855773644-LEED-v5-BD-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition - Page 164
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Determining the Lighting Boundary
Assess credit compliance using a lighting boundary. Using a lighting boundary ensures that projects assess the light trespass from the lighting installed within the project and how it impacts the surrounding areas.
Additional considerations for defining the lighting boundary Project must consider the following when developing the lighting boundary for public areas, roadways, and campus properties:
⚫ Lighting boundary . The lighting boundary is typically based on the project’s property lines and surrounding areas but may not directly align with the project’s LEED boundary. Under certain conditions, the lighting boundary may extend beyond the property line.
⚫ Public areas . When a public area, including but not limited to a walkway, bikeway, plaza, or parking lot, abuts the property line, the property owner may move the lighting boundary to five feet (1.5 meters) beyond the property line.
⚫ Roadways and transit corridors . When a property line abuts a public street, alley, or transit corridor, the lighting boundary may move to the center line of that street, alley, or corridor.
⚫ Campus properties . For buildings on campuses or shared properties, the lighting boundary can use the campus property line to meet light trespass requirements. Additional properties owned by the same entity must be contiguous on the property. They cannot use off-site properties.
Uplight Requirements
Avoiding uplight is an effective strategy to reduce light pollution. Uplighting occurs from site fixtures that direct light upwards. Prevent excess light pollution for site luminaires by selecting fully shielded fixtures that direct light downwards.
Uplight Ratings An uplight rating of U0 indicates that the fixture emits zero light upwards into the night sky and meets credit intent. This is particularly important for projects aiming to minimize light pollution and comply with Dark Sky standards. A U0 rating ensures that all light directs downwards, preventing it from contributing to sky glow.
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 154