June 19, 2025

Wildlife-Friendly Lighting

A Guide to Responsible Outdoor Lighting Practices

Artificial light at night (ALAN) refers to the use of electric light sources in outdoor spaces. As cities and infrastructure grow, ALAN is used for various applications, from lighting roadways and parking lots for safety to illuminating architecture. While safety is crucial, ALAN has created problems for wildlife that have lived under natural light at night (moonlight and starlight).

 

ALAN disrupts sleep cycles, displaces wildlife from their habitats, disrupts migration patterns and breeding rituals, and alters hormone production. To combat these effects, wildlife-friendly lighting standards advocate for specific fixtures, design principles, and lighting control methods to minimize disruption to wildlife and their natural environment.

 

Wildlife Lighting Standards Recommendations

There are several organizations that establish and promote wildlife-friendly lighting standards and one of the most prominent is the International DarkSky Association (IDA), an independent organization offering certification and educational resources. 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are key government agencies that provide guidelines and resources for wildlife lighting. They are the most referenced for sea turtle-friendly lighting and bird-friendly lighting, and they have developed the Wildlife Lighting Certification Program to ensure lighting practices are safe for wildlife.

International DarkSky Association

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are key government agencies that provide guidelines and resources for wildlife lighting. They are the most referenced for sea turtle-friendly lighting and bird-friendly lighting, and they have developed the Wildlife Lighting Certification Program to ensure lighting practices are safe for wildlife.

Aside from the five principles, IDA has a few other core functions, including the DarkSky certification program and DarkSky Approved program, as well as education and outreach. The IDA also works as a resource to aid in crafting ordinances and legislation for municipalities to help combat the growing problem of light pollution. 

IDA’s Five Lighting Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting 

A guide to assist lighting professionals when designing exterior lighting, these simple principles are intuitive and relatively easy to implement and can have an enormous impact when applied correctly to reduce light pollution and maintain dark skies and healthy habitats for wildlife. 

 

Many guidelines, like “Low Level” and “Targeted,” are subjective. Testing and mockups in the field can help determine what is “Low Level” in the context of the project site. For example, a 4-watt luminaire may be appropriately bright in a city park but too bright in a rural residence.

DarkSky Approved Program

The DarkSky Approved program provides third-party approval for products, lighting designs and projects, ensuring that they meet necessary requirements that abide by Five Lighting Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting.

When searching for outdoor luminaires, the DarkSky Approved seal can help guide the fixture selection for projects that need to meet any DarkSky requirements. DarkSky approved fixtures can be found with the DarkSky Approved Seal on manufacturers cut sheets or through the DarkSky Database. Full program requirements can also be found in the DarkSky Approved Luminaires Guidelines. 

Turtle-Safe Lighting 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) manages fish and wildlife resources for their safety and the good of the community. One large part of the FWC’s programs is establishing turtle-safe lighting practices. 

 

Turtle nesting seasons typically run from May through October in Florida. As hatchlings leave their eggs, they must make the trip back to the ocean across the beach where they were laid. Their natural means of navigation is following the naturally blue moonlight, which is brightest on the water horizon. Traditional ALAN can disturb this process, so turtle safe lighting ordinances have been implemented to protect this journey and save turtle lives. The most important aspect of turtle safe lighting is the use of no blue wavelength light (shorter than 560nm). 

 

The FWC’s Wildlife Lighting Certification Program helps identify lighting fixtures which meet requirements for turtle-safe lighting. Additionally, the DarkSky Approved program also has their own specific DarkSky Sea Turtle Sensitive Approved program, which has nearly identical standards.

Bird-Friendly Lighting Standards

Bird populations worldwide are highly susceptible to the negative impacts of artificial light at night (ALAN). Eighty percent of North American birds migrate overnight, relying on magnetoreception to detect Earth’s magnetic poles. Studies show that high levels of blue spectrum light can impair this sense, disorienting birds and causing them to fly in non-migratory directions.  

 

In urban areas, blue spectrum light traps birds in “bubbles” of artificial light, leading to collisions, exhaustion, and mass-mortality events, especially on foggy or low cloud ceiling nights when birds fly lower than normal. 

