Add a bullet to the end of the list that reads:
- Sports field lighting (including Schools projects) is not exempt from the credit requirements.
- Sports field lighting (including Schools projects) is not exempt from the credit requirements.
See all forum discussions about this credit »
View the LEED v4.1 version of this credit »
View the LEED v4.1 version of this credit »
SPECIAL REPORT
LEEDuser expert
Bill Swanson
PE, LEED AP BD+C
Integrated Design Solutions
Sr. Electrical Engineer
SPECIAL REPORT
LEEDuser’s viewpoint
Frank advice from LEED experts
LEED is changing all the time, and every project is unique. Even seasoned professionals can miss a critical detail and lose a credit or even a prerequisite at the last minute. Our expert advice guides our LEEDuser Premium members and saves you valuable time.
Credit language
© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.
Requirements
Meet uplight and light trespass requirements, using either the backlight-uplight-glare (BUG) method (Option 1) or the calculation method (Option 2). Projects may use different options for uplight and light trespass.Meet these requirements for all exterior luminaires located inside the project boundary (except those listed under “Exemptions”), based on the following:
- the photometric characteristics of each luminaire when mounted in the same orientation and tilt as specified in the project design; and
- the lighting zone of the project property (at the time construction begins). Classify the project under one lighting zone using the lighting zones definitions provided in the Illuminating Engineering Society and International Dark Sky Association (IES/IDA) Model Lighting Ordinance (MLO) User Guide.
Uplight
Option 1. BUG rating method
Do not exceed the following luminaire uplight ratings, based on the specific light source installed in the luminaire, as defined in IES TM-15-11, Addendum A.Table 1. maximum uplight ratings for luminaires
MLO lighting zone |
Luminaire uplight rating |
|---|---|
LZ0 |
U0 |
LZ1 |
U1 |
LZ2 |
U2 |
LZ3 |
U3 |
LZ4 |
U4 |
OR
Option 2. calculation method
Do not exceed the following percentages of total lumens emitted above horizontal.Table 2. maximum percentage of total lumens emitted above horizontal, by lighting zone
MLO lighting zone |
Maximum allowed percentage of total luminaire lumens emitted above horizontal |
|---|---|
LZ0 |
0% |
LZ1 |
0% |
LZ2 |
1.5% |
LZ3 |
3% |
LZ4 |
6% |
AND
Light trespass
Option 1. BUG rating method
Do not exceed the following luminaire backlight and glare ratings (based on the specific light source installed in the luminaire), as defined in IES TM-15-11, Addendum A, based on the mounting location and distance from the lighting boundary.Table 3. maximum backlight and glare ratings
|
MLO lighting zone |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Luminaire mounting |
LZ0 |
LZ1 |
LZ2 |
LZ3 |
LZ4 |
|
Allowed backlight ratings |
||||
> 2 mounting heights from lighting boundary |
B1 |
B3 |
B4 |
B5 |
B5 |
1 to 2 mounting heights from lighting boundary and properly oriented |
B1 |
B2 |
B3 |
B4 |
B4 |
0.5 to 1 mounting height to lighting boundary and properly oriented |
B0 |
B1 |
B2 |
B3 |
B3 |
B0 |
B0 |
B0 |
B1 |
B2 |
|
|
Allowed glare ratings |
||||
Building-mounted > 2 mounting heights from any lighting boundary |
G0 |
G1 |
G2 |
G3 |
G4 |
Building-mounted 1–2 mounting heights from any lighting boundary |
G0 |
G0 |
G1 |
G1 |
G2 |
Building-mounted 0.5 to 1 mounting heights from any lighting boundary |
G0 |
G0 |
G0 |
G1 |
G1 |
Building-mounted |
G0 |
G0 |
G0 |
G0 |
G1 |
All other luminaires |
G0 |
G1 |
G2 |
G3 |
G4 |
- When the property line abuts a public area that includes, but is not limited to, a walkway, bikeway, plaza, or parking lot, the lighting boundary may be moved to 5 feet (1.5 meters) beyond the property line.
- When the property line abuts a public street, alley, or transit corridor, the lighting boundary may be moved to the center line of that street, alley, or corridor.
