Technical Notes: Glare pollution in Urban areas

Abstract

Glare pollution is an unnatural element in the global environment that has emerged as a result of human beings inefficient and destructive use of technology and resources. It refers to the tangible and the intangible interaction of natural light reflecting off synthetic materials, for example sunlight on rooftops, walls, windows, curtain walls, billboards, and different reflective surfaces. It also refers to artificial light in general, such as light trespass, light spills, high power beam headlights, florescent and incandescent. Discomfort, annoyance and a decline in visual performance are some effects caused by glare pollution. This is the result of utilization of non-renewable energy forms, poor design, and inefficient use of renewable resources which have to be managed by architects, planners, engineers and Associates.
This study, gives due attention towards the design and construction sector and identified how glare pollution affects buildings, how buildings lead to glare pollution, or other forms of glare pollution. The effects of both natural lighting sources and the effects of artificial lighting are examined. It also states the status of glare pollution and the solution how to reduce or eliminate the impacts. It concluded that making it illegal to consume energy inefficiently and to use non-sustainable synthetic materials in architectural design and planning, will help to mitigate all types of glare pollution.

Keywords: glare pollution, light pollution, sky glow, artificial light, eco-friendly, green technology.