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FURTHER EXPLANATION

Lighting Zones
The Model Lighting Ordinance establishes five lighting zones, ranging from natural environments with no artificial
lighting (Lighting Zone 0) to areas of very high ambient lighting, such as Times Square in New York City (Lighting
Zone 4).
The MLO lighting zone for the project is based on the lighting zone of the immediately adjacent property at the
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time construction begins.

Table 5. Model Lighting Ordinance lighting zones*

LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR building design AND construction

Lighting zone Definition Recommended uses

Areas where natural environment will be seriously and

adversely affected by lighting. Effects include disturbing
biological cycles of flora and fauna and/or detracting from Typically includes undeveloped areas of open
0
human enjoyment and appreciation of natural environment. space, wilderness parks and preserves, areas near
No ambient
Human activity is subordinate in importance to nature. astronomical observatories, or any other area where
lighting
Vision of human residents and users is adapted to darkness, protection of dark environment is critical.
and they expect to see little or no lighting. When not
needed, lighting should be extinguished.

Areas where lighting might harm flora and fauna or disturb

Typically includes single- and two-family residential
character of area. Vision of human residents and users
1 communities, rural town centers, business parks, and
is adapted to low light levels. Lighting may be used for
Low ambient other commercial, industrial, orstorage areas with
safety and convenience but is not necessarily uniform
lighting limited nighttime activity. May also include developed
or continuous. After curfew, most lighting should be
areas in parks and other natural settings.
extinguished or reduced as activity levels decline.

Typically includes multifamily residential uses,

institutional residential uses, schools, churches,
Areas of human activity where vision of human residents
hospitals, hotels, motels, and commercial or
2 and users is adapted to moderate light levels. Lighting may
businesses areas with evening activities in
Moderate typically be used for safety and convenience but is not
predominately residential areas. Also includes
ambient lighting necessarily uniform or continuous. After curfew, lighting
neighborhood recreational and playing fields, and
may be extinguished or reduced as activity levels decline.
mixed-use development with predominance of
residential uses.

Typically includes commercial corridors, high-intensity

Areas of human activity where vision of human residents
suburban commercial areas, town centers, mixed- This is the Lighting
and users is adapted to moderately high light levels.
3
Moderately high
Lighting is generally desired for safety, security and/or
use areas, industrial uses and shipping and rail yards
with high nighttime activity. Also includes high-use
ZONE of the
ambient lighting
convenience and it is often uniform and/or continuous. After
curfew, lighting may be extinguished or reduced in most
recreational and playing fields, regional shopping project
malls, car dealerships, gas stations, and other
areas as activity levels decline.
nighttime active exterior retail areas.

Areas of human activity where vision of human residents
and users is adapted to high light levels. Lighting is
4
generally considered necessary for safety, security and/or
High ambient
convenience and it is mostly uniform and/or continuous.
lighting
After curfew, lighting may be extinguished or reduced in
some areas as activity levels decline.
Areas of very high ambient lighting levels, used only
for special cases and not appropriate for most cities.
May be used for extremely unusual installations such
as high-density entertainment districts and heavy
industrial uses. (Currently only Times Square has this
classification in the U.S.)

* Adapted from Model Lighting Ordinance User Guide.

Lighting Boundary
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 is 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.
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·· 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.

Choosing Luminaires
Once the appropriate lighting zone and boundaries are established, the project’s lighting professional needs to pay
close attention to quantity, types, and locations of luminaires and the geometry of the site. The closer the luminaire
to the lighting boundary, the more likely it is that light extends beyond the boundary. For a location with a narrow

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distribution, select a luminaire with a lower pole height, or move it away from the boundary to reduce light trespass.
Use manufacturer’s luminaire data or IES files to obtain the necessary information for determining compliance
with this credit. Luminaires without photometric distribution data must be assumed to have 100% of their initial

