Guidance Note 01/20

Guidance notes for the

reduction of obtrusive
light
 Copyright © 2020 ILP

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system
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mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without permission in writing from the
Institution of Lighting Professionals.
The copyright of the data detailed within this guide belongs to CIE, email ciecb@cie.co.at
This document should be used in conjunction with CIE 150:2017 and CIE 126:1997 and not as
a replacement for the procedures contained therein.
These documents can be obtained from https://www.techstreet.com/cie/pages/home and
members of a National Committee of the CIE can purchase them with a discount of 66.7%.

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Guidance Note 01/20 Guidance notes for the reduction of obtrusive light

This guidance note has been revised to Sky glow, the brightening of the night sky,
reflect the changes in international glare the uncomfortable brightness of a
guidance regarding obtrusive light as light source when viewed against a darker
detailed in CIE 150:2017 Guide on the background, light spill the spilling of light
limitation of the effects of obtrusive light beyond the boundary of the area being lit
from outdoor lighting installations.1 It also and light intrusion (“nuisance”)2 are all
considers industry comment regarding the forms of obtrusive light which may cause
assessment and definition of obtrusive nuisance to others, or adversely affect
lighting. fauna and flora as well as waste money
and energy.
Good lighting practice is the provision of
the right light, at the right time, in the
right place, controlled by the right system.
Humanity's invention of artificial light and Considerations to be
its application in the external environment
has done much to safeguard and enhance
made
our night-time environment but, if not Think before you light. Is it necessary?
properly controlled, obtrusive light What effect could it have on others? Has it
(sometimes referred to as light pollution) the potential to cause a nuisance? How
can present serious physiological and can you mitigate and manage any
ecological problems. potential adverse effects from your
lighting installation?
Obtrusive light – whether it keeps you
awake through a bedroom window, There are published standards and
impedes your view of the night sky or guidance for most lighting tasks,
advisedly affects the performance of an adherence to which will help mitigate
adjacent lighting installation – is a form of obtrusive lighting aspects. Organisations
pollution, which may also be a nuisance in from which full details of these standards
law and which can be substantially can be obtained are given later in this
mitigated without detriment to the lighting Guidance Note.
requirements of the task.

Direct upward light

Spill light
Task
light

Light
reflected Viewed source intrustion
Back rd intensity
lig
a

light
Upw

ht

Area to be lit

Figure 1: Types of intrusive light

1 The copyright of the data detailed within this guide belongs to CIE, email ciecb@cie.co.at
This document should be used in conjunction with CIE 150:2017 and CIE 126:1997 and not as a replacement for the
procedures contained therein.
These documents can be obtained from https://www.techstreet.com/cie/pages/home and members of a National
Committee of the CIE can purchase them with a discount of 66.7%.

2 The term light trespass is sometimes used, but trespass is to physically encroach on land and light can’t do that, so
the term nuisance should always be used.

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Guidance notes for the reduction of obtrusive light Guidance Note 01/20