- When there are additional properties owned by the same entity that are contiguous to the property, or properties, that the LEED project is within and have the same or higher MLO lighting zone designation as the LEED project, the lighting boundary may be expanded to include those properties.
OR
Option 2. calculation method
Do not exceed the following vertical illuminances at the lighting boundary (use the definition of lighting boundary in Option 1). Calculation points may be no more than 5 feet (1.5 meters) apart. Vertical illuminances must be calculated on vertical planes running parallel to the lighting boundary, with the normal to each plane oriented toward the property and perpendicular to the lighting boundary, extending from grade level to 33 feet (10 meters) above the height of the highest luminaire.Table 4. maximum vertical illuminance at lighting boundary, by lighting zone
MLO lighting zone |
Vertical illuminance |
|---|---|
LZ0 |
0.05 fc (0.5 lux) |
LZ1 |
0.05 fc (0.5 lux) |
LZ2 |
0.10 fc (1 lux) |
LZ3 |
0.20 fc (2 lux) |
LZ4 |
0.60 fc (6 lux) |
AND
Internally illuminated exterior signage
Do not exceed a luminance of 200 cd/m2 (nits) during nighttime hours and 2000 cd/m2 (nits) during daytime hours.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.
What does it cost?
Cost estimates for this credit
On each BD+C v4 credit, LEEDuser offers the wisdom of a team of architects, engineers, cost estimators, and LEED experts with hundreds of LEED projects between then. They analyzed the sustainable design strategies associated with each LEED credit, but also to assign actual costs to those strategies.
Our tab contains overall cost guidance, notes on what “soft costs” to expect, and a strategy-by-strategy breakdown of what to consider and what it might cost, in percentage premiums, actual costs, or both.
This information is also available in a full PDF download in The Cost of LEED v4 report.
Learn more about The Cost of LEED v4 »Frequently asked questions
Is existing lighting required to be included in the calculations? What are the exceptions?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Does athletic field lighting need to be included in this credit?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
|
What’s the difference between the Project Boundary and the Lighting Boundary? The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
|
If a light is under an overhang, is its U rating always 0? The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Addenda
10/1/2015 – Updated: 10/1/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
10/1/2014 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Revise the section to read:
"The lighting boundary typically coincides with the property lines of the property that the LEED project occupies. However, in certain situations the lighting boundary may be modified:
• When the property boundary abuts a public area that includes, but is not limited to, a walkway, bikeway, plaza, or parking lot, the lighting boundary may be moved to 5 feet (1.5 meters) beyond the property line.
• When the property boundary abuts a public roadway or public transit corridor, the lighting boundary may be moved to the center line of that roadway or corridor.
• When additional properties owned by the same entity responsible for the LEED project are contiguous to the project site and have the same or a higher lighting zone as the project, the lighting boundary may be expanded to include those properties. In these cases, it is best if a lighting master plan is developed."
"The lighting boundary typically coincides with the property lines of the property that the LEED project occupies. However, in certain situations the lighting boundary may be modified:
• When the property boundary abuts a public area that includes, but is not limited to, a walkway, bikeway, plaza, or parking lot, the lighting boundary may be moved to 5 feet (1.5 meters) beyond the property line.
• When the property boundary abuts a public roadway or public transit corridor, the lighting boundary may be moved to the center line of that roadway or corridor.
• When additional properties owned by the same entity responsible for the LEED project are contiguous to the project site and have the same or a higher lighting zone as the project, the lighting boundary may be expanded to include those properties. In these cases, it is best if a lighting master plan is developed."
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
7/1/2014 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Replace Figures 4 and 5 with a combined graphic to be located in the “Vertical Illuminance” section. The new graphic shows the vertical calculation grid, the height above the highest luminaire, and the lighting boundary. Renumber Figures 6 and 7 to be Figures 5 and 6.
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
7/1/2014 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Revise Figure 3. as follows:
Add more calculation points. Show points spaced 5’x5’ (1.5m x 1.5m) over the entire site. Add identifying call outs to the light fixtures. Label the orientation of the fixtures.
