What Is a Lighting Method Statement?

A carefully designed lighting scheme can look excellent on paper but it must also be installed, aimed and controlled correctly on site.

That is where a lighting method statement comes in.

What Is a Lighting Method Statement?

A carefully designed lighting scheme can look excellent on paper, but it must also be installed, aimed and controlled correctly on site. that is where a lighting method statement comes in.

A lighting method statement explains how an agreed lighting scheme will be implemented, commissioned, checked and managed. It helps ensure that the finished installation reflects the design that was assessed and approved.

Why might a lighting method statement be required?

A lighting method statement may be requested as part of a planning application, planning condition or ecological recommendation.

This is particularly relevant where a site is close to:

* Bat roosts or commuting routes

* Dark corridors

* Trees, hedgerows or woodland

* Watercourses

* Protected habitats

* Residential properties

* Other environmentally sensitive areas

In these situations, selecting an appropriate luminaire is only part of the solution. How the lighting is positioned, aimed, controlled and commissioned can be just as important.

What does a lighting method statement include?

The exact content will depend on the project and the wording of the planning condition. It may include:

* The proposed installation process

* Luminaire positions and mounting heights

* Required orientations, aiming angles and shielding

* Measures to prevent light spill into sensitive areas

* Operating hours and lighting controls

* Dimming, curfews or motion-sensor settings

* Ecological precautions during installation

* Commissioning and verification procedures

* On-site light-level measurements

* Responsibilities for installation and checking

* Corrective action if the agreed limits are exceeded

* Requirements for future maintenance or adjustment

The purpose is to provide a clear process that can be followed by the installation and commissioning teams.

Is it the same as a lighting strategy?

No, although the two documents are closely connected. a lighting strategy explains what lighting is proposed and why it is appropriate. a lighting method statement explains how that scheme will be delivered and verified on site.

On some projects, both elements may be included within one combined document. However, the information must still address the specific requirements of the planning condition, planning authority or project ecologist.

Is it the same as a contractor’s RAMS?

Not necessarily.

A contractor’s Risk Assessment and Method Statement, commonly known as RAMS, normally focuses on how work will be carried out safely. A lighting method statement prepared for planning or ecological purposes focuses on how the lighting proposals and mitigation measures will be implemented correctly. The electrical contractor may still need to prepare separate RAMS covering the safety of the installation work.

Why is it important to have a method statement ?

Small changes made during installation can significantly alter how a lighting scheme performs. A luminaire mounted too high, aimed incorrectly or fitted without the specified shield could create unwanted light spill, even if the original design was compliant. A lighting method statement helps bridge the gap between the approved design and the completed installation by setting out exactly how the lighting should be delivered and checked.

How Circalume can help

Circalume can review the relevant planning condition, ecological recommendation and approved lighting information before preparing a project-specific lighting method statement.

This can include installation requirements, aiming and shielding details, control settings, commissioning procedures and verification measures.

By considering implementation from the outset, we can help protect sensitive areas, reduce the risk of problems on site and support the discharge of lighting related planning conditions.

Need help with a lighting method statement? Contact Circalume to discuss your project requirements.