NIGHT SKY AND DARK ENVIRONMENTS: BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR ARTIFICIAL LIGHT AT NIGHT ON BLM-MANAGED LANDS TECHNICAL NOTE 457 45 The correct application of the LCS BUG rating system in combination with MLO lighting zone-based performance standards helps minimize ecological and human effects and is likely to save money, energy, and pollution associated with the generation of wasted energy. While reviewing project plans, the BLM can consider the following performance standards from the LCS and MLO. Details are provided in Table 1: • IDA-IES lighting zone LZ0 performance standard would presumably correspond to most undeveloped BLM-managed lands; it indicates an intrinsically dark area without permanent lighting. • IDA-IES lighting zone LZ1 performance standard would correspond to areas occupied by or planned for BLM or BLM-permitted administrative facilities and related infrastructure. • IDA-IES lighting zone LZ2 performance standard would correspond to areas occupied by or planned for major BLM-permitted facilities and related infrastructure. The requirements of applicable laws and regulations supersede the recommended performance standards of any zone. The recommended lumen allowances for each zone are available in Chapter 9 of the MLO. 5.1.3 Consider Using an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) for Lighting Energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs), provided through the Department of Energy (DOE) Federal Energy Management Program, allow federal agencies to procure energy savings and facility improvements with no upfront capital costs or special appropriations from Congress. An ESPC is a partnership between an agency and an energy service company. After being selected for a potential award, the energy service company conducts a comprehensive facility energy audit and identifies improvements to save energy. In consultation with the agency, the energy service company designs and constructs a project that meets the agency’s needs and arranges financing to pay for the project. The energy service company guarantees that the improvements will generate enough energy cost savings to pay for the project over the term of the contract. After the contract ends, all cost savings accrue to the agency. The agency is responsible for contract administration for the entire term of the contract. Using ESPCs for lighting systems on BLM facilities, where appropriate, can reduce energy costs while reducing effects from artificial light at night, and the energy service company designs and builds the lighting system. 5.1.4 Take Advantage of DOE Assistance for Outdoor Lighting The DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) aids agencies and municipalities in lighting programs designed primarily to decrease energy usage but that also have night sky and environmental protection as objectives. For example, EERE’s Federal Energy Management Program works with federal agencies to meet agency energy-related goals, identify affordable solutions, facilitate publicprivate partnerships, and provide energy leadership to the country by identifying government best practices. Taking advantage of DOE assistance can potentially reduce cost of retrofitting lighting or adding new lighting systems. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program helps federal agencies procure energy savings and facility improvements. The DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy aids agencies and municipalities in lighting programs.
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