Suggested Lighting Zones for Codes and Ordinances: International Dark-Sky Association
Light pollution wastes energy and money. It is estimated that the United States spends over $2.2 billion annually on light that is wasted through unshielded outdoor lights, which are also directly responsible for 14.7 million tons of carbon dioxide waste. The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) provides support to the argument that over-lighting the night neither improves visibility nor increases nighttime safety, utility, security, or ambiance.
This one-page document by the IDA provides appropriate language for the designation of lighting zones in local ordinances and regulations:
- LZ0: No ambient lighting
- LZ1: Low ambient lighting
- LZ2: Moderate ambient lighting
- LZ3: Moderately high ambient lighting
- LZ4: High ambient lighting
Waste light that produces glare, is directed upward to the sky, or is directed off the site. Waste light does not increase nighttime safety, utility, or security and needlessly consumes energy.The ability or potential of a physical body to do work. The most common forms of energy are heat, light, mechanical (moving parts), and electrical.