LiGHT POLLUTION REDUCTION

lamp lumens at or above 90 degrees. For adjustable tilt luminaires, consider the angular position when determining
a BUG rating or calculating compliance. A luminaire in its nominal position may have minimal light trespass and
low illumination to the night sky (e.g., a U rating of U1). But if the designer tilts the luminaire to achieve the desired
pattern of illuminance, more light may be emitted above the horizon and change the U rating to a U2 or even higher.
Determine the BUG ratings or calculations for each unique combination of luminaire and its angular position in
the lighting design. Luminaires with limited field adjustability must be assumed to have maximum tilt applied and
lumens at or above 90 degrees must be calculated from maximum tilted orientation. To more easily meet the credit
requirements, avoid adjustable luminaire types as a primary lighting source.
The Illuminating Engineering Society has established recommendations for exterior lighting levels for varioush
applications. Light source selection has a significant effect on how much light is needed and how comfortable it
feels. A cooler (whiter) light source (above 2500 degrees Kelvin color temperature) with higher color rendering
index (above 80 CRI) makes it easier for people to see and to distinguish detail. By following the recommendations,
projects may be able to use lower light levels. However, to ensure acceptability and minimize liability, light levels
lower than recommended should be approved by the owner and possibly by the local jurisdiction.

About the BUG Method

Backlight, uplight, and glare (BUG) are used to classify luminaires and their likelihood of generating light pollution.
This comprehensive system takes into account uplight shielding (Figure 2), glare shielding, and backlight shielding
(Figure 1), and it limits lamp lumens to values appropriate for a given lighting zone. The system includes a table
of consensus acceptable values against which the photometric data of a luminaire can be compared. BUG ratings
provide a much more accurate picture of the overall lumen distribution of a luminaire than cut-off designations.
If BUG values are available for the project’s luminaires, the team is likely to find Option 1 the easier
compliance path.
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Uplight shield: full cutoff

180°
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LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR building design AND construction

UH UH

UL UL
90° 90°
BVH FVH
80° 80°

BH FH

60° 60°
BM FM

BL FL

30° 30°

Back / Back Light Front / Forward Light Uplight

Backlight
Glare

Figure 1. Backlight, uplight, and glare

USGBC LEED Guide Illustrations SS11

SSc (EBOM, BD&C), GIBc Light Pollution
Reduction (Batch 2)
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Non-compliant light spill Non-compliant light spill

above 90° from horizontal above 90° from horizontal

90°

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FVH Very High
90°
80° FVH Very High
FH High

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FH High

60°
FM Mid

FM Mid
FL Low
30° FL Low

0° 0°

View 1 View 2 - Detail

LEED PROJECT
BOUNDARY
Backlight Uplight

UH High

100° 100°
90° UL Low UL Low 90°

0°

View 3

Non-compliant light
Backlight

Figure 2. Compliant and noncompliant light

USGBC LEED Guide Illustrations SS12

SSc GIBc Light Pollution Reduction (Batch 2) BD+C
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Calculating BUG Values

BUG values are typically published by product manufacturers. If published BUG data do not address the design
position of the luminaire (or are not available at all), ratings can be calculated by reviewing a luminaire’s photometric
test data and zonal lumen distribution and comparing the data with the maximum zonal lumens for backlight,
uplight, and glare established in IES TM-15-11, Addendum A. Software is also available that will calculate the BUG
rating using the IES file for the luminaire.
·· For the backlight 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-1.
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·· For the uplight rating, determine the lowest rating where the lumens for all secondary solid angles do not
exceed the threshold lumens from IES TM-15-11, Addendum A, Table A-2.
·· For the glare rating, determine the lowest rating where the lumens for all of the secondary solid angles do not
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR building design AND construction

exceed the threshold lumens from IES TM-15-11, Addendum A, Table A-3.

Calculating Light Trespass

To calculate light trespass, use lighting design software and develop a photometric site plan (Figure 3) showing
all installed exterior lighting luminaires. Set a vertical calculation grid at each segment of the project’s lighting
boundary and the extent of the lighting zone allowances. The vertical illuminance calculation points must be no
more than 5 feet (1.5 meters) apart and extend from grade level up to at least 33 feet (10 meters) above the tallest
luminaire in the project (Figure 4).

