Paseo del Arga, Navarre: renovation with LED in ultra-warm color temperatures to reduce light pollution

NAVARRA —20/9/2024— In an effort to protect local biodiversity and minimize light pollution, the Paseo del Arga in Navarra has undergone a comprehensive renovation of its outdoor lighting system. This project, in collaboration with ATP Lighting, highlights a commitment to sustainability and preserving the natural environment.

The renovation involved the installation of ATP Lighting's advanced LED technology luminaires, using ultra-warm color temperatures of 2200 K and PC Amber. This approach has improved the energy efficiency of the lighting system while respecting the nocturnal life of local wildlife and maintaining the natural balance of the environment.

Optimized for a challenging natural environment

Located in a biodiverse natural setting with a humid climate, the Paseo del Arga presents significant challenges for outdoor lighting. The new installations feature polymer Primera columns, corrosion-proof and anti-electrocution, with Pescador S and Metrópoli LLC luminaires. These products are equipped with Comfort Diffuser® to reduce glare and enhance visual comfort, ensuring uniform and pleasant illumination.

The Pescador S luminaires, with curved polymer arms, feature ultra-warm 2200 K color temperatures, while the Metrópoli LLC luminaires installed along the Arga riverbank use PC Amber. These ultra-warm color temperatures help preserve the circadian rhythms of local fauna and minimize disruption to the nocturnal ecosystem—a crucial factor for maintaining wildlife balance, particularly along the riverbank.

Energy efficiency and light pollution control

The project was meticulously designed to prevent over-illumination and control light pollution. The optics and power outputs were specifically tailored to meet the needs of the Paseo del Arga, achieving a significant reduction in energy consumption while maintaining effective and efficient lighting.

A key feature of ATP luminaires is their low blue light emission. ATP's 2200 K color temperature emits only 1.28% of blue spectral radiant flux (wavelengths below 440 nm), while the PC Amber option has an even lower percentage, just 0.48%. This reduction in blue light significantly contributes to preserving the night sky’s darkness in sensitive areas like the Paseo del Arga.

It is important to note that, on the market, the blue spectral component can vary up to 45% for the same warm color temperature, depending on the manufacturer. ATP guarantees that its ultra-warm color temperatures, such as 2200 K and PC Amber, have the lowest blue content available, while also providing natural and accurate color rendering with a color rendering index (CRI) above 70.

Weather resistance and durability

In Navarra, humid conditions and thunderstorms present significant challenges for outdoor lighting. ATP luminaires are designed to withstand these adverse conditions. With an IP66+ rating for dust and water protection, and IK10+ resistance to high-energy impacts, these luminaires ensure reliable performance in demanding environments. Moreover, the polymer materials used provide high durability and protection against surges. ATP’s comprehensive 10-year warranty ensures the longevity and optimal performance of the new lighting, even in the most extreme conditions.

Positive impact on the community and the environment

The renovation has directly improved the quality of life for residents and preserved the natural environment. Enhanced lighting has increased safety and comfort, while the reduction of light pollution has facilitated nighttime sky observation and respected local wildlife habitats.

Guillermo Redrado, vice president of ATP Lighting, noted: “This project clearly demonstrates how proper planning and the use of advanced technology can address specific environmental challenges. The renovation of the Paseo del Arga not only improves energy efficiency and reduces light pollution but also protects local biodiversity and offers a tangible example of how lighting can be effectively managed in sensitive environments.”