Street Light BUG Rating

Danielle,

Street lighting is exempted from the requirements as long as it is required to be there by a governmental authority. This means you can ignore the street lights as if they aren't there, and just state on your documentation that they are exempt.

This exemption is right in the credit language:
 

• "government-mandated roadway lighting;"

If street lights are within the project scope and LEED boundary, they are required to comply with the LEED v4 Building Design and Construction (BD+C) Outdoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credit 7: Light Pollution Reduction, which includes a requirement for BUG (Backlight, Uplight, and Glare) ratings. However, if fixtures are required by city code to meet certain lamps and footcandles, regulatory requirements may supersede LEED requirements, and the BUG rating may be waived during the review. It is best to consult with a LEED Accredited Professional or the LEED reviewer to confirm any exceptions or clarifications to the credit requirements.

Hassan,

I don't think it is this complicated, and I don't think you need to consult with the LEED reviewer. The exemption is clearly stated right in the credit language:

Exemptions from uplight and light trespass requirements

The following exterior lighting is exempt from the requirements, provided it is controlled separately from the nonexempt lighting:

• specialized signal, directional, and marker lighting for transportation;
• lighting that is used solely for façade and landscape lighting in MLO lighting zones 3 and 4, and is automatically turned off from midnight until 6 a.m.;
• lighting for theatrical purposes for stage, film, and video performances;
• government-mandated roadway lighting;
• hospital emergency departments, including associated helipads;
• lighting for the national flag in MLO lighting zones 2, 3, or 4; and
• internally illuminated signage.