Codes + Standards

In March 2025, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) published the ANSI/NEMA C137.9-2025 standard, titled “Networked Lighting Control Systems Configuration Report.” This new standard was developed through the efforts of industry leaders, including the DesignLights Consortium’s (DLC) Levin Nock and working group co-chair Jason Jeunnette, with the goal of streamlining the configuration and verification process [...]

The ANSI 137.10 standard enhances outdoor lighting resilience by addressing interoperability and infrastructure durability during extreme weather events. Developed by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), this standard establishes unified communication protocols and technical requirements for networked outdoor lighting systems, particularly in hurricane-prone regions. Interoperability for Continuity By mandating open communication interfaces, ANSI 137.10 ensures [...]

The IES has announced the approval of three recently revised standards: ANSI/IES RP-8-25 Recommended Practice: Lighting Roadway and Parking Facilities  This Recommended Practice is a compilation of lighting design techniques and criteria, all offered for quality roadway lighting solutions. This update covers multiple changes to RP-8. ANSI/IES LS-5-25 Lighting Science: Color  Complete overhaul, this document covers [...]

Here are the detailed criteria for luminaires to be certified to the DarkSky Approved Luminaires program v3.0: DarkSky Residential Luminaire criteria A. Output: Luminaire total light output shall not exceed 1,000 lumens. B. Uplight: No more than 50 lumens are allowed between 90 and 180 degrees above nadir (i.e., LCS zones UL and UH combined). [...]

DarkSky International has announced significant updates to its DarkSky Approved Luminaires program, a globally recognized certification initiative aimed at combating the escalating crisis of light pollution. Originally launched in 2002 as the Fixture Seal of Approval, the program has evolved into a trusted benchmark for manufacturers and consumers seeking lighting solutions that protect the nighttime [...]

  In LEED v5, lighting environment is a key focus, with options for reducing glare and improving daylight access, and a new “Lighting Environment” credit. This credit allows projects to earn points by implementing strategies like reducing solar glare, minimizing artificial light glare, and maximizing daylight access. Additionally, the new “Connecting with Nature” credit, which was previously a [...]

  The integration of bird-friendly measures into the widely recognized Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system is both progress and controversial in protecting avian species from building-related threats. LEED, managed by the U.S. Green Building Council, has been a global standard for sustainable architecture since 1998, with more than 100,000 certified properties [...]

UL completed a revision of ANSI/UL 1574 Edition 3, the safety standard covering track lighting systems. The revision is dated February 6, 2025, and includes the following changes in requirements: Installation Instructions published on the publicly available website; 84.1.2. Inherently protected recessed luminaire assemblies; 3.30A, 36.6, 36.7, Table 54.1, Section 54A, and 83.12 Flammability of [...]

  The CIE has recently published a new technical report and an international standard: Technical Report: CIE 255:2025 – The Functional Visual Field, 44 pages Technical Report CIE 255:2025, titled “The Functional Visual Field,” provides a comprehensive review of human visual field studies. The report aims to enhance understanding of the visual field’s role by classifying [...]