Good lighting practice is the provision of the right light, at the right time, in the right place, controlled by the right system.
Humanity’s invention of artificial light and its application in the external environment has done much to safeguard and enhance our night-time environment but, if not properly controlled, obtrusive light (sometimes referred to as light pollution) can present serious physiological and ecological problems.
The ILP Guidance Note for the reduction of obtrusive light updates the previous version, issued in 2011 and has been revised to reflect the changes in international guidance regarding obtrusive light as detailed in CIE 150:2017 “Guide on the limitation of the effects of obtrusive light from outdoor lighting installations”. It also considers industry comment regarding the assessment and definition of obtrusive lighting.
GN01/20 is the ‘go-to’ document for those dealing with Planning Applications, Environmental Health professionals involved in enforcement of statutory nuisance, lighting engineers, designers, manufacturers, suppliers, specifiers, architects and building services professionals. The document offers advice and examples of good practice to minimise the effect artificial lighting can have on the environment, the night sky, flora, fauna and our neighbours.
There has also been an article about GN01 written in our January Lighting Journal – see page 6.