Procedure for Establishing Environmental Zones

Abstract

Within the framework of the problematics of undesirable side effects of artificial lighting on the environment, the surroundings are classified in terms of environmental zones. At present, two classifications are used in practice: the earlier system, which contains 4 classes designated as E1 through E4, and the newer one, which contains 5 classes designated as E0 through E4. The earlier classification is used in certain applications of EU technical standards for outdoor lighting, while the newer one is used in the CIE international recommendations. The original delineation of these zones was based on the positions of important astronomical observatories. Currently, the problem of obtrusive light is being addressed with great intensity in from the standpoint of protection of nature and the environment, in other words the influence of artificial light on fauna, flora, and the landscape. In terms of current recommendations for addressing the question of obtrusive light, the delineation of the environmental zones is described quite generally, and there are no clear rules for how to proceed in establishing them in practice.