Add more calculation points. Show points spaced 5’x5’ (1.5m x 1.5m) over the entire site. Add identifying call outs to the light fixtures. Label the orientation of the fixtures.
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
10/1/2014 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Remove last line of the vertical illuminance definition so that it reads:
"vertical illuminance illuminance levels calculated at a point on a vertical surface, or that occur on a vertical plane"
"vertical illuminance illuminance levels calculated at a point on a vertical surface, or that occur on a vertical plane"
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
10/1/2014 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Revise the first paragraph to read:
“Illuminance is the total quantity of light, or luminous flux, that falls on a surface, as measured in footcandles or lux. This measurement is usually taken on the horizontal plane, at either the ground or the workplane, but measuring vertical illuminance is helpful for understanding how much light is hitting a building façade, a human face, or the vertical plane at a property boundary. Simply put, vertical illuminance can be explained as standing outside the boundary looking straight into the site at eye level (or horizontal if you are on the ground looking up).”
Insert a new paragraph below the first paragraph that reads:
“In calculation software, a vertical calculation grid is placed at the location where the measurements need to be taken. In person, measurements are taken using a light meter held vertically. For the purposes of LEED, only the calculation grid for the one vertical plane with greatest vertical illuminance is required to be submitted, and not more. Projects must still assess all of the areas on the boundary for vertical illuminance, but create documentation for only the worst case scenario because all other vertical planes will show lower illuminance values, and thus will comply with the requirements. If there are unique situations, like sensitive areas that require different thresholds, calculation grid documentation for those scenarios should also be submitted.”
Delete the following sentence in the next paragraph:
“It can be given as a function of the incident angle (A) of the luminous intensity (I) and the distance from the luminaire to (P).”
“Illuminance is the total quantity of light, or luminous flux, that falls on a surface, as measured in footcandles or lux. This measurement is usually taken on the horizontal plane, at either the ground or the workplane, but measuring vertical illuminance is helpful for understanding how much light is hitting a building façade, a human face, or the vertical plane at a property boundary. Simply put, vertical illuminance can be explained as standing outside the boundary looking straight into the site at eye level (or horizontal if you are on the ground looking up).”
Insert a new paragraph below the first paragraph that reads:
“In calculation software, a vertical calculation grid is placed at the location where the measurements need to be taken. In person, measurements are taken using a light meter held vertically. For the purposes of LEED, only the calculation grid for the one vertical plane with greatest vertical illuminance is required to be submitted, and not more. Projects must still assess all of the areas on the boundary for vertical illuminance, but create documentation for only the worst case scenario because all other vertical planes will show lower illuminance values, and thus will comply with the requirements. If there are unique situations, like sensitive areas that require different thresholds, calculation grid documentation for those scenarios should also be submitted.”
Delete the following sentence in the next paragraph:
“It can be given as a function of the incident angle (A) of the luminous intensity (I) and the distance from the luminaire to (P).”
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
7/1/2014 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Change the definition of 'mounting height' to read:
“mounting height the distance between ground level (or the workplane) and the center of the luminaire (light fixture); the height at which a luminaire is installed.”
“mounting height the distance between ground level (or the workplane) and the center of the luminaire (light fixture); the height at which a luminaire is installed.”
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
10/1/2014 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
Light Trespass, Option 1. BUG rating method
Revise the lighting boundary description below Table 3 to read:
"The lighting boundary is located at the property lines of the property, or properties, that the LEED project occupies. The lighting boundary can be modified under the following conditions:
• When the property line abuts a public area that includes, but is not limited to, a walkway, bikeway, plaza, or parking lot, the lighting boundary may be moved to 5 feet (1.5 meters) beyond the property line.
• When the property line abuts a public street, alley, or transit corridor, the lighting boundary may be moved to the center line of that street, alley, or corridor.
• When there are additional properties owned by the same entity that are contiguous to the property, or properties, that the LEED project is within and have the same or higher MLO lighting zone designation as the LEED project, the lighting boundary may be expanded to include those properties.
Orient all luminaires less than two mounting heights from the lighting boundary such that the backlight points toward the nearest lighting boundary line. Building-mounted luminaires with the backlight oriented toward the building are exempt from the backlight rating requirement."