For the purpose of this Guidance Note the Most night-time visual tasks are only
following two Commission Internationale dependent on light radiated within the
De L’Eclairage (CIE) documents are visual spectrum. It is therefore not
specifically referenced; they provide necessary for light sources to emit either
guidance to the mitigation of obtrusive ultra-violet or infra-red radiation unless
light from exterior lighting installations: specifically required to do so. The majority
• CIE 150:2017 Guide on the limitation of of light sources used in external lighting
the effects of obtrusive light from do not contain these wavelengths or where
outdoor lighting installations; they are present their spectral power is
• CIE 126-1997 Guidelines for minimizing very low.
sky glow
Research indicates that light from the blue
When considering any lighting installation end of the spectrum could have important
these two documents should be adverse effects on fauna and flora. The
referenced. lighting designer should consider the blue
light spectral power of the light source and
Whilst this Guidance Note specifically
try to balance the needs of the task to be
considers the effects from external lighting
lit with any impact on fauna and flora
installations, the considerations within it
within the environment.
can be relevant when considering modern
office blocks and shop fronts where the
main external facing structure is
transparent and light from within the Luminaires
buildings could become a source of
illumination to the exterior environment. The choice of luminaire with the right
optical distribution at the right mounting
“Good Design Equals Good Lighting” height is critical to minimising light spill
It cannot be stressed sufficiently that and obtrusive light effects while providing
employing a competent lighting designer the right lighting performance on the task
with proven experience in the lighting area.
application being considered will provide a Sky glow is the general diffuse sheen that
suitable lighting installation where all is visible in the direction of large cities,
obtrusive lighting aspects are mitigated3. airports, and industrial complexes. It
Any lighting scheme consists of three basic occurs from both natural and artificial light
elements: a light source, a luminaire sources and does not depend exclusively
(incorporating the optical control system) on the lighting design. It also depends on
and a method of installation/mounting. the atmospheric conditions (humidity,
aerosols, clouds, haze, atmospheric
pollution, etc). Light propagating into the
atmosphere either directly from upward
Light sources directed or incompletely shielded sources,
or after reflection from the ground or
(lamps/LEDs) other surfaces, is partially scattered back
Remember that the light source output in towards observers on the ground; the
lumens is not the same as the wattage impact being shown in Table 1.
and that it is the former that is important It is therefore important to consider the
in combating the problems of obtrusive luminaire, its light distribution, how it is
light. installed, and how it is set up.
For most general sports and area lighting
installations the use of luminaires with
3 Competency can be determined through membership asymmetric optics designed so that the
of a professional lighting body supported by the
appropriate qualifications and experience in the
front glazing is kept at or near parallel to
application of lighting required.

4 Institution of Lighting Professionals

Guidance Note 01/20 Guidance notes for the reduction of obtrusive light

Table 1: The effect on the ability to view the night sky at various
angles
100–180°
Angle of light Sky glow effect Glare effect
95–100° emitted (degrees)
90–95° 100 – 180 Local Little
85–90°
95 – 100 Significant Some
0–85°
90 – 95 High High

85 – 90 Significant High

Indicative diagram 0 – 85 Minimal Some

the surface being lit should, if correctly

aimed, ensure minimum obtrusive light. Lower
aiming
Appendices 1 and 2 in this Guidance Note possible Use of narrower beam
give more details of how to choose floodlight possible
luminaires, and if necessary modify them α
through the use of louvres and shields.

Installation
In most cases it will be beneficial to use as
high a mounting height as possible, giving
due regard to the daytime appearance of
the installation. Figure 2a: Higher mounting height – less
spill light and glare
It should be noted that a lower mounting
height is perhaps not better as can be Use of wider beam floodlight
seen from Figures 2a and 2b from CIE may be necessary
Higher
150. A lower mounting height can create a aiming
higher level of light spill and require necessary
additional lighting points. α

Keep glare to a minimum by ensuring that

the main beam angle of all luminaires
directed towards any potential observer is Figure 2b: Lower mounting height – more
no greater than 70°. Higher mounting spill light and glare

✗ ✓ ✓✓
<70°

70°

Poor Good Good

Figure 3 Luminaire aiming angles

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Guidance notes for the reduction of obtrusive light Guidance Note 01/20

✗ ✓ ✓

Poor Good Good

Figure 4 Façade illumination

heights allow lower main beam angles,
which can assist in reducing glare.
Clean Neighbourhoods
In areas with low ambient light levels,
and Environment Act
glare can be very obtrusive, and extra 2005 (CNEA)
care should be taken when positioning and
aiming lighting equipment. With regard to The Clean Neighbourhoods and
domestic security lighting, the ILP Environment Act 2005 (CNEA) gives local
produces an information leaflet authorities and the Environment Agency
GN09:2018 Domestic exterior lighting: additional powers to deal with a wide
getting it right! which is freely available range of issues by classifying artificial light
from its website. emitted from defined premises as a
statutory nuisance.
When lighting vertical structures such as
advertising signs, direct light downwards The CNEA 2005 amended paragraph
wherever possible. If there is no 79(1)(fb) of the Environmental Protection
alternative to up-lighting, as with much Act 1990 to extend the statutory nuisance
decorative lighting of buildings, then the regime to include light nuisance stating
use of luminaires with the correct optical the following:
distribution, coupled where required with ‘artificial light emitted from premises so as
shields, baffles and louvres, will help to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance’.
minimise spill light around and over the
structure. Guidance produced on Sections 101 to 103
of the CNEA 2005 by DEFRA (DEFRA, April
For road and amenity lighting installations, 2006) extends the duty on local
light near to and above the horizontal authorities to ensure their areas are
should normally be minimised to reduce checked periodically for existing and
glare and sky glow (Note the Upward potential sources of statutory nuisances
Lighting Ratios (ULR’s) advised in Tables 5 including nuisances arising from artificial
and 6). In rural areas the use of full lighting. Local authorities must take
horizontal cut off luminaires installed at 0° reasonable steps to investigate complaints
uplift will, in addition to reducing sky glow, of such nuisances from artificial light.
help to minimise visual intrusion within the Once satisfied that a statutory nuisance
open landscape. However, in some urban exists or may occur or recur, local
locations, luminaires fitted with a more authorities must issue an abatement
decorative bowl and good optical control of notice (in accordance with section 80(2) of
light should be acceptable and may be the Environmental Protection Act 1990),
more appropriate. requiring that the nuisance cease or be
abated within a set timescale.

