Danish Suburb Introduces Red Streetlights to Protect Nocturnal Species

A Danish town is changing some of its streetlights to red as part of an effort to protect local bat species.

As Arezki Amiri explains in Daily Galaxy, “The shift from white to red lighting followed findings that short-wavelength light can significantly alter bat activity, while red-spectrum light is less likely to interfere with their echolocation and feeding patterns.” 

The project is designed to balance the need for safety and visibility with ecological sensitivity. “Warm white light remains in areas with significant pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Red light is used only where disruption to wildlife is likely.”

Red-spectrum LED lighting can also reduce energy use and costs. “Compared to legacy sodium lamps or halogen systems, LEDs require less power, last longer and support smart lighting controls, including dimming and motion sensing.”