“Night with Life” is an award created as part of the LIFE Natura@night and LIFE Freiras projects, with the mission of reducing light pollution levels in Macaronesia: Madeira, the Azores and the Canary Islands. To achieve this, local communities are asked to support the adoption of more biodiversity-friendly measures, without the need for monetary investment.
What is it?
This award is a public recognition given to businesses that fulfil the criteria for good lighting practices, as defined in the regulation, in their outdoor spaces or spaces that are visible to the outside.
How will it be applied?
The award certificate is awarded annually and has four different levels (bronze, silver, gold and platinum).
The award can be granted by the organisation applying using the form, or by invitation from the promoting organisation.
All award winners will have to undergo training with the employees concerned on the problem of light pollution and ways to mitigate it, as well as on good lighting practices.
What do we ask for?
- You don’t need to replace materials or change equipment already purchased;
- The exterior lighting of your establishment should be considered, illuminating only where and when necessary;
- Help sensitise staff and customers;
- Reduce the external lighting in your establishment.
What are the advantages?
- Savings on electricity bills;
- In the case of hotels, promoting a better quality of sleep for customers (light pollution also affects humans);
- Customer recognition of the adoption of ecological and biodiversity-friendly practices;
- Preservation of the islands’ natural heritage;
- Being part of a network of internationally recognised establishments;
- Recognition of member organisations on the promoter’s social networks, at events they organise and on the LIFE Natura@night project website;
- Being part of a restricted network of organisations that help biodiversity by reducing light pollution.
Materials provided
Award holders will be provided with information to publicise and clarify the measures adopted by the establishment, as well as the following materials, which differ according to the level of improvements made:
- Annual certificate;
- Award sticker;
- Award plaque;
- Information poster to be placed in a prominent place to inform customers and staff;
- Good practice manual with information on light pollution mitigation measures and the species/groups that are affected, to be placed in outdoor spaces or communal areas;
- Information leaflet on the award, light pollution mitigation measures and species affected;
- Information poster on the blackouts of outdoor areas to be carried out during the seabird season, to be placed in the rooms or common areas
This award is the outcome of work to raise awareness among private organisations so that they adopt more biodiversity-friendly measures, without the need for monetary investment. .Join the “Night with Life” programme: lights reduced, lives protected.