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Guidance Note 01/20 Guidance notes for the reduction of obtrusive light

National Planning Policy • What factors are relevant when

considering possible ecological impacts
Framework (NPPF) of lighting?
• What other information is available that
The NPPF was introduced as a more could inform approaches to lighting and
concise and useable planning document to help reduce light pollution?
aid developers and designers in the design
and construction of developments within It is to be hoped that whilst the guide does
the UK. not specifically require it planners will
consider the application of artificial light
The National Planning Policy Framework and consult with lighting designers. The
2019 makes little reference to lighting with planners can then be advised on the
regard to the control of obtrusive light planning conditions that might be
with section being the only reference, applicable for each project and review any
which states: submissions to determine if the planning
c) limit the impact of light pollution from conditions have been met.
artificial light on local amenity, intrinsically
dark landscapes and nature conservation. The Scottish Executive has published a
design methodology document (March
With regard to the planning aspect, many 2007) entitled “Controlling Light Pollution
local planning authorities (LPAs) have and Reducing Lighting Energy
already produced, or are producing, Consumption” to further assist in
policies that within the planning system mitigating obtrusive light elements at the
will become part of their local design stage.
development framework. For new
developments there is an opportunity for
LPAs to impose planning conditions related
to external lighting, including curfew Environmental zones
hours.
It is recommended that local planning
authorities specify the environmental
zones given in Table 2 for exterior lighting
National planning policy control within their development plans.

The national on-line planning guidance

resource looks at when lighting pollution
concerns should be considered. Design guidance
The guidance provides a high-level The following limitations based upon
overview for planners, with links to CIE150 may be supplemented or replaced
appropriate documents looking at the by an LPA’s own planning guidance for
subject through seven discussion points: exterior lighting installations. As lighting
• What light pollution considerations does design is not as simple as it may seem,
planning need to address? you are advised to consult and/or work
• What factors can be considered when with a competent professional lighting
assessing whether a development designer when considering any exterior
proposal might have implications for lighting.
light pollution?
• What factors are relevant when
considering where light shines?
• What factors are relevant when
considering when light shines?
• What factors are relevant when
considering how much the light shines?

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Guidance notes for the reduction of obtrusive light Guidance Note 01/20

Table 2: Environmental zones

Zone Surrounding Lighting environment Examples

E0 Protected Dark Astronomical Observable dark skies,

(SQM 20.5+) UNESCO starlight reserves, IDA dark
sky places

E1 Natural Dark Relatively uninhabited rural areas,

(SQM 20 to 20.5) National Parks, Areas of Outstanding
Natural Beauty, IDA buffer zones etc.

E2 Rural Low district brightness Sparsely inhabited rural areas, village

(SQM ~15 to 20) or relatively dark outer suburban
locations

E3 Suburban Medium district Well inhabited rural and urban

brightness settlements, small town centres of
suburban locations

E4 Urban High district brightness Town/city centres with high levels of

night-time activity

Notes:
1. Where an area to be lit lies on the boundary of two zones the obtrusive light
limitation values used should be those applicable to the most rigorous zone.
2. Rural zones under protected designations should use a higher standard of policy.
3. Zone E0 must always be surrounded by an E1 Zone.
4. Zoning should be agreed with the local planning authority and due to local
requirements a more stringent zone classification may be applied to protect
special/specific areas.
5. SQM (Sky Quality Measurements) referenced by the International Dark-Sky
Association (IDA), the criteria for E0 being revised in mid 2019 but not retrospective.
6. Astronomical observable dark skies will offer clearer views of the Milky Way and of
other objects such as the Andromeda galaxy and the Orion Nebula.
7. Although values of SQM 20 to 20.5 may not offer clear views of astronomical dark sky
objects such as the Milky Way, these skies will have their own relative intrinsic value
in the UK.