Revise the lighting boundary description below Table 3 to read:
"The lighting boundary is located at the property lines of the property, or properties, that the LEED project occupies. The lighting boundary can be modified under the following conditions:
• When the property line abuts a public area that includes, but is not limited to, a walkway, bikeway, plaza, or parking lot, the lighting boundary may be moved to 5 feet (1.5 meters) beyond the property line.
• When the property line abuts a public street, alley, or transit corridor, the lighting boundary may be moved to the center line of that street, alley, or corridor.
• When there are additional properties owned by the same entity that are contiguous to the property, or properties, that the LEED project is within and have the same or higher MLO lighting zone designation as the LEED project, the lighting boundary may be expanded to include those properties.
Orient all luminaires less than two mounting heights from the lighting boundary such that the backlight points toward the nearest lighting boundary line. Building-mounted luminaires with the backlight oriented toward the building are exempt from the backlight rating requirement."
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
7/1/2014 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Figure 6.
Change the arc to a rectangle to accurately show a vertical illuminance grid.
Change the arc to a rectangle to accurately show a vertical illuminance grid.
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
7/1/2014 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
To the last bullet point, add a sentence clarifying how to calculate the G rating for building-mounted luminaires:
"For the glare rating, determine the lowest rating where the lumens for all of the secondary solid angles do not exceed the threshold lumens from IES TM-15-11, Addendum A, Table A-3. For building-mounted luminaires only, the BVH and BH zonal lumens do not need to be considered in determining the G rating."
"For the glare rating, determine the lowest rating where the lumens for all of the secondary solid angles do not exceed the threshold lumens from IES TM-15-11, Addendum A, Table A-3. For building-mounted luminaires only, the BVH and BH zonal lumens do not need to be considered in determining the G rating."
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
Documentation toolkit
The motherlode of cheat sheets
LEEDuser’s Documentation Toolkit is loaded with calculators to help assess credit compliance, tracking spreadsheets for materials, sample templates to help guide your narratives and LEED Online submissions, and examples of actual submissions from certified LEED projects for you to check your work against. To get your plaque, start with the right toolkit.
Get the inside scoop
Our editors have written a detailed analysis of nearly every LEED credit, and LEEDuser premium members get full access. We’ll tell you whether the credit is easy to accomplish or better left alone, and we provide insider tips on how to document it successfully.
© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.
Requirements
Meet uplight and light trespass requirements, using either the backlight-uplight-glare (BUG) method (Option 1) or the calculation method (Option 2). Projects may use different options for uplight and light trespass.Meet these requirements for all exterior luminaires located inside the project boundary (except those listed under “Exemptions”), based on the following:
- the photometric characteristics of each luminaire when mounted in the same orientation and tilt as specified in the project design; and
- the lighting zone of the project property (at the time construction begins). Classify the project under one lighting zone using the lighting zones definitions provided in the Illuminating Engineering Society and International Dark Sky Association (IES/IDA) Model Lighting Ordinance (MLO) User Guide.
