03. Outdoor Space - Light Pollution Mitigation

Implement practices to mitigate light pollution

Rationale: Limiting glare and light trespass from artificial light at night by implementing interventions such as light shields and automated timers helps preserve biodiversity and regulate circadian rhythm of those in the surrounding area, contributing to improved sleep quality, a strengthened immune system, lower stress levels, and decreased risk of cancers. 

For the most accurate strategy and documentation requirements, please refer to the digital scorecard made available on the Fitwel Platform

Requirements

Demonstrate compliance with the below:

Light Pollution Mitigation (Full Credit):

Demonstrate compliance with the following requirement:

1. Implement a minimum of two of the following qualifying light pollution mitigation practices throughout the building(s) site:
   – ensure all oudoor light fixtures/luminaires are fully shielded* such that no light emits at or above 90 degrees 
   – utilize glare-free light fixtures/luminaires on outdoor lights
   – ensure uplight luminares do not exceed limits as defined in MLO Lighting Zones*
   – ensure luminaire backlight and glare ratings for all outdoor light fixtures do not exceed the ratings ad dfined in IES TM-15-11, Addendum A.
   – install motion sensors on pathway and walkway lighting
   – utilize one of the following automated light control devices or systems:
   - astronomic time switches or programmable lighting controller set to automate lighting based on the time of solar day and time of year
   - photoelectric switches that automate lights based on presence of daylight
   - timers that shut off or dim outdoor lighting at night when the building is inactive
   – schedule outdoor cleaning during daylight hours
   – implement one of the following strategies to reduce light pollution from interior spaces:
   - implement lighting controls, such as dimmers, motion sensors, or timers within tenant spaces
   - implement lighting curfew hours to shut-off or reduce lighting by at least 30%.

*Luminaire backlight and glare ratings must not exceed ratings defined in Illuminating Engineering Society and International Dark Sky Association (IES/IDA) Model Lighting Ordinance User Guide and IES TM-15-11, Addendum A (found here: https://darksky.org/app/uploads/bsk-pdf-manager/16_MLO_FINAL_JUNE2011.PDF).

2. Implement the listed qualifying light pollution mitigation practices within all of the following outdoor areas on-site:
   – all sidewalks and pedestrian pathways
   – all outdoor open spaces, including rooftops and outdoor amenities within the building site
   – all on-site outdoor space amenities (such as parks, plazas, gardens, outdoor fitness areas, walking trails, open spaces, and rooftops)
   – all main entrances to the building(s)
   – all paved infrastructure, including outdoor parking areas.
3. Share educational materials about the benefits of reduced light pollution with all building(s) occupants through one of the following methods:
   – digital communication, such as a website, digital application, or email notifications
   – on-site displays, such as posters or a display at a location that is regularly visible to all occupants.

Compliance Documentation

Design and Built Pathways

Requirement 1

• Checkboxes to certify that the following qualifying light pollution mitigation practices will be implemented in all outdoor areas on-site (select all that apply):
  • all outdoor light fixtures/luminaires are fully shielded
  • glare-free light fixtures/luminaires on outdoor lights
  • ensure uplight luminares do not exceed limits as defined in MLO Lighting Zones*
  • ensure luminaire backlight and glare ratings for all outdoor light fixtures do not exceed the ratings as defined in IES TM-15-11, Addendum A.
  • automated light control devices or systems
  • outdoor cleaning scheduled during daylight hours
  • implement strategies to reduce light pollution from interior spaces.
• Upload an annotated design drawing(s) or photograph(s) of each unique qualifying light pollution mitigation practice that will be implemented.
• Upload a description(s) of each unique qualifying light pollution mitigation practice that will be implemented, including the backlight and glare ratings of the exterior light fixtures.

Requirement 2

• Upload an annotated site plan(s) identifying:
  – all outdoor areas on-site
  – the location of light pollution mitigation practice(s) that will be implemented in each outdoor area

Requirement 3

• Checkboxes to certify that educational materials will be shared through the following methods (select all that apply):
  • digital communication, such as a website, digital application, or email notifications
  • on-site displays, such as posters or a display at a location that is regularly visible to all occupants
• Upload a copy of the educational materials that will be shared with all building(s) occupants showing the information about the health benefits of reduced lighting pollution that will be included.