Integrating Sustainable Lighting into Urban Green Space Management: A Case Study of Light Pollution in Polish Urban Parks

Urban parks often represent the last viable habitats for wildlife in city centres, functioning as crucial refuges and biodiversity hotspots for a wide array of plant and animal species. This study investigates the issue of light pollution in urban parks in selected Polish cities from the perspective of sustainable urban development and dark-sky friendly ordinances. Field data conducted in 2024 and 2025 include measurements of Upward Light Output Ratio (ULOR), illuminance, luminance, correlated colour temperature (CCT), and spectral characteristics of light sources. In addition, an analysis of changes in the level of light pollution in the studied parks and their surroundings between 2012 and 2025 was performed using data from the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) located on the Suomi NPP satellite. Results highlight the mismatch between sustainable development objectives and the current practice of lighting in most of the analysed parks. The study emphasises the need for better integration of light pollution mitigation in urban spatial policies and provides recommendations for environmentally and socially responsible lighting design in urban parks.