Uplight
Option 1. BUG rating method
Do not exceed the following luminaire uplight ratings, based on the specific light source installed in the luminaire, as defined in IES TM-15-11, Addendum A.Table 1. maximum uplight ratings for luminaires
MLO lighting zone |
Luminaire uplight rating |
|---|---|
LZ0 |
U0 |
LZ1 |
U1 |
LZ2 |
U2 |
LZ3 |
U3 |
LZ4 |
U4 |
OR
Option 2. calculation method
Do not exceed the following percentages of total lumens emitted above horizontal.Table 2. maximum percentage of total lumens emitted above horizontal, by lighting zone
MLO lighting zone |
Maximum allowed percentage of total luminaire lumens emitted above horizontal |
|---|---|
LZ0 |
0% |
LZ1 |
0% |
LZ2 |
1.5% |
LZ3 |
3% |
LZ4 |
6% |
AND
Light trespass
Option 1. BUG rating method
Do not exceed the following luminaire backlight and glare ratings (based on the specific light source installed in the luminaire), as defined in IES TM-15-11, Addendum A, based on the mounting location and distance from the lighting boundary.Table 3. maximum backlight and glare ratings
|
MLO lighting zone |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Luminaire mounting |
LZ0 |
LZ1 |
LZ2 |
LZ3 |
LZ4 |
|
Allowed backlight ratings |
||||
> 2 mounting heights from lighting boundary |
B1 |
B3 |
B4 |
B5 |
B5 |
1 to 2 mounting heights from lighting boundary and properly oriented |
B1 |
B2 |
B3 |
B4 |
B4 |
0.5 to 1 mounting height to lighting boundary and properly oriented |
B0 |
B1 |
B2 |
B3 |
B3 |
B0 |
B0 |
B0 |
B1 |
B2 |
|
|
Allowed glare ratings |
||||
Building-mounted > 2 mounting heights from any lighting boundary |
G0 |
G1 |
G2 |
G3 |
G4 |
Building-mounted 1–2 mounting heights from any lighting boundary |
G0 |
G0 |
G1 |
G1 |
G2 |
Building-mounted 0.5 to 1 mounting heights from any lighting boundary |
G0 |
G0 |
G0 |
G1 |
G1 |
Building-mounted |
G0 |
G0 |
G0 |
G0 |
G1 |
All other luminaires |
G0 |
G1 |
G2 |
G3 |
G4 |
- When the property line abuts a public area that includes, but is not limited to, a walkway, bikeway, plaza, or parking lot, the lighting boundary may be moved to 5 feet (1.5 meters) beyond the property line.
- When the property line abuts a public street, alley, or transit corridor, the lighting boundary may be moved to the center line of that street, alley, or corridor.
- When there are additional properties owned by the same entity that are contiguous to the property, or properties, that the LEED project is within and have the same or higher MLO lighting zone designation as the LEED project, the lighting boundary may be expanded to include those properties.
OR
Option 2. calculation method
Do not exceed the following vertical illuminances at the lighting boundary (use the definition of lighting boundary in Option 1). Calculation points may be no more than 5 feet (1.5 meters) apart. Vertical illuminances must be calculated on vertical planes running parallel to the lighting boundary, with the normal to each plane oriented toward the property and perpendicular to the lighting boundary, extending from grade level to 33 feet (10 meters) above the height of the highest luminaire.Table 4. maximum vertical illuminance at lighting boundary, by lighting zone
MLO lighting zone |
Vertical illuminance |
|---|---|
LZ0 |
0.05 fc (0.5 lux) |
LZ1 |
0.05 fc (0.5 lux) |
LZ2 |
0.10 fc (1 lux) |
LZ3 |
0.20 fc (2 lux) |
LZ4 |
0.60 fc (6 lux) |
AND
Internally illuminated exterior signage
Do not exceed a luminance of 200 cd/m2 (nits) during nighttime hours and 2000 cd/m2 (nits) during daytime hours.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.
Cost estimates for this credit
On each BD+C v4 credit, LEEDuser offers the wisdom of a team of architects, engineers, cost estimators, and LEED experts with hundreds of LEED projects between then. They analyzed the sustainable design strategies associated with each LEED credit, but also to assign actual costs to those strategies.
Our tab contains overall cost guidance, notes on what “soft costs” to expect, and a strategy-by-strategy breakdown of what to consider and what it might cost, in percentage premiums, actual costs, or both.
This information is also available in a full PDF download in The Cost of LEED v4 report.
Learn more about The Cost of LEED v4 »In the end, LEED is all about documentation. LEEDuser’s Documentation Toolkit, for premium members only, saves you time and helps you avoid mistakes with:
- Calculators to help assess credit compliance.
- Tracking spreadsheets for materials purchases.
- Spreadsheets and forms to give to subs and other team members.
- Guidance documents on arcane LEED issues.
- Sample templates to help guide your narratives and LEED Online submissions.
- Examples of actual submissions from certified LEED projects.
Is existing lighting required to be included in the calculations? What are the exceptions?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Does athletic field lighting need to be included in this credit?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
|
What’s the difference between the Project Boundary and the Lighting Boundary? The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
|
If a light is under an overhang, is its U rating always 0? The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
10/1/2015 – Updated: 10/1/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Add a bullet to the end of the list that reads:
- Sports field lighting (including Schools projects) is not exempt from the credit requirements.