Table 3 (CIE 150 table 2): Maximum values of vertical illuminance on

properties.

Light technical Application Environmental zone

parameter conditions
E0 E1 E2 E3 E4

Illuminance in Pre-curfew n/a 2 lx 5 lx 10 lx 25 lx

the vertical
plane (Ev)

Post-curfew n/a <0.1 lx* 1 lx 2 lx 5 lx

Note:
* If the installation is for public (road) lighting then this may be up to 1 lx.

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Guidance Note 01/20 Guidance notes for the reduction of obtrusive light

Recommended a) The assessment of Ap for observers can

prove difficult and will vary for all
maximum values of light observer positions and distances. To aid
this assessment values of Ap
parameters for the corresponding to the geometric mean
control of obtrusive light diameter of each luminaire group have
been extracted from CIE 150 Annex C
and included within Table 4. These
Limitation of illumination on areas can be considered for an
surrounding properties assessment of likely Ap in the observer
direction to calculate a maximum
Light intrusion/nuisance luminous intensity value.
b) The above information is applicable for
Limits apply to nearby dwellings/premises the consideration of a single luminaire
or potential dwellings/premises and but where two or more luminaires are
specifically windows; the values are the located in close proximity to each other
summation of all lighting installations. that to the observer they appear as a
single light source then the assessment
Spill light shall be undertaken based upon the
combined bright surfaces of luminaires
Table 3 can also be considered for the (Ap) in the direction of the observer or,
management of spill light; however, from positions where such views are
designers must consider the task likely to be maintained.
performance requirements of any adjacent c) In installations that involve mast
lit areas and ensure that any spill light lighting the luminaires will often be
does not adversely affect these viewed against the night sky. The
performance parameters as this could contrast between the background sky
affect their safe use. This may result in a and the bright surface areas of the
need to minimise spill and intrusive luminaires can be considerable. In such
lighting values to less that might be installations the curfew levels set for
expected for the environmental zone each environmental zone shall be
within which the installation lies. applied with the exception that such
installations within an E4 zone will be
Limitation of bright luminaires in designed to suit the curfew
the field of view. requirements of an E3 zone.

The limits for the luminous intensity of

bright luminaires are dependent on the
Limitation of the effects on
viewing distance d, (between the observer transport systems
and the bright luminaire(s)) and the Limits apply where users of road networks
projected area Ap, of the bright part of the are subject to a reduction in the ability to
luminaire in the direction of the observer. see essential information. CIE 150 2017;
Table 4 shows the maximum values for the Table 5 gives values that are for relevant
luminous intensity of luminaires in positions and for viewing directions in the
designated directions where views of path of travel.
bright surfaces of luminaires are likely to This assessment does not just apply to
be a nuisance to occupants of premises or road lighting installations but to any
from positions where such views are likely installation where luminaires positioning
to be maintained, that is, not momentary falls under the above definition.
or short-term.
Considerations to aid the application of Limitation of sky glow
Table 4 and the assessment process.
See Tables 6 and 7

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Guidance notes for the reduction of obtrusive light Guidance Note 01/20

Table 4 (CIE 150 table 3 (amended)): Limits for the luminous intensity of bright
luminaires4.

Light Application Luminaire group (projected area AP in m2)

technical conditions
parameter 0<AP 0.002<AP 0.01<AP 0.03<AP 0.13<AP Ap>0.5
≤0.002 ≤0.01 ≤0.03 ≤0.13 ≤0.50

Maximum E0
luminous Pre-curfew 0 0 0 0 0 0
intensity Post-curfew 0 0 0 0 0 0
emitted by
luminaire E1
(I in cd) Pre-curfew 0.29 d 0.63 d 1.3 d 2.5 d 5.1 d 2,500
Post-curfew 0 0 0 0 0 0

