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Student, soldier, and senior sites utilize large amounts of visible optical radiation (VIS) to illuminate their premises. In housing across the United States, VIS accounts for almost one-fifth of energy consumption. Industry recommendations encourage the use of sustainability, but site lighting compliance is lacking. Over-illuminated sites waste electricity. Unsustainable lighting may also result in light pollution and ‘light trespass’. These conditions may disrupt body clocks and cause human health problems. Invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a component of optical radiation, is also associated with health risks. University researchers in the current study examine artificial VIS and UV radiation at 10 housing sites. The researchers led undergraduate students in night-time field studies to measure and document existing electric lighting. They used four tools to assess VIS, UV radiation, and sky quality in the field. VIS from various electric light sources was found. Some of light levels exceeded industry standards. Student and senior housing sites utilized shortlived and low efficacy light sources destined for landfills. Researchers found evidence of light pollution and light trespass. Sky quality was determined to be less than ideal. UV radiation had negligible effects. The quantified environmental effects of non-sustainable lighting sources included wasted light, light pollution, and light trespass.
environmental impact, housing, lighting, pollution, sustainability
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