Sustainable lighting and protection of the night sky in the Valle de Ollo, Navarra, with LED PC Amber

NAVARRA —17/10/2024— The Valle de Ollo, located in the mountainous region of Navarra and part of the Pamplona Basin, is a natural environment of immense ecological value. This valley is known for the Arteta Spring, one of the most significant sources of the Andía Sierra aquifer, as well as the Artazul Ravine and salt flats, which create a karstic landscape of notable environmental richness.

 

In this privileged setting, an innovative sustainable outdoor lighting project has been implemented. ATP Lighting luminaires with ultra-warm color temperature PC Amber technology were installed, designed to protect both the night sky and the biodiversity that characterizes this unique environment.

 

Project objectives

 

The project has a dual objective: to improve the efficiency of public lighting in the Valle de Ollo, enhancing the safety and visual comfort of residents, and to protect the biodiversity and night sky, an essential natural resource for the region. To achieve these goals, ATP’s PC Amber technology luminaires were chosen, emitting a minimal percentage of blue light, which is especially harmful to nocturnal ecosystems.

 

Luminaires with LED PC Amber technology: protecting the night sky and biodiversity

 

The luminaires installed in the Valle de Ollo are equipped with ATP’s PC Amber technology, which emits a spectral radiant flux with only 0.48% blue light (wavelengths below 440 nm). It is important to note that, despite sharing the same warm color temperature, the percentage of blue spectral component can vary by up to 45% between different manufacturers. ATP guarantees that its ultra-warm luminaires, such as the PC Amber, have the lowest blue light indices on the market, thereby contributing to the preservation of the night sky and benefiting both local biodiversity and the quality of life of residents.

 

The natural environment of the Valle de Ollo, with its diversity of species sensitive to light pollution, such as bats and nocturnal birds, benefits from this lighting. By minimizing disruptions to the life cycles of these animals, light dispersion into the sky is also reduced.

 

High-efficiency lighting with low environmental impact

 

ATP has implemented various lighting solutions tailored to different areas of the valley. 35 W Villa XLA polymeric luminaires with both symmetric and asymmetric optics were used to meet the specific needs of each area. These luminaires provide efficient and soft lighting, avoiding over-illumination. Additionally, by incorporating the Comfort Diffuser®, glare is reduced, improving visual comfort without compromising photometric performance.

 

55 W Enur L road luminaires were also installed, designed to provide homogeneous and efficient lighting in road crossings, ensuring visibility without sacrificing the natural aesthetics of the region. Finally, 55 W Aire Series 3 floodlights with Comfort Diffuser® were placed in one of the plazas, providing soft and uniform light for activities in that area.

 

Thanks to the high efficiency of ATP’s LED technology and a tailored design that avoids over-illumination, a total energy saving of over 70% was achieved compared to the previous lighting system.

 

Project benefits:

 

Protection of the night sky and promotion of astrotourism

 

The combination of a low blue light index, appropriate power, and optimal light direction allows municipalities implementing these types of projects to obtain quality sky certifications, such as the international Starlight seal. These certifications position the region as an ideal destination for astrotourism, attracting astronomy enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking clear, dark skies for stargazing.

 

Conservation of biodiversity

 

By reducing the dispersion of blue light, PC Amber technology helps preserve the natural cycles of local wildlife, allowing nocturnal species to maintain their habits without being disturbed by light pollution.

 

Energy savings and reduced maintenance

 

ATP’s luminaires, made with engineering-grade technical polymers, are resistant to corrosion, power surges, and vandalism, ensuring exceptional durability and low maintenance costs even in challenging climates like that of the Valle de Ollo. The luminaires’ high energy efficiency allows the region to benefit from a sustainable, low-consumption public lighting system.

 

Improved visual comfort and enhanced safety

 

The integration of the Comfort Diffuser® in the luminaires reduces glare and improves visibility and safety in public areas, providing warm and pleasant lighting that meets both the aesthetic and functional needs of the municipality.

 

Results

 

The public lighting renovation project in the Valle de Ollo is an outstanding example of how ATP Lighting’s advanced technology can balance lighting efficiency with respect for the natural environment. With the installation of PC Amber luminaires, the valley has improved its lighting infrastructure and taken a firm step toward protecting its night sky and promoting sustainable tourism, in harmony with local biodiversity.

 

This project not only enhances the quality of life for valley residents but also positions the municipality as a destination that promotes sustainability and astrotourism. It aligns with quality sky certifications and new trends in environmentally friendly outdoor lighting, setting a precedent for other municipalities and establishing itself as an inspiring example of coexistence between advanced technology and the natural environment.