 

The standards and strategies set by DarkSky and the FWC sea turtle program are similar to bird-friendly lighting recommendations. Turning off unnecessary lighting is the most effective solution, especially during spring (April-May) and fall (August-October) migration seasons and on cloudy or foggy nights. Additionally, if birds become trapped in bright light, turning lights off for 15 to 20 minutes can help them escape. Automatic timers can create breaks if monitoring is not feasible. To reduce light pollution from interiors, close blinds, shades, or curtains at night, or use window tinting. 

Bird-Friendly Lighting Ordinances

Bird-friendly lighting ordinances are often grouped with bird-friendly building ordinances. Architects and designers can use construction materials, glazing, and lighting to create safer environments for birds.  

 

In the U.S., these ordinances are mostly managed by local municipalities. Notably, Maui County recently enacted stringent requirements for bird and wildlife-safe lighting, including outdoor fixtures emitting no more than 2% of light from the blue spectrum (400nm-500nm), no uplight, and full fixture shielding. For more information on other ordinances, refer to The Yale Bird-Friendly Building Initiative’s national database. 

DMF’s Wildlife-Friendly Lighting Solutions

DMF offers a variety of fixtures that are both DarkSky approved and turtle-sensitive for recessed downlighting and cylinder applications. Approved fixtures are limited to certain configurations. 

  • DarkSky Approved 
    • Luminaires cannot include decorative trims and must be 3000K CCT or lower. 
    • M Series Residential (4-inch aperture) and X Series recessed downlights both offer configurations. 
    • M Series and X Series Cylinders have configurations. Cylinders must be downlight (direct only), without any uplight. 
    • Look for the DarkSky Approved seal on DMF specification sheets for approved fixtures.
  • Dark Sky Approved Turtle Sensitive 
    • DMF turtle-friendly lighting fixtures come in 300 lumen output, specialty CRI and Turtle & Wildlife Friendly (TF) spectrum.
    • M Series Residential and X Series Recessed downlights are both available in turtle sensitive configurations.
    • M Series and X Series Cylinders are also available in TF configurations, in downlight configurations only.  

Note that DMF Turtle and Wildlife Friendly fixtures are not currently listed as FWC Certified but are designed within the required specifications and are certified DarkSky Approved Sea Turtle Sensitive.

 

To review the Wildlife Lighting Technical Bulletin, which includes references, click here

April 22, 2024

DMF’s Commitment to Sustainability

 

Shining a light on sustainability

DMF is dedicated to saving our earth through eco-friendly practices, including energy-efficient design, recycled materials usage, waste reduction strategies, and a post-warranty refurbishment program.

Designed to the Most Rigorous Standards

Energy Efficiency – Based in California, all our products are LED and designed around the most stringent local mandates and energy codes, like Title 24 ensuring optimum energy efficiency.

 

Declare Listed, Red List Compliant Since 2020 – DMF was one of the first downlighting manufacturers to become Declare Listed and today all product SKUs proudly carry the Declare Label.

 

Sustainably Designed – We continue to be at the forefront of sustainable design.  Universal, junction box-based housings are designed free of electronics ensuring a future-proof solution.

Manufactured for Optimum Performance

Non-Waste Sheet Metal – By design, all of our sheet metal punch outs and excess scrap metal are utilized for smaller components minimizing waste and cost.

 

Alternative Material Sourcing – Our H Series housings are manufactured in the United States out of PET plastic making them not only recyclable but incredibly lightweight, providing for more efficient transport.

 

20% Aluminum Reuse Policy – 20% of the diecast aluminum parts used in our light fixtures are recycled to provide a sustainable footprint while at the same time ensuring we are not sacrificing the integrity of the material or performance.

Filling Orders, not Landfills

Recyclable Packaging – All DMF packaging is made of recyclable cardboard and additionally, any used packaging we receive is shredded and repurposed as filling for future packages.

 

Bulk Packaging – Available upon request to help you minimize job site waste.

End of Life & Long-Term Maintenance Commitment

90% Recyclable Components – All metal, steel & plastic components in our product are recyclable, additionally DMF will recycle your retired electronics free of charge if you send them back to our factory.

