Light
Excessive light can be disturbing for residents
Light is a feel-good factor for people. However, excessive light can be bothersome. Light emitted in large quantities from artificial light sources (e.g. spotlights and surface-emitting diodes at sport fields, illuminated advertisements, bright illuminated industrial installations or lanterns at parking spaces) can cause excessive brightness and glare problems, and thus pose a nuisance for residents.
We conduct measurements in the vicinity of the light sources and determine whether or not they are significant nuisances for residents.
Which methods do we use?
We conduct a technical light examination and an appraisal based on this examination in order to determine to which extent the light immission produced can be evaluated as a significant nuisance according to the German Federal Immission Control Act. The following aspects are examined:
Light trespass
Light immission caused by neighbouring light sources result in light trespass into residential areas (e.g. living and sleeping rooms, terraces and balcony). To assess the level of impact, we calculate the average illumination level while taking into consideration correction and transmission factors.
Glare
A light source with a high luminance level can cause disruptive glare, even if it is located far away and does not produce any significant illumination levels in residential areas. In such cases, we calculate the glare level from the measured luminance level of the light source, the measured luminance level of the environment, and the spatial angle (the respective angle as seen by the affected person) and compare the calculated photometric values, while taking into consideration proportionality factors, with the maximum permissible values.
Sports facility lighting systems
Sports fields require a special lighting system that is adjusted to the type of sport and the required level of competition. In this case, the horizontal and vertical illumination level as well as the uniformity of the illumination level are important factors. We examine the installed sports facility lighting system and compare the calculated measured values with the required measured values.
Which services do we offer?
- We determine the light immission produced by the light sources (light trespass and glare).
- We prepare appraisals which determine whether the inspected light immission produced can be evaluated as a significant nuisance according to the German Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG).
- We suggest measures to prevent significant nuisances.
- For sports facilities, we determine the horizontal and vertical illumination level and can thus examine whether the arranged and installed spotlights reach the required illumination values.
Contact:
Our experts are always happy to provide you with answers to your personal questions. Just send us an e-mail by clicking on the contact box (top right).
