This credit offers two major compliance options.

Depending on your site lighting plan, this credit can be easier to achieve with the calculation method, which allows light trespass to the center of the street under certain conditions. Technologies to reduce light pollution and achieve this compliance option include full cutoff luminaries, low-reflectance surfaces, and low-angle spotlights.

The other option is to pursue the BUG Rating method. BUG is a prescriptive rating method based on the assessment of backlight, uplight, and glare for site lighting fixtures. BUG tested lights are available for purchase or can be calculated. While the market needs to catch up a bit here, it’s very likely that a wider selection of fixtures will be available as time goes on.

What’s New in LEED v4

• This credit includes a new compliance option based on the BUG rating method.
• The EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance now contains lighting power density requirements, and the interior lighting requirements.
• Only vertical illuminance calculations must be included in the photometric information. Only worst-case vertical plane and not all site lighting require point-by-point output calculation documentation.
• Sports field lighting (including Schools projects) is not exempt from the credit requirements.