5'-0" Lighting boundary - LZ2

(1.5m)

Fixture
0.10 2.6 2.6

LEED PROJECT BOUNDARY

0.10 2.8 2.8 Planting strip

Sidewalk

Proposed tree

Road

Fixture
0.05 2.4 2.4

0.05 2.6 2.6

Plan

Figure 3. Photometric site plan

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Figure 4. Measuring vertical illuminance

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LiGHT POLLUTION REDUCTION
vertical illuminance
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. In calculation software, a vertical calculation grid is placed at the location
where the measurements need to be taken. In a real-life situation, measurements are taken using a light meter held
vertically.
In Figure 5, the vertical illumination at a point P on a vertical surface parallel to and extending straight up from
the lighting boundary is the component of the illumination that is normal to this surface at that point. 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. Since
this vertical illuminance must be calculated for a grid of multiple points on the lighting boundary up to 33 feet above
the height of the luminaire (Figure 4), it is usually done with a commercially available lighting software program.
The threshold values in Table 4 of the credit requirements must be compared with the cumulative vertical
illuminance contributed by all luminaires on the site.

Intensity of the
luminaire in the
direction of the point

One of points calculated

on this plane

I
P
A

Normal (perpendicular) to
the plane above the boundary

Angle between the

One section of the incoming intensity and
lighting boundary the normal to the plane

Figure 5. Vertical illuminance diagram

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Mounting Heights
The height of the photometric center of a luminaire is considered the mounting height. Measured in distance above
grade, it informs the appropriate spacing between poles and distance from the lighting boundary (Figure 6).
For example, if the photometric center of a luminaire is 20 feet (6 meters) above grade, the unit of mounting
height is 20 feet (6 meters). If a pole must be two mounting heights from the lighting boundary based on the
classified zone and BUG rating, then the pole must be 40 feet (12 meters) from the nearest lighting boundary. The
mounting height and pole location need to be calculated for each luminaire.
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Property line Area for lighting Vertical illuminance in the Light pollution
plane of property line concern area
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR building design AND construction

Less 0.5mh
0.5mh to 1 mh
1 to 2 mh

0.5mh
1mh
2mh

mh = mounting height

Figure 6. Mounting heights

Examples

Example 1. BUG rating

The project site is in lighting zone 2 and the preliminary design includes two exterior luminaire types—a building-
mounted wallpack luminaire and a pole-mounted site-lighting luminaire.
Based on their location on the building relative to the lighting boundary, the wallpacks fall under the category of
“building-mounted >2 mounting heights from any lighting boundary.” The pole-mounted luminaires throughout the
site fall under two referenced categories, “>2 mounting heights from lighting boundary” and “1 to 2 mounting heights
from lighting boundary and properly oriented.”
Based on the lighting zone and locations within the lighting boundary and following Tables 1 and 3 in the credit
requirements, the following maximum luminaire BUG ratings apply:
USGBC LEED Guide Illustrations SS24
SSc Light Pollution Reduction (Batch 2)
Table 6. Maximum uplight ratings for luminaires, by MLO lighting zone

MLO lighting zone Luminaire uplight rating

LZ2 U2
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Table 7. Maximum backlight and glare ratings, by MLO lighting zone

MLO lighting zone

Luminaire mounting LZ0 LZ1 LZ2 LZ3 LZ4

Allowed backlight ratings

> 2 mounting heights from lighting boundary B1 B3 B4 B5 B5

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1 to 2 mounting heights from lighting boundary
B1 B2 B3 B4 B4
and properly oriented

Allowed glare ratings

LiGHT POLLUTION REDUCTION

Building-mounted > 2 mounting heights from any
G0 G1 G2 G3 G4
lighting boundary

All other luminaires G0 G1 G2 G3 G4

The BUG ratings for the two specified products are as follows:
·· Wallpack, B2 U2 G2
·· Pole-mounted luminaires, B1 U0 G1
Based on the allowable maximum luminaire BUG ratings in the tables above, the specified luminaires do not exceed
the maximum allowances and thus comply with the credit requirements.

