The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), Tucson, Ariz., recently released its backlight, uplight, and glare (BUG) classification system for fixtures and luminaires. Based on the TM-15 upgrade of the roadway shielding classification system by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), New York, and the Lighting Research Center (LRC), Troy, N.Y., the BUG system addresses light emitted from the luminaire in all directions, not just up into the sky.
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. A draft of the MLO is open to public review until April 10.