06. Environmental Policies & Procedures - 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 site:
   – ensure all outdoor light fixtures/luminaires are fully shielded* such that no light emits at or above 90 degrees include
   – utilize glare-free light fixtures/luminaires on outdoor lights
   – ensure uplight luminaire 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
   – require tenants to 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
   - turn off nighttime overhead lighting and require table or task lighting within tenant spaces
   - use blinds or curtains to conceal indoor light 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.

Compliance Documentation

Design Pathways

Requirement 1

• Checkbox 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
  • tenants are required to 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.

Built Pathway

Requirement 1

• Select here to certify that the following qualifying light pollution mitigation practices are 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
  • tenants are required to implement strategies to reduce light pollution from interior spaces.
• Upload an annotated photograph(s) of each unique qualifying light pollution mitigation practice that is implemented.
• Upload a description(s) of each unique qualifying light pollution mitigation practice that is 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 are implemented in each outdoor area.