Who Turned Out The Lights

The Case for Leaving it On Many workplaces leave lights on overnight for security reasons. The logic being, if it looks like someone is there, it might deter unwanted activity, like theft or vandalism. Lights also give us a general feeling of safety. Marcus Felson, a Professor of Criminal Justice at Rutgers University in New Jersey, suggests lighting is effective in preventing crime if it enables people to notice criminal activity as it is taking place, and if it doesn't have the unwanted side effect of helping criminals to see what they're doing. Felson recommends that managers try to think like a criminal when they are making decisions about security. That is, they should figure out what they would do if they were trying to break in. Contrary to what we would believe, however, studies in the U.S. and U.K. have shown that turning off the lights is associated with reduced crime, and adding more light is correlated with an increase. It is also important to consider the possibility that employees can get injured if they are on-site at night and there is inadequate lighting. This, in turn, could become a liability issue for the workplace. The Case for Turning it Off On the other hand, you might want to shut off the lights at night to save money. Lighting typically consumes about 40% of the energy used in an office building, according to the Business Environmental Program's website at the University of Nevada). Turning off lights when no one needs them can add up to significant savings in the long term. The cost of a kilowatt hour of energy varies by region, so you will need to take a look at your electric bill to determine how much money turning out the lights will save you (and don't forget to factor in the reduced number of light bulbs you will need to buy). Aside from saving money, when you give your lights the night off you use less energy, which is good for the environment because it reduces global warming. Also, some light bulbs contain toxic substances like mercury, which can damage the environment. By turning off lights at night, you'll reduce waste. Josh Laughren is World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Director of climate and energy. Laughren says there are instances when turning off the lights won't work, such as companies that have 24-hour rotating shifts. "You can't prescribe what all businesses should do, but, it is a good start just to start thinking about what steps you can take." Laughren also points out that when businesses strive to be environmentally friendly, it almost always saves money. "What many of us don't realize is that it also increases staff satisfaction and retention. . . because employees take pride in working for an organization that shares their ideals." Another effect of night-lighting is the danger it poses to birds. Michael Mesure is the Executive Director of FLAP (Fatal Light Awareness Program), a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the protection of wild birds in urban environments. One of FLAP's main activities is the bird rescue program, where volunteers do patrols in search of birds that have collided with buildings. About 40% are found alive and rehabilitated into the wild. Unfortunately, that leaves 60% that are dead upon encounter, or die in care. Volunteers have picked up 164 different species just in Toronto, and 42 are "list" birds (endangered or threatened). Building collisions are responsible for more bird deaths than high-profile catastrophes, such as oil spills, according to Mesure. Estimates of annual bird fatalities in the city of Toronto alone are between 1-10 million. In the dark, the combination of glass and light becomes deadly for birds, as they become confused by artificial lights, and are unable to see glass. They may also be further blinded by rainy or foggy weather. Hundreds and even thousands of birds can be injured or killed in one night at one building. To minimize nocturnal collisions, FLAP recommends: "Dull light is better than strong light, red light is better than white light", and particularly, "no light is better than any light." Though turning out the lights helps, Mesure also points out that fatal building collisions are not strictly a night-time issue. In addition to the effects on your bottom line, the environment and wild birds, light pollution can make it harder to see the stars. The "extra" light in the night sky diminishes the contrast between the dark sky and star light, which makes it harder for both amateur and professional astronomers. This has become enough of an issue that astronomical centres across Canada have started programs to reduce light pollution so we can continue to enjoy the starry nights. The Verdict In "light" of all of the evidence, this may be one instance where it's best for a workplace to be kept in the dark. Use lighting only when necessary, or dim lighting, and consider window decals for the birds!

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