Light pollution is an unwanted consequence of outdoor lighting and includes such effects as sky glow, light trespass, and glare.

Light pollution is an unwanted consequence of outdoor lighting

• Sky glow :brightening of the night sky caused by natural and human-made factors
• Light Trespass: –light being cast where it is not wanted or needed
• Glare: objectionable brightness

Disability glare : loss of visibility from stray light scattered within the eye

Discomfort glare: Sensation of annoyance or pain induced by overly bright sources

Lighting ordinances

• Fixtures requirements
• Minimum lighting levels
• Lumen/acre limits
• Eliminate lighting

IDA membership almost 10,000 strong

Adopted: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Maine, New Mexico,Texas, Georgia, New Jersey

Proposed or Introduced: New York, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Wyoming

Scope of this document

–Provide information to lighting decision makers in the state of Connecticut about street lighting and light pollution

–This document:

• Outlines current Connecticut legislation
• Defines light pollution
• Discusses lighting considerations that should be considered before embarking on a lighting project,
• Summarizes good lighting practice

–Is intended to be used with companion documents

• Checklist and design guide

High Pressure Sodium (HPS)

• Pinkish white, high efficiency, long life

Low Pressure Sodium (LPS)

• Yellow, very high efficiency, long life

Metal Halide (MH)

• White, good efficiency, good life

Mercury Vapor (MV)

• White, low efficiency, short life

Induction Lamp (QL)

• White, high efficiency, very long life

Cutoff classifications originated during 1950s and 1960s as a tool for glare control Cutoff classification does not directly address up light–Exception -the "full cutoff" classification

Angles Referenced by Luminaire Cutoff Classifications

Is lighting really needed?

• Debate on outdoor lighting often lack discussion about why municipalities, businesses, or individuals choose to light in the first place
• Although no one would agree that we should cause light pollution and waste energy, the question must be asked, why choose electric lighting?
• The easiest way to avoid light pollution is to eliminate lighting altogether
• In short, we light our outdoor nighttime environment to meet certain societal goals.

Objectives for Street Lighting

• Safety: Drivers, pedestrians
• Security
• Economic Development
• Esthetics: Sending messages, Landmarks, historical areas

Safety

Street lighting illuminates the roadway

• Showing the driver changes in direction, obstacles, and roadway surface conditions
• Roadway lighting also acts to mitigate glare Street lighting lights more than just the road–Walkways and adjacent areas
• Pedestrians, cyclists, children playing in the front yard, and other non-motorists are more readily seen

The IESNA has recommendations for lighting roadways and allowing oncoming drivers to see other vehicles, as well as pedestrians and cyclists.

Security:

• While there is controversy about whether electric lighting improves security (Painter, 2001, Boyce 1990, Tien1979), there is no question that one feels safer walking or driving on well-lit streets and in well-lit parking lots
• Security may be thought of as freedom from worry in regard to the security of people and property
• In order for security lighting to be effective, minimum light levels and uniformity ratios must be met (Boyce 2000, Rombauts1989, Boyce 1990)

Economic Development

Exterior lighting has a significant impact on economic development Lighting may draw people to a downtown area or a shopping area by making the shops and restaurants inviting The appearance of a space (during nighttime as well as daytime) is an important consideration for many areas.