As with any lighting scheme, obtrusive light is a big consideration and one that has become more prevalent within the sports sector. In this article, we’re discussing the latest ILP Guidance on Obtrusive Lights 2021 and what factors to look out for. 

What is obtrusive light?

To put it simply, obtrusive light is illumination that is emitted in a direction to which it is not required. For example, light spill onto residential areas, roadways or even wildlife habitats. This can be very damaging and is often the result of poor design, installation, and low-quality fixtures.

Why is it so important to avoid nuisance light and who does it affect?

Apart from the obvious inconvenience of unwanted light, it can be very damaging to animal breeding cycles, as well as sleeping patterns of both humans and wildlife alike. Not to mention the environmental impact of wasted energy usage and of course extra costs to the bill payer. 

By not using a professional lighting designer, the risks of breaching numerous lighting regulations and standards are high and can often result in abatement notices and even monetary fines.

What needs to be accounted for?

When we look at sports lighting, there are many aspects to consider such as CRI ratings, colour temperature, uniformity and distribution to name but a few. However, one of the biggest issues with is light wastage which results in light obtrusion.

ILP Guidance Note 1 for the reduction of obtrusive light 2021 (GN01) outlines many considerations and guidance on this very subject. Below we have outlines some of the key points to be aware of:

‘Keeping within Environmental Zones’

Environmental zones are categorised from protected natural sites rated as E0, all the way to urban areas known as E4.  The guidance surrounding environmental zones has been adjusted to give further detail and clarity. This gives greater understanding of how each area should be approached.

 

‘The Best Lighting Results are Produced from an Even Better Lighting Design’

GN01 is clear to stress the importance of using competent lighting designers with proven experience. This ensures that lighting installations that mitigate all aspects of obtrusive light. Designers must take into consideration a whole host of consideration in order to achieve compliance including the performance of the luminaire, mounting heights, surrounding environments and installation methods.

 

From concept to completion the Kingfisher Sport Team have the experience and knowhow to create the perfect scheme that meets all relevant industry standards. As stated in the ILP guidance notes, a competent designer must be used to ensure all relevant lighting levels and standards are met. Our designers are fully LET, LIA and ILP qualified, making them best placed to create efficient designs.

The expert design team are also equipped with the latest AGI software which is one of the only pieces of software capable of calculating the old and new CIE recommendations as well as listing out the E Zones and applications with a pass or fail criteria.

 

‘Making the Right Choice - Fittings and Installation’

GN01-21 also gives insight into lighting design approaches with regard to mounting height and optical control, rather than the tilting of luminaires.

Usually, the higher a fitting is mounted, the less spill light and glare is emitted. Whereas lower mounting heights are likely to produce increased levels of spillage. With a range of masts from 6 to 40ms, our team are able to create the perfect balance without the need for luminaire tilting.

There are strict limits in terms of total light levels within a scheme. This refers to the reduction of light spill from task and non-task areas. This means base level checks are now required for all lighting installations. The way we assess luminaire intensity has also changed; previously the focus was on each individual luminaire but has now shifted to take into account fittings that are mounted in close proximity and appear as a single light source.

Calculations

One of the newest considerations with GN01-21 are the standards surrounding environmental zones. These parameters are now more defined to aid designers to use them more effectively.

Careful attention is needed in terms of ULOR, UFR, vertical illuminance and glare. Flat glass fittings, such as our Amnis Series performs best and perfectly adheres to these standards for sports lighting.

The AMNIS is a flat-to-ground flood series that hosts a specially developed reflector-based system offering a powerful, yet efficient output. These flicker free luminaires boast a whole host of features including a low glare illumination with a sharp cut off of light which perfectly complements the ILP’s guidance.

With our knowledge, experience and versatile product range Kingfisher Sport are best placed to work with you and your team to ensure all regulations, guidance and specifications are met, while producing an outstanding scheme that will last for years to come.

For full details on the guidance notes please visit https://theilp.org.uk/publication/guidance-note-1-for-the-reduction-of-obtrusive-light-2021/ or contact us to discuss your project

01623 703109

Sales@kingfishersport.co.uk