The City of London Corporation has been aware for some time of the impact of over-lit commercial buildings in the Square Mile. The lights may show busy people in their offices working overnight to complete deals but more often than not, they are simply lights left on after everyone has gone home or lights flicked on for a period as the security staff scan the floors. The light intrudes on residents and impacts the flora and fauna as, especially birds, are disorientated by unusual and unseasonal light at night.
The City Corporation has been consulting on new planning guidance around corporate buildings and lighting controls to stop energy waste and proposes a new pledge for existing businesses to commit to reduce light pollution. Over the years I have asked at various committees for steps to be taken and am grateful, that with colleagues this is now becoming a reality. Not only is it a waste of energy (and that cost is no longer negligible) but also has an impact on people and nature and is an affront to those who are suffering with the excessive cost of energy at present to see lights burning with no thought for others.
New buildings often have management systems built in, but rearranging and refitting floors can mean that the original lighting controls are overridden, and no one bothers that the lights cannot be turned off.
It was so important that LCAG ask the Lightmongers’ Livery to put in a formal reply to the City Corporation. They know what they are talking about as they represent all aspects of the lighting industry from design, manufacture, supply and installation. They praised the draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for lighting within the City which, they state, “seeks to ensure the best possible practice within the City and can be held up as an exemplar for other cities in the UK and around the world. It is wide ranging and brings together all the elements of good practice and sustainability, essential in today’s world.”
A particular bugbear of mine is empty buildings. The Lightmongers say “It is noted that empty buildings in the City are often seen with lights on throughout the night, which is unnecessary, given today’s control technology. In this instance we would offer to support an initiative to work with building landlords and tenants, to reduce this negative effect of light without impacting the normal operation of the building.”
The consultation has now closed but the document is here: City of London Lighting Supplementary Planning Document.
It is another aspect of how the City of London Corporation is seeking to make the City a better place to work, live, visit, and act as an exemplar in climate and net zero carbon matters.