EXHIBIT 23


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements of
Acuity Brands, Inc. listed below of our report dated September 30, 2002, except
for the last paragraph of Note 4, as to which the date is October 11, 2002, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Acuity Brands,
Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended August 31,
2002:

         1.       Registration Statement No. 333-74242 on Form S-8 (Acuity
                  Lighting Group, Inc. Profit Sharing Retirement Plan for
                  Salaried Employees, Zep Manufacturing Company 401(k) Plan,
                  Selig Chemical Industries Retirement Plan, Acuity Brands,
                  Inc. 401(k) Plan for Corporate Employees, Acuity Lighting
                  Group, Inc. 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees, Enforcer
                  Products 401(k) Plan, Holophane Division of Acuity Lighting
                  Group 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees, Holophane Division of
                  Acuity Lighting Group 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees
                  Covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement).

         2.       Registration Statement No. 333-74246 on Form S-8 (Acuity
                  Brands, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan, Acuity Brands, Inc.
                  Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Acuity Brands, Inc. 2001
                  Nonemployee Directors' Stock Option Plan).

                                                           ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Atlanta, Georgia
November 8, 2002