For local governments, public lighting has clearly become a strategic tool: it enhances safety, enhances the living environment, and improves the attractiveness of communities. But its impact doesn’t stop there. It also affects biodiversity, the quality of the night sky, and, of course, municipal budgets—particularly through energy consumption. This is an issue that should not be underestimated.

With GROUPE RAGNI, discover the 4 mistakes to avoid to ensure the success of your public lighting projects, whether they involve new installations or renovations. Well-designed lighting means a community that gains in efficiency, sustainability, and harmony.

• Nighttime dimming solutions, which can include turning the lights off at specific times, can be implemented.
• Smart motion sensors, which trigger a sequence of lights at specific times, can also be installed.

These two features will help you improve the system’s performance.
With grid-connected lighting, you will achieve the lowest possible energy consumption. With standalone solar lighting, you will have the solution best tailored to your needs—and therefore the most cost-effective.

It is, of course, essential to standardize the overall approach to preserve the harmony of the built environment, which leads to the next point.

We would like to thank SNEF GABON, FMCT (Façade Maritime du Champ Triomphal) and URBAGEC Maroc for their involvement and trust, as well as our sales representatives, Justine AUGIER, Project Manager in Gabon and Yassine EL HICHOUNI, Africa Area Manager at GROUPE RAGNI.

RICE: Sanctuaries for Biodiversity and the Starry Sky

International Dark Sky Reserves (RICE) are areas dedicated to protecting the quality of the night sky, recognized for their low levels of light pollution and their commitment to biodiversity. These reserves are certified by Dark Sky International, based in the United States. Their role is to promote the astronomical and cultural heritage associated with the night and to preserve nocturnal ecosystems (fauna, flora, landscapes), notably by promoting responsible, energy-efficient lighting adapted to local needs.

The “Alpes Azur Mercantour” RICE, certified since 2019, is a living laboratory located in our Maralpin region, with which we have maintained a constructive dialogue since 2022, the year of the first edition of the “Rencontres de l’éclairage raisonné”.

The RICE Conference in France: A Key Event for Mindful Lighting

From June 16 to 18, 2026, the Valberg Departmental Center for the Environment and Observation will host the RICE National Congress, bringing together the RICE Congress of France and other countries to discuss nighttime issues, as well as other regions around the world working to combat light pollution. The event will bring together elected officials, natural area managers, scientists, industry representatives, and organizations for conferences, workshops, and roundtables on a variety of topics: lighting techniques, trends in light pollution, educational tools, the specific impacts of artificial light on biodiversity, and more.

GROUPE RAGNI supports the RICE Congress

As a regional organization, GROUPE RAGNI shares a strong commitment with RICE Alpes Azur Mercantour: to protect the night while meeting the needs of local communities. Our commitment is rooted in a philosophy of collaboration and partnership with local stakeholders (local governments, nature parks, and tourism offices). We understand the specific challenges of rural and protected areas and develop tailored solutions:

• Dynamic and smart lighting to limit unnecessary light pollution.
• Materials and designs that respect the nightscape.
• Supporting local authorities in complying with regulations (e.g., the December 27, 2018 decree on light pollution).

We promote energy and light efficiency, respect for ecosystems, and innovation through partnerships and collaborative projects.

By supporting the RICE initiative, GROUPE RAGNI reaffirms its role as a committed partner to institutions. We believe that the transition to sustainable lighting requires:

• Dialogue with decision-makers: engaging with elected officials, natural parks, and regional agencies to align technical solutions with public policies
• Training and awareness-raising: sharing our feedback with local technicians, engineering firms, and tourism offices through events and meetings
• Promoting best practices: highlighting local initiatives and integrating them into our CSR approach

Toward a synergy between preservation and innovation

The RICE Congress is a unique opportunity to create synergies among public, industrial, and non-profit stakeholders. For GROUPE RAGNI, this event serves as a think tank to accelerate the adoption of sustainable lighting across regions, acting as a catalyst to strengthen the link between technical innovation and societal expectations, particularly regarding the preservation of nightscapes. Finally, it serves as a showcase to position the South region as a model for lighting transition, combining economic performance with environmental stewardship.

“We took inspiration from neighboring cities. to adapt our lighting, distinguishing between the city center and residential areas with the support of SE 60 and RAGNI, who developed an optimized lighting plan with color temperatures adapted to each location. ” adds Mr. DUVIVIER, Deputy Mayor for Public Works, Safety, and Urban Planning

The nighttime blackout, formerly scheduled from midnight to 5 a.m., has been replaced by lighting reduced to 20%, which is considered more comfortable and respectful of wildlife. Presence detectors have been installed in certain sensitive areas (parking lot, school route).

Among the more than 600 light points replaced, 236 RETROFIT ÉLÉGANCE kits modernized existing lanterns while preserving street furniture and reducing the carbon footprint. Custom retrofits were designed for six heritage lanterns. Two brass VENCE lanterns incorporate birdhouses to encourage local wildlife, an initiative by SE 60 and RAGNI that has been praised by elected officials.

“The idea of integrated nesting boxes is excellent and has been very well received. Their discreet presence blends in perfectly with the environment, and we are very satisfied with them,” says the Mayor.

Entirely financed locally without government assistance, the project is part of a broader ecological transition strategy.

In 2026, the municipality plans to implement new sustainable developments, including a greenway and a redevelopment of the church square.

“Several projects are planned for 2026: creation of a pedestrian and cycle path with pedestrian detection, burial of the remaining overhead networks with installation of harmonized street lighting, and redevelopment of the church square with disabled access and responsible lighting in line with current choices,” says Mr. Jean DUVIVIER.

Feedback from residents has been positive, and the absence of criticism on social media is seen as a sign of success. The Mayor concludes: “We are completely satisfied: residents are generally welcoming of the project, especially because of the peace of mind that controlled lighting brings. Elected officials support it, and the absence of negative feedback is a good indicator of success.“.

We would like to extend our warmest thanks to Mayor Emmanuelle LAMARQUE and Mr. Jean DUVIVIER for taking the time to participate in this interview. We would also like to express our gratitude to SE 60 for its invaluable support in making this project a success, as well as to Romain KOZAR, sales representative at ETUDEQUIPE, whose involvement was instrumental in bringing this renovation to fruition.