ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS Something else that has evolved right along with LED itself is the discussion around the adoption of any outdoor lighting system, and sports fields are no exception.
As more communities build outdoor sports facilities in land-locked areas, the impact of lighting on the surrounding environment is an increasing concern.
In fact, uncontrolled light can be just as much a source of ill will with
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neighbors as can increased traffic and parking congestion caused by sports facilities, all factors that can and should be addressed in the planning process.
In addition to these problems, uncontrolled light has a negative effect on local wildlife and plants
According to the DesignLights Consortium( DLC), the following recommendations are made in order to lower environmental impact: Use outdoor lighting that is dimmable and control-ready Consult with local experts on wildlife to ascertain any potential threats and how to mitigate them
Communicate with neighbors in the area to understand their concerns and to discuss the way lighting will be controlled so as not to become a nuisance Use the right amount of light Control lighting to reduce energy use and light pollution Control lighting to respond to seasonal changes in the environment. Control the distribution of light. Minimize blue-violet light( exposure to this form of light has been linked to retina damage that could lead to Age-Related Macular Degeneration, which can cause irreversible vision loss).
Keeping field lighting updated and in peak condition means not only employing the newest technologies but staying on a regular schedule of maintenance.
Mary Helen Sprecher wrote this article on behalf of the American Sports Builders Association( ASBA). For more information, see ASBA’ s Sports Fields: Construction and Maintenance Manual, available in both PDF and hard copy at www. sportsbuilders. org.
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