BREEAM Reduction of night time light pollution
Contents |
[edit] Aim and benefits
The aim of this credit is to reduce unnecessary light pollution, energy consumption and nuisance to neighbouring properties by ensuring that external lighting is concentrated in the appropriate areas and that upward lighting is minimised.
[edit] When to consider
RIBA Stages 3-4 (Developed Design-Technical Design)
[edit] Step by step guidance
Awaiting content
[edit] Questions to ask while seeking compliance
- Does the building have external areas which require external lighting?
- Is the building an infill building on an existing site or an extension to an existing building?
- Will there be any safety or security lighting required?
- Are there any illuminated advertisements on the development site?
[edit] Tools and resources
Awaiting content
[edit] Tips and best practice
- Double-check that any drawings, schedules or specification details provided for the Health and Wellbeing: Visual comfort (external lighting section) and the Energy: External lighting credits match up with information provided for reduction of night time light pollution.
- Confirm with the end user (where known) what the site’s operational hours will be. Bear in mind that a number of industrial sites may be in operation for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and therefore external lighting will be required throughout the night.
[edit] Typical evidence
[edit] Design Stage Evidence
A site plan indicating external lighting (both locations of light fittings and types). A schedule of external light fittings may also be provided. For confirmation of compliance with the relevant guidance or luminance requirements at design stage, a formal letter from the electrical engineer may be provided.
[edit] Post Construction Stage Evidence
As Built issue of the external lighting plan, and confirmation of any changes to the external lighting specification since design stage (confirmation that the external lighting specification is compliant with the relevant guidance or luminance requirements).
Whilst on site, take photographs of the external light fittings and any lighting controls as required.
[edit] Applicable Schemes
The guidelines collated in this ISD aim to support sustainable best practice in the topic described. This issue may apply in multiple BREEAM schemes covering different stages in the life of a building, different building types and different year versions. Some content may be generic but scheme nuances should also be taken into account. Refer to the comments below and related articles to this one to understand these nuances. See this document for further guidelines.
- BREEAM UK New Construction 2014
- BREEAM UK Refurbishment and Fit-out 2014
- BREEAM International New Construction 2016
BRE Global does not endorse any of the content posted and use of the content will not guarantee the meeting of certification criteria.
--Elisa Caton 12:55, 06 Mar 2018 (BST)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BRE Expert Collection 6 Daylight and shading.
- BREEAM Internal and external lighting.
- BREEAM Visual comfort Daylighting.
- BREEAM Visual comfort Glare control.
- CIBSE Case Study Hepworth Gallery Lighting.
- Circadian rhythms.
- Daylight factor.
- Daylight lighting systems.
- Extra-low voltage lamps.
- General lighting v task lighting.
- Health and wellbeing impacts of natural and artificial lighting.
- Human-centric lighting.
- Light pollution.
- Lighting and energy efficiency.
- Lighting and health infographic.
- Types of lamp.
- Types of lighting.
- Use of lighting to improve health and wellbeing.
Featured articles and news
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report lead by Dame Hackitt with full recomendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.




















