LEED AP Building Design and Construction (BD+C) Practice Exam

What role does outdoor lighting play in skyglow?

1. It decreases urban wildlife activity

2. It contributes to atmospheric light pollution

3. It encourages nighttime human activity

4. It helps in reducing incidents of crime

The correct answer is: It contributes to atmospheric light pollution

Outdoor lighting plays a significant role in the phenomenon known as skyglow, which is a form of light pollution that affects the visibility of stars and other celestial objects in the night sky. When excessive artificial light is emitted into the atmosphere, it scatters and diffuses through air molecules and particles, leading to a brightening of the night sky. This effect is compounded in urban areas where there are high levels of artificial lighting contributing to the overall brightness. The correct answer highlights how outdoor lighting contributes to atmospheric light pollution, which is a broader environmental concern beyond just visibility. Skyglow can disrupt ecosystems, affect nocturnal wildlife, and diminish the quality of nighttime experiences for both humans and animals. Ultimately, understanding the impact of outdoor lighting on skyglow is crucial for implementing effective lighting design strategies that balance safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability. The other options, while they may have some relevance to outdoor lighting, do not specifically address the relationship with skyglow as clearly as the correct answer does. The focus on atmospheric light pollution encompasses the overarching impact of artificial lighting on the natural night environment.