Introducing “BUG”: A Classification System for Outdoor Luminaires
The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) is promoting BUG, a classification system for outdoor luminaires (PDF file).
Based on the TM-15–the upgrade of the roadway shielding classification system by the Illuminating Engineering Society and the Lighting Research Center–the BUG system addresses light emitted from the luminaire in all directions, not just up into the sky. Called the BUG system for its measurement of Backlight, Uplight, and Glare, it provides the most comprehensive way of measuring the total lumens emitted by a fixture.
The BUG measuring system works in conjunction with the ecologically rated lighting zones developed in the Model Lighting Ordinance (MLO), jointly created by the IES and IDA.
Absurd. Preposterous. A waste of time and money. Adds unnecessary cost to product for manufacturers. This is an example of over-engineering. All engineers should walk in the shoes of a lighting fixture manufacturer before they start dreaming up stuff like this. It is bad enough that manufacturers have to pay ridiculous fees and endure the torture of UL or one of their counterparts. There is also the high cost of photometrics. We do not need another layer of scrutiny in our lives or another expense.
I agree with Stan on this new set of rules governing the parameters of current street lighting systems. The recent developments in solid state lighting and glare cut off shields and improved reflectors alone would suffice unless the new provisions intends to improve on safety, maintenance or longevity of product life or add significantly in measurable terms to the comfort and safety of the user. However, one needs to understand the application environment and so refrain from “over-engineering” as stated by Stan.
After seeing this rating system proposed in LEED-ND and ASHRAE 189 I’ve finally found it. I still think it’s a waste. We have photometrics. Why do we need another system to deal with. It adds cost to the manufacturers, designers and inspectors. Just limit total site uplight, and light tresspass. Make compliance requirements for the site as a whole, not every single fixture. Let designers design. We can do that with photometrics. Just like indoor lighting limits let us decide where to trade off more and less light. As long as the project as a whole is compliant. Stacking Code on top of Standard on top of Classification does not make the environment better. Busy work is not better work. It just wastes time and electricity. Can we get some new people on these boards? Preferable some that actually understand light and have to use this junk they keep pushing. Maybe even a new committee who’s sole job is to ask why to every other committee writting these standards. Why does this need to be added? Why will it help the environment? Why does it need to be so complicated? Why do we need a new system of measurement that’s untested?