 

Post Warranty Refurbishment Program – Housings from our product can be reused to update spaces sustainably with little labor impact.  You can be confident there will be new products that will support your upgrades for years to come. DMF is committing to circular product solutions, ensuring you have a solution for your fixture when it reaches the end of its life.  For any product sold from 2024 and on, DMF’s refurbishment program will rework or offer a backwards compatible product 5 years after warranty to give you the most sustainable solution.

February 29, 2024


DMF and Lutron Partner to Offer Athena Wireless Node Integrations

DMF is proud to announce the integration of the Lutron Athena Wireless Node across many of our M Series product offerings and participation in the 2024 Lutron OEM Advantage Program. 

The new  Lutron Athena Wireless Node is an ultra-small, wireless, integral fixture controller.  Packed with technology and endlessly versatile, this tiny device can handle communications via DALI-2 with DALI Type 8, 0-10V, Clear Connect Type X, and simplifies the set-up process with bluetooth.

Please review the product specification sheets for more information:


Available Now:

M Series Commercial (750-3500 lm Non-IC Rated Solutions)

M Series Commercial Round Downlight

M Series Commercial Round Adjustable

M Series Commercial Square Downlight

M Series Commercial Square Adjustable


Coming Soon:

M Series Cylinders (750-3000 lm Solutions)

M Series Cylinder Pendant Mount

M Series Residential (750-1500 lm IC Rated solutions)

M Series Residential Round Downlight

M Series Residential Round Adjustable

M Series Residential Square Downlight

M Series Residential Square Adjustable

M Series Multiples (750-3000 lm solutions)

M Series Multiples


Contact our team to discover the advantages of these integrations!

Learn more about Lutron Athena Node

April 25, 2023

DMF Lighting is excited to have the H Series named in the Honorable Mentions of Green Builder’s 2023 Sustainable Products of the Year. The annual list recognizes prominent, enviro-friendly products while honoring companies that encourage sustainability and go above and beyond in manufacturing items through innovative technology.

The H Series brings downlighting with stellar efficiency and a sustainable design to the whole home. The downlight goes beyond standard efficacy requirements and is both California Title 24 JA8 compliant and ENERGY STAR qualified. Manufactured in the US, the housings are recyclable and free of non-sustainable, harmful toxins.

DMF Lighting is committed to better living, pushing us to design ever-more energy efficient lights and informing the materials we use to build our products.

Learn more about the H Series.

 

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April 18, 2023

Our X Series line has been thoughtfully engineered to provide the minimal appearance of a 2” aperture, while still delivering the lighting performance of a 4” fixture. To give you a better idea of its light distribution and how you can use it for a variety of purposes, we put together conceptual spaces that we have modeled with X Series and X Series Cylinder.

Note: To best demonstrate the lighting’s effect, the spaces have minimal finishes, a neutral color palette, and no natural light. The fixture types are all 1000 lm, 3000K CCT. Some fixtures types are dimmed and noted as such in the description.

Corporate Brand Wall

Light Distribution Models - Corporate Brand Wall
20ft (6.1m) x 30ft (9.1m) x 12ft (3.66m) Ceiling Height

D1 | Spot – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMD10930WFT, Trim: X2TRDSWH
D2 | Wall Wash – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMD10930WFT, Trim: X2TRDWWH

 

Corporate Lobby

Light Distribution Models – Corporate Lobby
20ft (6.1m) x 30ft (9.1m) x 12ft (3.66m) Ceiling Height

A1 | Accent – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMA10930NST, Trim: X2TRASWH
D1 | General Ambient – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMD10930WFT, Trim: X2TRDSWH
D2 | Wall Wash – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMD10930WFT, Trim: X2TRDWWH
P1 | Pendant – XCPR6SCS10FL00030WHT000DF

 

Corporate Art

Light Distribution Models – Corporate Art
20ft (6.1m) x 30ft (9.1m) x 12ft (3.66m) Ceiling Height

A1 | Accent – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMA10930SPT, Trim: X2TRASWH
D1 | General Ambient – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMD10930WF, Trim: X2TRDSWH
D2 | Wall Wash – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMD10930WFT, Trim: X2TRDWWH
P1 | Pendant – XCPR6SCS10FL00030WHT000N

 

Conference Room

Light Distribution Models – Conference Room
20ft (6.1m) x 20ft (6.1m) x 9ft (2.7m) Ceiling Height

