Regulation of light pollution and energy efficiency in outdoor lighting in Spain and Catalonia

The regulation of light pollution and energy efficiency in outdoor lighting are key elements in reducing environmental impact and protecting the night-time environment.

Both at the national and regional levels, there are specific regulations that establish technical criteria and obligations to ensure more sustainable lighting.

National regulations on light pollution and energy efficiency

At the national level, Royal Decree 1890/2008 of 14 November stands out, approving the Regulation on energy efficiency in outdoor lighting installations and its Complementary Technical Instructions (EA-01 to EA-07), which establish minimum energy efficiency requirements and limit light pollution in Spain.

Catalan regulations: protection of the night-time environment and efficient use of light

In Catalonia, the main law is Law 6/2001 on environmental lighting management for the protection of the night-time environment.
Its aim is to preserve the natural darkness of the night sky, avoid energy waste and minimise the negative effects of artificial lighting on the environment.

This regulation is expanded upon by Decree 190/2015, which details the technical criteria, protection zones and control procedures that must be applied in outdoor lighting installations.
Control parameters, maintenance measures, etc. are established to ensure efficient and environmentally friendly lighting.

Main obligations of the outdoor lighting regulation

The regulatory framework described establishes a series of mandatory requirements:

• Limitation of emissions to the upper hemisphere: luminaires must direct the light beam downwards, avoiding direct emission into the sky.
• Environmental zoning: the territory is classified according to its sensitivity to light emissions into four protection zones (E1, E2, E3 and E4). Lumens and colour temperature are controlled according to the zone.
• Control of intrusive light in homes and natural spaces.
• Energy efficiency: maximum levels of installed power, uniformity and minimum equipment performance are established.
• Planning and maintenance: owners of outdoor lighting installations must have maintenance plans in place to ensure compliance with the technical conditions of the equipment.

Sectoral controls and periodic checks

For high-intensity lighting installations—those with more than 500 km installed—it will be necessary to prepare a report justifying the equipment and compliance with the conditions established in the aforementioned regulations.

In addition, they will be subject to periodic sectoral controls to verify that the conditions established in the regulations are being met.

Conclusions: protection of the night sky and energy sustainability

Regulation of light pollution, both in Spain and in Catalonia, is an essential tool for protecting the night environment and energy efficiency.

Compliance with these regulations highlights the growing commitment of public administrations to protecting the night sky and minimising the environmental impact caused by light pollution.