MISSION AND GOALS

Photograph © Barbara Yoshid

Mission

The mission of the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting.

Download IDA's Fact Sheet

Vision Statement

The IDA, through its policies and efforts, seeks to:

1.  Improve the nighttime environment by reducing light pollution through better lighting practices that provide:

• Energy savings resulting in economic benefits
• Superb nighttime ambience and quality of life
• Conservation of nocturnal wildlife and ecosystems
• Safeguarding of scientific and educational opportunities, such as astronomy
• Preservation of cultural heritage and inspiration for the arts
• Increased visibility, safety, and security at night by reducing glare
• Protection of human health;

2. Raise awareness about curtailing light pollution, the beneficial effects of doing so, and its solutions;

3.  Educate about the values of environmentally responsible outdoor lighting while collaborating with other like-minded organizations;

4.  Promote responsible legislation, public policy, research, and standards in a professional and scientifically sound manner; and

5.  Seek specific solutions that mitigate light pollution, including:

• Reduce total light in the nocturnal environment (total lumens in use) through;
  • Densities (i.e. lumens per square foot or square meter)
  • Warranting
  • Controls (e.g. on/off capabilities, time-of-night sensors)
  • Energy Codes
• Shielding and directionality
• Consideration of spectral distribution

To achieve these goals, IDA takes an award-winning unified approach that supports the individual efforts of our members and of others who advocate quality outdoor lighting. In fighting light pollution we work with communities, astronomers, ecologists, and lighting professionals. We are active on local, national, and international stages and have already accomplished much, but our work is not yet done.

Learn more about IDA and how you can become a protector of the natural night by visiting the Frequently Asked Questions page.

For media or press, or for more general information, please view the IDA Press Kit for information.