Hello,
I have a question regarding glare ratings for open air showrooms.
I have a project which has open air display/showroom for cars. The project is a part of a campus and lies in LZ3 zone.We have received a comment on one fixture which is used for the open air display. The fixture complies with Backlight and Uplight requirements per the lighting zone, but exceeds the Glare requirements. We are struggling to find a susbtitute that will comply with the BUG ratings as well as provide enough wattage as required for the showroom. The fixture is located well within the LEED boundary and we believe will not have glare tresspass outside it.
Since it is just one light exclusively for display, I would like to confirm if it can apply any exemptions for SSc.
Thanks
Madhura
Bill Swanson
Sr. Electrical EngineerIntegrated Design Solutions
LEEDuser Expert
731 thumbs up
April 16, 2021 - 9:28 am
First I just want to verify some definitions.
open air showroom = exterior car lot
just one light = multiple lights of the same type.
There is no exception that I know of for this application. The glare rating is just as much for people within the site as it is for neighboring sites. So the distance from the boundary is irrelavent.
I understand that car lots want lots of light. Preferably spot light instead of area light to help with the sparkle. This does add to the glare a lot.
Suggestions:
- Keep looking for an alternate light with the same wattage but lower glare rating. Most area lights are G3.
- Use a lower wattage version of the light you have so that the glare rating goes down. Then add more fixtures.
- Ignore this credit.
I don't have a magic bullet for you.
Glenn Heinmiller
PrincipalLam Partners
96 thumbs up
April 19, 2021 - 11:58 am
There are no applicable exemptions for the lighting of retail sales lots. The lighting requirements for retail sales lots are in direct opposition to light pollution reduction. The authors of the credit never expected that this type of project would be able to comply with the credit requirements. Same for sports field lighting.