D1 | General Ambient – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMD10930WFT, Trim: X2TRDSWH
D2 | Wall Wash – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMD10930WFT, Trim: X2TRDWWH
P1 | Pendant – XCPR6CCS10FL0000030WHO00DH
A1 | Accent (not pictured) – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMA10930SPT, Trim: X2TRASWH

 

Office Huddle Room

Light Distribution Models – Office Huddle Room
15ft (4.6m) x 15ft (4.6m) x 8ft (2.4m) Ceiling Height

D1 | General Ambient – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMD10930WFT, Trim: X2TRDSWH
P1 | Pendant – XCPR6CCS10FL0000030WHO00DF
W1 | Wall Sconce – XCWR6S10FL010FL30WHO00NN

 

Retail Space

Light Distribution Models – Retail Space
20ft (6.1m) x 20ft (6.1m) x 9ft (2.7m) Ceiling Height

A1 | Adjustable Spots – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMA10930SPT, Trim: X2TRASWH
A2 | Adjustable Spots – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMA10930FLT, Trim: X2TRASWH
D1 | General Ambient – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMD10930WFT, Trim: X2TRDSWH
P1 | Pendant – XCPR6SCS10FL00030WHT000DO
P2 | Pendant (not pictured) – XCPR6SCS10FL00030WHT000X

 

Corporate Pantry

Light Distribution Models – Corporate Pantry
15ft (4.6m) x 15ft (4.6m) x 8ft (2.4m) Ceiling Height

D1 | General Ambient (dimmed to 75%) – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMD10930WFT, Trim: X2TRDSWH
D2 | (traded out for linear)
P1 | Pendant – XCPR6SCS10FL00030WHT000DO

 

Hotel Guest Bathroom

Light Distribution Models – Hotel Guest Bathroom
15ft (4.6m) x 15ft (4.6m) x 8ft (2.4m) Ceiling Height

D1 | General Ambient / Shower light – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMD10930WFT, Trim: X2TRDSWH
D2 | Spot – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMD07930SPT, Trim: X2TRDSWH
P1 | Pendant – XCPR6CCS10WF0000030WHO00DF

 

Hospitality Space

Light Distribution Models – Hospitality Space
20ft (6.1m) x 20ft (6.1m) x 9ft (2.7m) Ceiling Height

A1 | Accent / Spot – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMA07930NST, Trim: X2TRASWH
D1 | Pendant – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMD10930WFT, Trim: X2TRDSWH
D2 | Accent – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMD07930FLT, Trim: X2TRDSWH
P1 | Pendant – XCPR6CCS10FL0000030WHO00DH

 

Corridor 1

Light Distribution Models – Corridor 1
40ft (12.2m) x 10ft (3m) x 10ft (3m) Ceiling Height

D1 | General Ambient w/ Linear Optic – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMD10930LST, Trim: X2TRDSWH
D2 | Adjustable Spot – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMD10930WFT, Trim: X2TRDWWH

 

Corridor 2

Light Distribution Models – Corridor 2
40ft (12.2m) x 10ft (3m) x 10ft (3m) Ceiling Height

D1 | General Ambient – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMD10930WFT, Trim: X2TRDSWH

 

Learn more about the X Series and X Series Cylinder.

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March 8, 2023

Check out the latest episode of The Build Show where host Matt Risinger shows us around an in-progress project that’s near and dear to him — the home of one of his project managers. He provides tips on how to install an excellent mechanical system at the best possible cost, including utilizing DMF Lighting’s H Series 4″ modular downlights as a key part of that strategy.

Matt and his team start off with the HVAC system and start discussing electrical at the 18:28 mark.

 

 

Learn more about H Series — the lighting solution for the whole home.

 

About The Build Show

The BUILD Show is dedicated to building science and fine craftsmanship. Matt Risinger is a Builder in Austin TX who is passionate about High Performance Construction and his goal with every home he builds is for it to be a bit better than the last home. On this channel you’ll see him talking about Building Science, Insulation, Air Sealing, HVAC, Fresh Air, Healthy Buildings, Framing, Hidden Door, New Building Products, Reviews, and Tours of well built homes under construction.

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December 1, 2022

The editors of Architectural Record magazine have named the DRD + M Series as a winner of their Best Lighting Products of 2022.

