For those that are interested here is the Melbourne City Lighting Strategy - as mentioned in my earlier post other council's will follow with similar strategies:
http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rc...SoZfJ6H3QHaZow
i'd thought i'd highlight some parts of interest:
4.2.2 Use blue-white light in residential areas.
Replace yellow lamps and old “mercury vapour” light sources with new blue-white lamps. Install advanced technology with energy efficient lamps and full cut-off fittings.
• Blue-white light is softer and less intrusive than white light.
• Residential streets attract fewer pedestrians after dark. Therefore, a lower performance specification is justified.
• With present “metal halide” technology, the sources of blue-white light are more efficient than white light sources.
Blue-White Light Blue-white light is a “cool” white light, produced from lamps with a Correlated Colour Temperature of at least 4000K. It has a minimum Colour Rendering Index (CRI) of 80. The Lighting Strategy requires sources of blue-white to be energy efficient, and to be housed within full-cut off lanterns. With present technology, blue-white light is produced from Metal Halide lamps.
6.1.1 Reduce skyglow and other nuisances caused by obtrusive external lighting.
Ensure new outdoor lighting installations conform to Australian Standard AS 4282 (1997): Control of the Obtrusive Effects of Outdoor Lighting. Select lanterns that offer precise control over the distribution of illumination. Reduce upward waste light from streetlights by replacing semi-cut-off fittings with full cut-off designs. Minimise the component of light that reaches the sky from advertising boards, retail premises and outdoor sports facilities. Discourage indiscriminate floodlighting of buildings and open spaces. Instead, target illumination carefully so as to avoid stray light. In particular, minimise the quantity of light directed above the horizontal plane. Where up-lighting cannot be avoided, restrict this to narrow precisely targeted beams.
• Skyglow is increasing, and threatens to obscure views of major constellations such as the Southern Cross.
• Obtrusive outdoor lighting becomes more problematic as the central city’s residential population increases.
• Excessive illumination of isolated buildings or spaces degrades the ambient lighting environment, and produces discomfort for viewers.
6.1.2 Adapt streetlights to prevent illumination spilling into adjacent dwellings.
Acquire a range of specialised reflectors for use inside full cut-off fittings. Pay close attention to the distribution of illumination in residential streets. Where necessary, direct illumination away from the windows of bedrooms and living areas.
• Intrusive outdoor lighting can disrupt people’s sleep.
• As residential areas become more built up, foliage and verandahs are not always able to protect dwellings from unwanted light.
• In multi-storey developments, first and second floor openings are more likely to be subject to light spill.
6.1.3 Consider the environmental implications of new external lighting installations.
Address the effects of stray or obtrusive light as part of the development approval process. Request applicants to report on the environmental impacts of outdoor illumination whenever their projects are likely to have a major effect. When evaluating proposals for external lighting on buildings, balance the benefits of well-lit vertical surfaces against the negative effects of intrusive light. In parks, gardens and other large areas of landscape, consider the impact of night lighting on plants and animals. Review decorative lighting schemes on a case-by-case basis. Consider exempting these projects from obtrusive lighting controls, provided the duration of the display is limited.
• There is growing public concern about the effects of intrusive light.
• Conflicts between public lighting objectives and private lighting initiatives need to be identified before new installations are built.
• Environmental impacts are linked to the location of light sources and the direction in which illumination is emitted. Light sources that produce a large component of horizontal or upward light are more likely to cause nuisance.
6.2.6 Promote a review of Australian lighting standards to take account of new lighting technology.
• The optical performance of modern metal halide lamps is better than that of earlier technology. Therefore, it may be possible to reduce the minimum levels of illumination required in streets and other public spaces.
• A reduction in minimum illumination levels can lead to energy savings and reductions in skyglow.
• The City has considerable experience in designing and operating public lighting. This knowledge can inform national standards and practices.
6.2.7 Evaluate all new public lighting projects in terms of environmental sustainability criteria.
Consider energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. Use measurable criteria, whenever possible. Employ these criteria to define project objectives, assign priorities, and assess funding applications. Ensure that systematic post-completion evaluations of performance occur.