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
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.





















