INTEGRA Works is able to create lavish and extensive outdoor lighting systems that not only protect our precious night time environment but also greatly increase the beauty, safety and security of your property. By utilizing primarily low voltage components, INTEGRA Works' outdoor lighting systems are also inherently efficient and safe. The efficiencies achieved by working with low voltage light bulbs and systems are quickly passed on to the client in the form of lower electrical consumption levels. It is not uncommon to be able to achieve a 33% or better reduction in the number of watts consumed over a given area, simply by using an INTEGRA Works lighting system. These electrical savings further add to the low environmental impact of a Dark Sky Friendly lighting system.
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In addition to providing our clients with Dark Sky Friendly lighting systems, James Solecki and INTEGRA Works have developed and delivered the Outdoor Lighting Stewardship Program that sees James talking to many different lake associations, municipalities, service clubs, interest groups and rate payer associations. To date James Solecki has delivered over 15 such presentations comprised of an effective slide presentation and 20 minute speech outlining the issues surrounding light pollution and what can be done about it. Recently, James addressed an interrnational group of outdoor lighting professionals in Palm Springs CA. regarding the implementation of Dark Sky Friendly Lighting Systems. Here in Muskoka, INTEGRA Works was the recipient of the 2003 Muskoka Stewardship Award presented by the Muskoka Heritage Foundation for their efforts in promoting and maintaining the natural Dark Sky environment. Currently we are working with both public and private sector interests to develop and manage regulations and guidelines that would see future developments take responsibility for the types of outdoor lighting that can be installed. If you would like more information on the issues surrounding light pollution or specifically Dark Skies, you are encouraged to look at the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada's web site at: www.rasc.ca Another great resource is the International Dark sky Association's web site located at www.darksky.org. |