E2
Pre-curfew 0.57 d 1.3 d 2.5 d 5.0 d 10 d 7,500
Post-curfew 0.29 d 0.63 d 1.3 d 2.5 d 5.1 d 500

E3
Pre-curfew 0.86 d 1.9 d 3.8 d 7.5 d 15 d 10.000
Post-curfew 0.29 d 0.63 d 1.3 d 2.5 d 5.1 d 1,000

E4
Pre-curfew 1.4 d 3.1 d 6.3 d 13 d 26 d 25,000
Post-curfew 0.29 d 0.63 d 1.3 d 2.5 d 5.1 d 2,500

Aid to gauging Ap 2 to 5cm 5 to 10cm 10 to 20cm 20 to 40cm 40 to 80cm >80cm

Geometric mean of 3.2 7.1 14.1 26.3 56.6 >80

diameter (cm)

Corresponding Ap 0.0008 0.004 0.016 0.063 0.251 >0.5

representative area (m2)

Notes:
1. d is the distance between the observer and the glare source in metres;
2. A luminous intensity of 0 cd can only be realised by a luminaire with a complete cut-
off in the designated directions;
3. Ap is the apparent surface of the light source seen from the observer position
4. For further information refer to Annex C of CIE 150
5. Upper limits for each zone shall be taken as those with column Ap>0.5

Limitations of the effect of over- such lighting does not cause negative
lit building façades and signs impacts such as a continuous increase in
the lighting levels (ratcheting) between
Table 8 provides recommendations buildings and within areas and light
regarding luminance values that provide pollution.
visibility in order that a balanced urban
lighting master plan can be considered and Illuminated advertising signage should be
assessed as advised in the ILP’s
4 Amended based upon the approach taken by NSVV
Nederlandse Stichting Voor Verlichtingskunde (Dutch: Professional Lighting Guide The brightness
Dutch Foundation for Illumination; The Netherlands) of illuminated advertisements, (PLG 05)
and to consider CIE 150 Annex C Table C.2

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Table 5 (CIE 150 table 4): Maximum values of threshold increment and viewing
direction in the path of travel.

Light Road classification*

technical
parameter No road M6/M5 M4/M3 M2/M1
lighting

Veiling 0.037 cd/m2 0.23 cd/m2 0.40 cd/m2 0.84 cd/m2

luminance† (Lv)

Threshold 15% based on 15% based on 15% based on 15% based on

increment adaption adaption adaption adaption
luminance of luminance of luminance of luminance of 5
0.1 cd/m2 1.0 cd/m2 2.0 cd/m2 cd/m2

Notes:
* Road classifications as given in CIE 115:2010
† The veiling luminance values specified in this table are based upon on a permissible TI
value of 15%
Definitions:
TI The measure of disability glare (the reduction in visibility caused by intense light
sources in the field of view) expressed as the percentage increase in contrast required
between an object and its background for it to be seen equally well with a source of
glare present. Note: Higher values of TI correspond to greater disability glare.
Lv The luminance that would need to be superimposed on a scene in object space to
reduce the scene’s contrast by an amount equal to the added retinal illuminance from
scattered light on the scene’s retinal image. It is most commonly used to describe the
contrast-reducing effect of a glare source in the field of view.

Table 6 (CIE 150 table 5): Maximum values of upward light ratio (ULR) of
luminaires.

Light technical Environmental zones

parameter
E0 E1 E2 E3 E4

Upward light ratio (ULR)/% 0 0 2.5 5 15

Note:
This does not take into account the effect of light reflected upwards from ground that
also contributes to sky glow. This is the traditional method to limit sky glow and is
suitable to compare different single luminaires.

For illuminated advertising signs the aim

should be to achieve the limits advised in
PLG05.

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Guidance notes for the reduction of obtrusive light Guidance Note 01/20

Table 7 (CIE 150 table 6): Maximum values of upward flux ratio of installation
(of four or more luminaires).

