Lighting Guide The Outdoor Environment Lg06 Cibse 1992

A Comprehensive Review of Lighting Guide: The Outdoor Environment (LG06) from CIBSE 1992

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) released the Lighting Guide: The Outdoor Environment (LG06) in 1992, establishing essential principles for designing and implementing outdoor lighting systems. This guide offers invaluable insights into the planning, design, and evaluation of lighting solutions that effectively illuminate outdoor spaces while minimizing adverse effects.

Principles of Outdoor Lighting

LG06 emphasizes the fundamental principles of outdoor lighting, including:

Functionality: Lighting should primarily serve its intended purpose, such as providing visibility for safety, security, or aesthetics.
Obtrusiveness: Lighting should be designed to minimize light pollution and glare, respecting the visual amenities of the surrounding area.
Energy Efficiency: Lighting should utilize energy-efficient technologies and minimize unnecessary energy consumption.

Planning for Outdoor Lighting

LG06 outlines crucial steps for planning outdoor lighting systems:

Site Assessment: Detailed site surveys should evaluate factors such as surrounding buildings, vegetation, and traffic patterns.
Lighting Objectives: Clearly define the specific objectives of the lighting system, considering safety, security, aesthetics, and environmental impact.
Lighting Design Concept: Develop a comprehensive design concept that addresses lighting levels, luminaire selection, and control strategies.

Luminaire Selection and Lighting Levels

LG06 provides guidance on selecting appropriate luminaires and determining suitable lighting levels:

Luminaire Types: Choose luminaires that meet the lighting objectives, considering factors such as beam distribution, mounting height, and glare control.
Lighting Levels: Determine appropriate lighting levels based on the activity occurring in the space and the required level of visibility.

Control Strategies and Energy Efficiency

LG06 highlights the importance of control strategies and energy efficiency measures in outdoor lighting:

Control Systems: Implement control systems such as timers, daylight sensors, and motion detectors to optimize energy consumption and enhance user convenience.
Energy-Efficient Lighting: Utilize energy-efficient lighting technologies, including LEDs, to reduce energy consumption and minimize operating costs.

Environmental Considerations

LG06 emphasizes the need to consider environmental factors when designing outdoor lighting systems:

Light Pollution: Minimize light pollution by using appropriate luminaires with downward-facing optics and shielding.
Wildlife Protection: Sensitive wildlife habitats should be considered when planning lighting schemes to minimize disruption.
Preservation of Night Sky: Avoid excessive lighting that can hinder celestial observation and affect astronomical research.

Conclusion

CIBSE's Lighting Guide: The Outdoor Environment (LG06) remains a valuable resource for professionals involved in outdoor lighting design. Its comprehensive guidance on planning, design, and implementation, coupled with its emphasis on environmental considerations, ensures that outdoor lighting systems effectively meet their functional, aesthetic, and environmental objectives.