by Brianna Crandall — May 21, 2018 — A new report from Navigant Research, the research arm of Navigant Consulting, analyzes the role human-centric lighting plays in healthy buildings, discussing challenges around standardization and providing recommendations for stakeholders.
“Human-centric lighting” is defined as lighting that can adjust to individuals’ daily rhythms and improve their motivation, well-being, and productivity, according to lighting supplier Glamox. With light’s great effect on people, human-centric lighting solutions are engineered to support the human circadian rhythm, enhance concentration, prevent sleeping disorders, and improve overall well-being.
Growing interest in healthy buildings — which focus on occupant well-being, health and productivity — is paving the way for new opportunities in the commercial lighting industry. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs), lighting controls and the Internet of Things are some of the technologies helping to provide actionable data that can influence the relationship between occupants and buildings, in addition to providing cost savings. However, according to the new report, technology to measure and help quantify human-centric lighting is underutilized, and no clear standard measurement for human-centric or circadian lighting has been agreed upon.
Krystal Maxwell, research analyst with Navigant Research, stated:
Human-centric lighting has been a growing buzzword within the lighting industry and is gaining attention by manufacturers, building owners, operators and occupants, and researchers. But while interest and available products are increasing, there is still a lack of research available on human-centric lighting, how to quantify the benefits of it, and the best way to measure it.
While standards organizations provide a starting point for understanding human-centric lighting and healthy buildings, lack of agreement on measurement is expected to delay industry progress, according to the report. In the meantime, government organizations can work to make the components of green and healthy buildings the norm, which is expected to be crucial for the long-term success of these types of certifications.
The report, Quantifying and Standardizing the Measurement of Human-Centric Lighting, examines the growing interest in occupant health and well-being, focusing on human-centric lighting and the role it plays in the healthy building. The study discusses the building types that are a key focus for human-centric lighting and lack of agreement on standardization for quantifying how this type of lighting can influence productivity.
Recommendations are provided on how building owners and operators can help ensure human-centric lighting plays a positive role in healthy buildings. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.