Judged on the basis of innovation, function, sustainability, and aesthetics, the panel of architects and designers were impressed by the lighting solution’s modularity, performance, and high quality finishes. The DRD Series is designed to install into any application including sloped, wood and concrete ceilings, and is engineered for ultimate flexibility.

Architectural Record’s annual competition presents the best new luminaires and fixtures of the year. View the full list of winners.

Learn more about the DRD Series.

 

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November 1, 2022

Note: This Bulletin was originally published on 11/01/22 and has been updated to reflect the new product offerings.

The all-new M Series Housings and Trims bring a host of new features, options, and improvements to our already stellar DRD Series. Here’s a breakdown of all the available options.

 

Round

Housing

Installation: New Construction, Remodel
Rating: Standard, Fire, Chicago Plenum, Concrete Tight
Specialty Options: Low-Profile, Double Housing, Emergency Lighting

 

 

Trim

Style: Round, Hyperbolic, Pinhole, Pinhole, Wall Wash, Flangeless, Decorative, Emergency, Dead Front
Finish: White, Black, Bronze, Clear Diffuse,, Custom

 

 

Square

Housing

Installation: New Construction, Remodel
Rating: Standard, Fire, Chicago Plenum
Specialty Options: Low-Profile, Emergency Lighting

 

Trim

Style: Square, Round on Square, Pinhole, Pinhole, Wall Wash, Flangeless, Decorative, Emergency, Dead Front
Finish: White, Black, Bronze, Clear Diffuse, Custom


Learn more about the M Series.

 

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October 5, 2022

The all-new M Series Housings and Trims bring a host of new features, options, and improvements to our already stellar DRD Series. Available in Round or Square, New Construction or Remodel, the housings install easier and more precisely, while refreshed trims pair the downlight with an even wider range of design aesthetics.

Rated E for Everything

M Series housings are designed to install nearly anywhere. Replacing our award-winning OneFrame and SquareFrame platforms, the 4″ housings feature even more ratings and installation options to comply with almost any building code.

Remodel Installation

The M Series Remodel Housing brings all the features of the OneFrame and SquareFrame housings to closed ceiling installations. Available in Round or Square, the housing installs simply — cut hole existing ceilings, insert housing and pop out spring clips.

No Space, No Problem

The compact M Series Housings adjusts for optimal fixture placement in crowded plenum space to accommodate ductwork, framing and plumbing. When even less space is available, the all-new Low Profile Housing requires less than 3″ of ceiling space.

Double Header

Transform the DRD Series into a recessed multiple with the new M Series Double Housing. Increase light output or direct light in multiple directions, all without visible hardware.

New Flangeless Trims

The M Series Flangeless Trims pair with our new Mud Plate, which are lighter, thinner, and easier to mud-in for the cleanest look possible.

In addition, the Flangeless Trims are redesigned for compatibility with wood and millwork surfaces. The new tension clips allow simple installation directly into cutouts created by standard routers or hole saws.

Wall Wash

Completely re-designed, the all-new Wall Wash Trims now offer the same aesthetic as a Beveled Round Trim for a more cohesive fixture-to-fixture design. The trim also reduces light loss to produce brighter, more efficient angled lighting.

More Finishes

In addition to White and Black, which return as the two most popular finishes, we’ve added Bronze, Clear Diffuse and Warm Diffuse options to provide a splash of color to the traditional finish. As always, Custom Color is available for all trims to match any vision.


With a range of new M Series options and increased light output up to 1500 lumens (some restrictions apply see spec sheet for details), the upgraded DRD Series continues to hit every lighting spec you may come across. This versatile solution with integrated TRIAC/ELV and 0-10V drivers keeps up with the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of projects.


Learn more about the DRD Series.

 

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October 3, 2022

This four-part video series quickly covers the innovations that make the H Series a better, contractor-friendly residential product. Each video runs about one minute and covers one unique feature.

 

Trim

 

Housing

 

Natural Warm Dim

 

Brightness Switch

 

 

Finally, brilliant illumination and reliable performance are available in any space, for nearly any budget. To learn more about DMF Lighting and the H Series, please visit the H Series webpage or reach out to your DMF representative.

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