- Sports field lighting (including Schools projects) is not exempt from the credit requirements.
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
10/1/2014 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Revise the section to read:
"The lighting boundary typically coincides with the property lines of the property that the LEED project occupies. However, in certain situations the lighting boundary may be modified:
• When the property boundary abuts a public area that includes, but is not limited to, a walkway, bikeway, plaza, or parking lot, the lighting boundary may be moved to 5 feet (1.5 meters) beyond the property line.
• When the property boundary abuts a public roadway or public transit corridor, the lighting boundary may be moved to the center line of that roadway or corridor.
• When additional properties owned by the same entity responsible for the LEED project are contiguous to the project site and have the same or a higher lighting zone as the project, the lighting boundary may be expanded to include those properties. In these cases, it is best if a lighting master plan is developed."
"The lighting boundary typically coincides with the property lines of the property that the LEED project occupies. However, in certain situations the lighting boundary may be modified:
• When the property boundary abuts a public area that includes, but is not limited to, a walkway, bikeway, plaza, or parking lot, the lighting boundary may be moved to 5 feet (1.5 meters) beyond the property line.
• When the property boundary abuts a public roadway or public transit corridor, the lighting boundary may be moved to the center line of that roadway or corridor.
• When additional properties owned by the same entity responsible for the LEED project are contiguous to the project site and have the same or a higher lighting zone as the project, the lighting boundary may be expanded to include those properties. In these cases, it is best if a lighting master plan is developed."
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
7/1/2014 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Replace Figures 4 and 5 with a combined graphic to be located in the “Vertical Illuminance” section. The new graphic shows the vertical calculation grid, the height above the highest luminaire, and the lighting boundary. Renumber Figures 6 and 7 to be Figures 5 and 6.
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
7/1/2014 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Revise Figure 3. as follows:
Add more calculation points. Show points spaced 5’x5’ (1.5m x 1.5m) over the entire site. Add identifying call outs to the light fixtures. Label the orientation of the fixtures.
Add more calculation points. Show points spaced 5’x5’ (1.5m x 1.5m) over the entire site. Add identifying call outs to the light fixtures. Label the orientation of the fixtures.
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
10/1/2014 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Remove last line of the vertical illuminance definition so that it reads:
"vertical illuminance illuminance levels calculated at a point on a vertical surface, or that occur on a vertical plane"
"vertical illuminance illuminance levels calculated at a point on a vertical surface, or that occur on a vertical plane"
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
10/1/2014 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Revise the first paragraph to read:
“Illuminance is the total quantity of light, or luminous flux, that falls on a surface, as measured in footcandles or lux. This measurement is usually taken on the horizontal plane, at either the ground or the workplane, but measuring vertical illuminance is helpful for understanding how much light is hitting a building façade, a human face, or the vertical plane at a property boundary. Simply put, vertical illuminance can be explained as standing outside the boundary looking straight into the site at eye level (or horizontal if you are on the ground looking up).”
Insert a new paragraph below the first paragraph that reads:
“In calculation software, a vertical calculation grid is placed at the location where the measurements need to be taken. In person, measurements are taken using a light meter held vertically. For the purposes of LEED, only the calculation grid for the one vertical plane with greatest vertical illuminance is required to be submitted, and not more. Projects must still assess all of the areas on the boundary for vertical illuminance, but create documentation for only the worst case scenario because all other vertical planes will show lower illuminance values, and thus will comply with the requirements. If there are unique situations, like sensitive areas that require different thresholds, calculation grid documentation for those scenarios should also be submitted.”
Delete the following sentence in the next paragraph:
“It can be given as a function of the incident angle (A) of the luminous intensity (I) and the distance from the luminaire to (P).”
“Illuminance is the total quantity of light, or luminous flux, that falls on a surface, as measured in footcandles or lux. This measurement is usually taken on the horizontal plane, at either the ground or the workplane, but measuring vertical illuminance is helpful for understanding how much light is hitting a building façade, a human face, or the vertical plane at a property boundary. Simply put, vertical illuminance can be explained as standing outside the boundary looking straight into the site at eye level (or horizontal if you are on the ground looking up).”
