Albedo is a measure of surface reflectivity, scaled from 0 for a perfect black body to 1 for a perfectly reflective white surface. In architectural lighting, it determines how much light bounces off walls, ceilings, and pavements. High albedo surfaces increase ambient light levels and reduce the total lumen output needed from fixtures.
Heard on the job
We can drop the wattage on the streetlights because the new concrete has a much higher albedo than the old asphalt.
Also heard as
- reflection coefficient
Related terms
Absorptance
The ratio of absorbed radiant flux to the total incident radiant flux on a surface.
Illuminance
The amount of light falling on a surface per unit area, measured in lux or foot-candles.
Luminance
The brightness of a surface or source as seen from a particular direction, measured in candelas per square meter.