What It Takes to Light a Building in Blue

Lighting your building in blue is a great PR move. Your commitment is picked up by this website, shown on the WorldDiabetesDay.org, and broadcast around the world.

So what does it take to make it happen? We asked someone who recently went through the process. Here's what she said:

If you decide to light your building blue for World Diabetes Day, be sure to work with a lighting professional to determine your specific needs. Each situation varies widely, but here are a few considerations:

• A white building will reflect light much better than a dark or colored building.
• Windows may impact how the light is reflected.
• A flat surface is the easiest to light. A surface that includes detail may create shadows.
• You'll need room to place a generator, which will be used to power the lights.
• The lights may need to be a certain distance away from the building, which means you need enough space in front of the building to allow for this.
• If the building is too close to public property (such as a public sidewalk), there may not be enough space.
• You'll need an area large enough for the lights to be set-up that can also be blocked off from foot traffic.
• The lights need to be positioned around any trees that may be located in front of the building.
• Make sure landscaping and lawn watering will not be taking place.
• You may need to have someone trained to turn everything on each night.
• The cost for lighting a building can average anywhere from $2,000 - $5,000.
  

If you get a building lit up in blue, tell us how you did it!