Note: This pilot credit was closed for new registrations as of March 1, 2012.

The Light Pollution Reduction credit has been rewritten for ease of understanding while maintaining flexibility for lighting designers as well as applicability to different kinds of light pollution. The exterior requirements are split into two areas: uplight (skyglow) and light trespass (glare). For both requirements, an optional path allows teams to demonstrate compliance by selecting luminaires with an appropriate BUG rating and placing them appropriately. These optional paths do not require point-by-point calculations.

The calculation path has also been simplified and now requires calculations for fewer locations. Many projects can achieve the credit by simply complying with ASHRAE 90.1–2010 and selecting luminaires with an appropriate BUG rating. This revision also introduces a new term, lighting boundary. The lighting boundary is equivalent to the project boundary, unless the project contains multiple lighting zones. In that case, each zone has a separate lighting boundary.

Additional Questions

1. Were you able to understand and comply with the credit language as written?
2. Were there barriers to implementing the strategies used under this credit?
3. If your project contained multiple lighting zones, did any difficulties implementing the requirements differ between the lighting zones?

Credit Submittals

General

1. Register for Pilot Credit(s) LEEDuser.com, and participate in online forum
2. Submit the feedback survey using the link on the USGBC.org credit page
3. Submit the feedback survey using the link on the USGBC.org credit page; supply PDF of your survey/confirmation of completion with credit documentation

Credit Specific

Exterior Lighting – Provide the following:

• A site plan showing all exterior light fixtures with designations and an associated fixture schedule with brief descriptions including lamp information for all fixtures, and motion sensor information for those fixtures used in residential areas
• A description with drawings and/or images of the site and all immediately adjacent properties, documenting a lighting zone for each of these.  Any lighting zone 4 designations should include a document from the local zoning authority showing that they have authorized that zone designation for that site.
• A list of all exempt exterior luminaires and under which exemption they qualify.

Uplight (Skyglow) Requirements

Option 1:

• A lighting schedule showing the three-dimensional orientation of each non-exempt exterior fixture and it’s U-Rating in that orientation (identical luminaires in the same orientation may be grouped).

Option 2:

• The lighting zone designation used for this option
• A spreadsheet showing the following for each non-exempt luminaire (including summations where appropriate): (identical luminaires in the same orientation may be grouped):

1. Catalog #
2. Quantity of this luminaire
3. The three dimensional orientation of the luminaire
4. The lumens emitted by the luminaire in that orientation
5. The lumens emitted by the luminaire in that orientation above the horizon

• A calculation showing compliance based on the data presented above.

Light Trespass Requirements

Option 1:

• The lighting zone designation(s) used for this option
• Where appropriate, a narrative justifying extending the lighting boundary line past the property line in accordance with the credit requirements.
• a spreadsheet showing the following for each non-exempt luminaire: (identical luminaires in the same orientation may be grouped):

1. Catalog #
2. The three dimensional orientation of the luminaire
3. The orientation of the luminaire relative to the nearest lighting boundary line
4. The backlight and glare ratings of the luminaire in the defined position
5. An indication of compliance

Option 2:

A point-by-point calculation showing initial vertical illuminances.  Each vertical plane shall include:

• The maximum vertical illuminance encountered
• The lighting zone for this plane
• A statement of compliance