Insert a new paragraph below the first paragraph that reads:
“In calculation software, a vertical calculation grid is placed at the location where the measurements need to be taken. In person, measurements are taken using a light meter held vertically. For the purposes of LEED, only the calculation grid for the one vertical plane with greatest vertical illuminance is required to be submitted, and not more. Projects must still assess all of the areas on the boundary for vertical illuminance, but create documentation for only the worst case scenario because all other vertical planes will show lower illuminance values, and thus will comply with the requirements. If there are unique situations, like sensitive areas that require different thresholds, calculation grid documentation for those scenarios should also be submitted.”
Delete the following sentence in the next paragraph:
“It can be given as a function of the incident angle (A) of the luminous intensity (I) and the distance from the luminaire to (P).”
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
7/1/2014 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Change the definition of 'mounting height' to read:
“mounting height the distance between ground level (or the workplane) and the center of the luminaire (light fixture); the height at which a luminaire is installed.”
“mounting height the distance between ground level (or the workplane) and the center of the luminaire (light fixture); the height at which a luminaire is installed.”
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
10/1/2014 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
Light Trespass, Option 1. BUG rating method
Revise the lighting boundary description below Table 3 to read:
"The lighting boundary is located at the property lines of the property, or properties, that the LEED project occupies. The lighting boundary can be modified under the following conditions:
• When the property line abuts a public area that includes, but is not limited to, a walkway, bikeway, plaza, or parking lot, the lighting boundary may be moved to 5 feet (1.5 meters) beyond the property line.
• When the property line abuts a public street, alley, or transit corridor, the lighting boundary may be moved to the center line of that street, alley, or corridor.
• When there are additional properties owned by the same entity that are contiguous to the property, or properties, that the LEED project is within and have the same or higher MLO lighting zone designation as the LEED project, the lighting boundary may be expanded to include those properties.
Orient all luminaires less than two mounting heights from the lighting boundary such that the backlight points toward the nearest lighting boundary line. Building-mounted luminaires with the backlight oriented toward the building are exempt from the backlight rating requirement."
Revise the lighting boundary description below Table 3 to read:
"The lighting boundary is located at the property lines of the property, or properties, that the LEED project occupies. The lighting boundary can be modified under the following conditions:
• When the property line abuts a public area that includes, but is not limited to, a walkway, bikeway, plaza, or parking lot, the lighting boundary may be moved to 5 feet (1.5 meters) beyond the property line.
• When the property line abuts a public street, alley, or transit corridor, the lighting boundary may be moved to the center line of that street, alley, or corridor.
• When there are additional properties owned by the same entity that are contiguous to the property, or properties, that the LEED project is within and have the same or higher MLO lighting zone designation as the LEED project, the lighting boundary may be expanded to include those properties.
Orient all luminaires less than two mounting heights from the lighting boundary such that the backlight points toward the nearest lighting boundary line. Building-mounted luminaires with the backlight oriented toward the building are exempt from the backlight rating requirement."
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
7/1/2014 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Figure 6.
Change the arc to a rectangle to accurately show a vertical illuminance grid.
Change the arc to a rectangle to accurately show a vertical illuminance grid.
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
7/1/2014 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
To the last bullet point, add a sentence clarifying how to calculate the G rating for building-mounted luminaires:
"For the glare rating, determine the lowest rating where the lumens for all of the secondary solid angles do not exceed the threshold lumens from IES TM-15-11, Addendum A, Table A-3. For building-mounted luminaires only, the BVH and BH zonal lumens do not need to be considered in determining the G rating."
"For the glare rating, determine the lowest rating where the lumens for all of the secondary solid angles do not exceed the threshold lumens from IES TM-15-11, Addendum A, Table A-3. For building-mounted luminaires only, the BVH and BH zonal lumens do not need to be considered in determining the G rating."
Campus Applicable
Yes
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
LEEDuser expert
Bill Swanson
PE, LEED AP BD+C
Integrated Design Solutions
Sr. Electrical Engineer
