As a company, Acoem is devoted to offering environmental friendly solutions that create sustainable communities for a healthier environment. That’s why we’re proud to partner with ClearWorld, a leading renewable energy systems provider. ClearWorld produces outdoor lighting systems using cutting edge solar LED technology. Their light poles are of particular note. Our Acoustic Threat Detection (ATD) technology can be integrated into ClearWorld’s poles for a comprehensive solution to protect people and the community they inhabit. These aren’t ordinary light poles, though. They come in a wide range of polished styles with technology that reduces CO2 emissions by 4,500 lbs. annually, lowers energy costs, and more. The benefits don’t stop there. One of the many benefits of ClearWorld poles is reduced light pollution, an issue affecting all of us whether we realize it or not. It may seem strange to think of light as a form of pollution, but it’s easy to see with a quick glance at the night sky.
Depending on where you live, the night sky can look quite different. If you live in a suburban or city setting, you might see few to no stars. However, you may see countless stars against a jet black backdrop in rural areas. Even then you aren’t likely getting the full picture of what the night sky could look like. The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) defines light pollution as being the inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light involving. This excess lighting clutters the night sky with a glare that reduces visibility. In fact, research published in Science Advances explains that one-third of the world cannot see the Milky Way. In the pictures below, IDA shows us an image taken of the night sky over a town experiencing a blackout next to that same shot taken during normal times.
Light pollution harms more than just the viewing experience in the nighttime sky. IDA’s site shares a few of the harmful effects of light pollution:
- Increased energy consumption
- Disturbing the normal behaviors of ecosystems and wildlife when the difference between day and night is diminished due to excess light
- Disrupted circadian rhythms in humans which leads to a myriad of negative health effects
ClearWorld’s light poles are IDA approved for their ability to reduce light pollution. If you combine our ATD technology with ClearWorld’s poles, you give your community safety in all senses, not to mention a darker sky. Afterall, who doesn’t love a starry night sky? For more information on ClearWorld’s innovations, check out our Podcast to listen to our recent conversation with ClearWorld CEO Larry Tittle.
Article written by Bridget Minner