Light technical Type of Environmental zones

parameter installation
E0 E1 E2 E3 E4

Upward flux ratio Road n/a 2 5 8 12

(UFR)/%
Amenity n/a n/a 6 12 35

Sports n/a n/a 2 6 15

Notes:
Table 7 allows the effect of both direct and reflected upward components of a whole
installation to be taken into account. The factor being the upward flux ratio (UFR) and
CIE 150 suggests that table 7 is used for all installations consisting of four or more
luminaires.
Clauses 6.4.2 and 6.4.3 of CIE 150:2017 describe the calculation methods for both ULP
and UFR.
Light emitted just above the horizontal in a zone between 90o and 110o is extra critical
for sky glow in large open areas around observatories. An additional measure in these
areas limits the luminous intensities (I90 – I110) as follows:
• between 90° and 100° < 0.5 cd/1000lm;
• between 100° and 110° 0 cd.

Table 8 (CIE 150 table 7): Maximum permitted values of average surface
luminance (cd/m2).

Light Application Environmental zones

technical conditions
parameter E0 E1 E2 E3 E4

Building façade Taken as the product

luminance (Lb) of the design
average illuminance < 0.1 < 0.1 5 10 25
and reflectance
divided by π

Sign luminance Taken as the product

(Ls) of the design
average illuminance
and reflectance
< 0.1 50 400 800 1.000
divided by π, or for
self-luminous signs,
its average
luminance.

Note:
The values apply to both pre- and post-curfew, except that in zones 0 and 1 the values
shall be zero post curfew. The values for signs do not apply to signs for traffic control
purposes.

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Guidance Note 01/20 Guidance notes for the reduction of obtrusive light

Relevant publications • PLG05 The brightness of illuminated

advertisements;
and standards • PLG06 Guidance on installation and
maintenance of seasonal decorations
and lighting column attachments
British Standards
• GN09 Domestic exterior lighting:
• BS 5489-1:2013 Code of practice for
getting it right!
the design of road lighting – Part 1
Lighting of roads and public amenity
areas; SLL/CIBSE Publications
• BS EN 13201-2:2015 Road lighting. • LG01 The industrial environment
Part 2: Performance requirements; (2018);
• BS EN 13201-3:2015 Road lighting. • LG04 Sports lighting;
Part 3: Calculation of performance; • LG06/16 The exterior environment;
• BS EN 13201-4:2015 Road lighting. • LGLOL Guide to limiting obtrusive light.
Part 4: Methods of measuring lighting
performance;
NB: These notes are intended as guidance
• BS EN 12193:2018 Light and lighting.
only and the application of the values
Sports lighting;
given in the various tables should be given
• BS EN 12464-2:2014 Lighting of work
due consideration along with all other
places. Outdoor work places;
factors in the lighting design. Lighting is a
• PD CEN TR 13201-1:2014 Road
complex subject with both objective and
lighting. Guidelines on selection of
subjective criteria to be considered. The
lighting classes.
notes are therefore no substitute for
professionally assessed and designed
CIE publications lighting, where the various and maybe
• CIE 001 Guidelines for minimizing urban conflicting visual requirements need to be
sky glow near astronomical balanced.
observatories;
• CIE 094-1993 Guide for floodlighting;
• CIE 112-1994 Glare evaluation system
for use within outdoor sport and area
lighting;
• CIE 115:2010 Lighting of roads for
motor and pedestrian traffic;
• CIE 126:1997 Guidelines for minimizing
sky glow;
• CIE 129:1998 Guide for lighting exterior
work areas;
• CIE 136:2000 Guide to the lighting of
urban areas;
• CIE 150:2017 Guide on the limitation of
the effects of obtrusive light from
outdoor lighting installations;
• CIE 169:2005 Practical design
guidelines for the lighting of sport
events for colour.
Acknowledgements
ILP publications Allan Howard – WSP (Chair)
• PLG04 Guidance on undertaking Peter Raynham – UCL
environmental lighting impact
assessments; Dan Oakley – South Downs National Park
Appendix 2 images – acdc

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Guidance notes for the reduction of obtrusive light Guidance Note 01/20

Appendix 1
Outdoor luminaire classification system
Based upon CIE 150:2017 and for the purpose of this and associated documents the
following figures illustrate the luminaire classification (CIE 150:2017)

Type A: Floodlight/projector producing a symmetrical beam

Type B: Floodlight/projector producing a fan-shaped beam

Type C: Floodlight/projector producing a double asymmetric distribution in the vertical

plane

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Appendix 2
Illustrations of luminaire
accessories for limiting obtrusive
light

Luminaire with cowl, hood and shield

With louvre With cowl

Institution of Lighting Professionals 15