Night Sky Friendly Businesses

Night-Sky-Friendly Business Recognition

To earn recognition, the lighting at your business must meet the following criteria:

• All outdoor lighting on the premises is shielded and aimed downward so that no light trespasses beyond the business property boundary or above the horizontal plane into the sky.
• Lighting is directed only where it is needed for the task at hand.
• Lighting is not so bright as to cause glare or to reduce visibility in unlit areas.
• The color of outdoor lighting is amber or warm white rather than bright white or blue. Lighting with a color temperature less than or equal to 3000 Kelvin is ideal.
• Lights are installed with motion detectors or timers when practical in order to prevent lights from being needlessly on all night. Outdoor lighting is turned off after business hours. For gas stations, if pumps remain operational after the store has closed, lights under the canopy may be left on.
• Request an inspection of your property by emailing your company name and contact information to info@blancocountynightsky.org.
• Allow for an annual inspection to insure compliance with the guidelines.

How will my business be recognized?

A business or organization that meets the criteria listed above receives recognition as a Night Sky Friendly Business with:

• A Certificate of Merit presented by the Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky for display inside your business.
• A small window decal display to announce to customers your recognition as a Night Sky Friendly business.
• The right to use the Nigh Sky Friendly Business logo in your advertising and on your website.
• A listing on the Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky website with a link to your website (if you have one).
• Possible publicity in local newspapers and other media.

What else does my business have to do?

By accepting the Certificate of Merit, your business or organization agrees to the following:

• Any future outdoor lighting installed on your premises will be Night Sky-Friendly and
• Your business agrees to accept and practice the Pledge of the Hill Country Alliance's Night Sky Stewards:

We pledge to practice sound outdoor lighting management with the intention to eliminate light escaping over the horizon from outdoor lighting fixtures on my property and thus protect and preserve the treasured natural wonder that is the Hill Country's starry nighttime skies.