LRC Issues New Guide for Lighting Parking Lots

LDS LRC logo 400

May 5, 2020

The Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has published a new guide for parking lot lighting, which demonstrates how to promote safety while reducing power demand by lighting the parking lot area more uniformly.

“Exterior lighting in parking lots should support the visibility of hazards—and reinforce perceptions of safety so that people are not afraid to use the space at night,” said Jennifer Brons, Director of Design Demonstrations, who was one of the guide’s authors.

The guide provides a summary of research results on this topic, along with four steps that lighting designers and specifiers can follow in order to compare performance of alternatives to a base case parking lot lighting design.

Average light levels are important contributors to perceptions of safety in parking lots. But to minimize power demand, lighting designers and specifiers should strive to maximize uniformity. While sources with higher correlated color temperature (CCT) will be perceived as brighter than low CCT sources, this is limited in importance compared to uniformity. With better uniformity, much lower average illuminances can be provided while improving both perceived safety and brightness. The guide also provides a link to a calculation tool that specifiers can use to estimate occupants’ ratings of perceived safety.

“By using perceived safety as a performance criterion, alternate lighting designs can be evaluated to minimize power demand while balancing other design criteria,” said John Bullough, Director of Transportation and Safety Lighting Programs. “Taking advantage of uniformity has implications not only for energy savings but also for minimizing light pollution.”

Support for this research was provided by Natural Resources Canada and other members of the Lighting Energy Alliance, including Efficiency Vermont, Energize Connecticut, National Grid, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, and ComEd.

Go HERE for the full guide

Source

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • CSC LED Announces the Appointment of Patrick Ndlovu as Branch Manager (AB)

    CSC LED is happy to announce that Patrick Ndlovu has joined their growing team as Branch Manager in Calgary, Alberta. With extensive experience as a journeyman electrician and a strong background in sales, Patrick brings together technical expertise and a deep understanding of market dynamics. His practical experience in the field, combined with his sales… Read More…

  • Maxlite Expands c-Max Network Partners Ecosystem With Casambi Technologies

    MaxLite is pleased to announce the recent expansion of its c-Max Network Partners ecosystem with the addition of Casambi Technologies, a provider of wireless lighting control systems. This strategic partnership further enhances MaxLite’s c-Max Lighting Controls platform, offering customers an even wider range of advanced wireless control options. The collaboration with Casambi strengthens MaxLite’s commitment… Read More…


Design

  • Project Story: Sainte-Thérèse High School Outdoor Lighting Upgrade

    Project Story: Sainte-Thérèse High School Outdoor Lighting Upgrade

    August 6, 2024 Built in 1980, the building that houses Sainte-Thérèse high school, in Quebec Canada, was looking a little worse for the wear. Renovation work began with two major projects: introducing a multidisciplinary sports centre, as well as redesigning the parking lots.  The employee and visitor parking lots were completely reconfigured during phase 1… Read More…

  • Resilience Illuminated: Reviving Westminster Pier Park After Devastating Fire

    Resilience Illuminated: Reviving Westminster Pier Park After Devastating Fire

    In September 2020, the picturesque city of New Westminster near Vancouver in British Columbia suffered a devastating setback when an intentionally set fire destroyed much of the city’s waterfront park, including its urban beach, sand volleyball courts, and iconic art installation known as Wow Westminster. The fire, which burned for ten days before firefighters could… Read More…


New Products

  • SATCO|NUVO: SATCO-Escent Decorative Lamps

    SATCO|NUVO: SATCO-Escent Decorative Lamps

    Discover the elegance of “Satco-Escent” Satin Spun light bulbs, which combine the classic charm of incandescent lighting with the advantages of modern LED technology. The exquisite Satin Spun finish evokes the look of a vintage gas flame, while the unique shape of the bulb adds a touch of contemporary style. This family is available in… Read More…

  • SATCO|NUVO: LED HID Replacement Lamps

    SATCO|NUVO: LED HID Replacement Lamps

    Easily upgrade dated HID lamps with energy saving LED bulbs. SATCO’s long lasting HID replacement lamps offer outstanding efficacy in applications where low-maintenance is the goal: streetlights, warehouses, retail, gymnasiums and more. With a variety of lamp shapes and bases available in clear filament or white finish, in color temperatures from warm white to natural… Read More…