Modern LED outdoor lighting is considered energy-efficient and durable. However, technological progress also brings increasing responsibility toward nature and the environment. One particularly sensitive issue is the impact of artificial lighting on local fauna—especially insects. Many insect species use natural light sources such as the moon for orientation. Artificial light at night can disrupt this behavior and attract insects in large numbers.

The extent of this attraction depends on several parameters:

• Luminous flux (total emitted light output)
• Light intensity distribution (spatial distribution of light)
• Light spectrum

For human perception, the spectrum is typically described by color temperature, ranging from warm white to cool white. Yet the precise influence of color temperature on insect attraction remains scientifically inconclusive. This is where the research project begins.

Between April and September 2026, experimental lighting installations will be set up at twelve different sites in Darmstadt and Frankfurt am Main. Street luminaires with different light spectra will be installed. Each luminaire will be equipped with an insect collection container. These containers will collect insects that die within the illuminated area of the luminaires.

At regular intervals, the collected insects will be:

• retrieved
• differentiated by genus
• counted by species
• statistically analyzed

The objective is to produce robust scientific evidence on how different color temperatures influence insect attraction.

The project brings together two disciplines at Technische Universität Darmstadt:

• Lighting engineering (Laboratory of Adaptive Lighting Systems and Visual Processing) from the Department of Electrical Engineering ans Information Technology
• Insect biology from the Department of Biology

This close collaboration enables direct linkage between technical lighting parameters and biological impact—an approach that has rarely been implemented in this form.

The results will be presented in December 2026 at a public event attended by:

• Federal and state authorities for environmental protection and urban planning
• Representatives of municipal associations
• Environmental organizations
• Lighting experts and planners
• Members of the scientific community

In addition, the findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals. The aim is to provide evidence-based recommendations for environmentally responsible outdoor lighting—supporting municipalities, planners, policymakers, and regulatory bodies in developing sustainable lighting concepts.

With this project, the Technische Universität Darmstadt contributes to a more objective and scientifically grounded discussion on LED outdoor lighting and insect protection. Rather than relying on assumptions, the study delivers empirical data—helping to shape future standards, municipal lighting strategies, and sustainable urban development.