Example 2. Calculating uplight

A project team has determined that their site falls within MLO Lighting Zone 2 and is pursuing Option 2 Calculation
Method for uplight. The maximum allowable percentage of total luminaire lumens emitted above horizontal is 1.5%.
The project must demonstrate that 1.5% or less of total luminaire lumens are emitted above horizontal.
Based on the manufacturer’s data and IES files for the various luminaires chosen for the project, the project has
prepared the following table:

Table 8. Luminaire tracking

Total luminaire
Lumens per Lumens above Total luminaire
Luminaire Quantity lumens above
luminaire horizontal lumens
horizontal

Type 1 10 3,000 0 30,000 0

Type 2 2 1,000 100 2,000 200

32,000 200

The team calculates compliance as follows:

Total luminaire lumens = 32,000

Total lumens above 90° from horizontal = 200

200 / 32,000 = 0.6%

Because 0.6% is below the maximum allowable 1.5% of total lumens above horizontal, the project achieves
compliance.
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Example 3. Example site lighting plan

Light fixture A LEED PROJECT BOUNDARY

(typical) AND LIGHTING BOUNDARY
Sidewalk Light fixture B (typical) Parking

Roadway
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LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR building design AND construction

Adjacent property:
Lighting Zone 1
Project building
Light Fixture Schedule
Adjacent building
Fixture A
Type: Street Light Pole
Quantity: 15

Fixture B
Type: Illuminated Bollard
Quantity: 3

Project Light Zone Designation: 2

Figure 7. Example lighting plan

Campus
Group Approach
All buildings in the group may be documented as one.

Campus Approach
Eligible.
USGBC LEED Guide Illustrations SS8
BD+C SSc Light Pollution Reduction (Batch 2)
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ReQUireD DOCUMeNTATION

Option 1, Option 2,
All Option 1, Option 2,
Documentation Light Light
Projects Uplight Uplight
Trespass Trespass

Site lighting plan with boundaries, elements,

X
location of fixtures, and applicable measurements

Projects with internally illuminated exterior signage

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X
only: provide maximum luminance data

Luminaire schedule showing uplight ratings X

Luminaire schedule showing backlight and glare

LiGHT POLLUTION REDUCTION

X
ratings and mounting heights

Calculations for lumens per luminaire and lumens

X
emitted above horizontal

Greatest vertical illuminance value for each vertical

calculation plane at lighting boundary; calculation
grid for one vertical plane with greatest vertical X
illuminance (worst-case scenario), highlighting
point of greatest illuminance

Related Credit Tips

SS Credit Site Assessment. The site and the project conditions may provide opportunities to reduce lighting needs.
There may also be special circumstances, such as a project site located near a sensitive habitat that requires lower
lighting zone designations or adjusting the lighting design to fit these conditions.

EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance and EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance. In some cases,
earning this credit will require the team to install more luminaires at lower lamp heights to meet the boundary
restrictions and BUG requirements, which could impair energy performance. A proper lighting design both
minimizes light pollution and maximizes energy efficiency.

Changes from LEED 2009

·· A new compliance option, based on BUG ratings, has been added.
·· The lighting power density requirements have been relocated to EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy
Performance.
·· The interior lighting requirements have been relocated to EA Prerequistie Minimum Energy Performance.
·· The photometric information now needs to include only vertical illuminance calculations. Also, point-by-
point calculation output documentation needs to be provided only for the worst-case vertical plane, not all site
lighting.

Referenced Standards
Illuminating Engineering Society and International Dark Sky Association (IES/IDA) Model Lighting
Ordinance User Guide and IES TM-15-11, Addendum A: ies.org
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Exemplary Performance
Not available.

Definitions
BUG rating a luminaire classification system that classifies luminaires in terms of backlight (B), uplight (U), and
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glare (G) (taken from IES/IDA Model Lighting Ordinance). BUG ratings supersede the former cutoff ratings.

emergency lighting a luminaire that operates only during emergency conditions and is always off during normal
building operation
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR building design AND construction

light pollution waste light from building sites that produces glare, is directed upward to the sky, or is directed off the
site. Waste light does not increase nighttime safety, utility, or security and needlessly consumes energy.

light trespass obtrusive illumination that is unwanted because of quantitative, directional, or spectral attributes.
Light trespass can cause annoyance, discomfort, distraction, or loss of visibility.

mounting height the distance between ground level (or the workplane) and the bottom of the luminaire (light
fixture); the height at which a luminaire is installed. (Adapted from Light a Home)

ornamental luminaire a luminaire intended for illuminating portions of the circulation network that also serves an
ornamental function, in addition to providing optics that effectively deliver street lighting, and has a decorative or
historical period appearance

vertical illuminance illuminance levels calculated at a point on a vertical surface, or that occur on a vertical plane.
This lighting that affects spatial limits and proportions.