The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published LSD 55-2010 Outdoor Lighting and Human/Animal Factors: An Industry Opinion.

This new white paper, developed by the NEMA Lighting Systems Division, outlines industry concerns and opinions regarding the subject of light at night and outdoor electric lighting as related to humans, animals, energy conservation, and the environment. In the publication, the division asserts that public policy affecting lighting should be based on scientific evidence, not opinions or conjecture.

LSD 55 also indicates recommendations that members support, such as luminaire shielding to curtail excessive uplight, glare, and light trespass.

“Outdoor lighting plays a vital role in society, from aiding in safe travel on roadways to providing for community and personal security,” said Joseph Howley of GE, and chair of the division. “In LSD 55, members of NEMA’s Lighting Systems Division advocate for a scientific approach to discussions on topics like correlated color temperature and effects of light on circadian rhythms of humans and animals. Fact-based collaboration among interested stakeholders is crucial for achieving future outdoor lighting changes that will benefit global climate, ecology, astronomy, and, potentially, human health.”

LSD 55 may be downloaded at no charge by visiting www.nema.org/stds/lsd55.cfm.

This publication joins almost 40 other white papers in the NEMA LSD series, which covers a range of lighting topics. Other parts of the series cover subjects like ballast disconnects, occupancy sensors, and photoluminescent exit signage. To view a comprehensive list of NEMA LSD white papers, go to www.nema.org/stds/lsd.cfm.

NEMA is the association of electrical and medical imaging equipment manufacturers. Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its approximately 450 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end use of electricity. These products are used in utility, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. The association’s Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) Division represents manufacturers of cutting-edge medical diagnostic imaging equipment including MRI, CT, x-ray, and ultrasound products. Worldwide sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in Beijing and Mexico City.