The main driver for upgrading lighting installations today is energy efficiency. But good lighting can actually improve Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ).
While energy efficiency has been the main driver behind the transition to LED technology, the focus needs to shift to the many other benefits that accompany good lighting installations.
Experts believe the focus on healthier buildings since the COVID-19 pandemic began will make a difference. People spend 90% of their time indoors which is why the quality of our indoor environment has a direct and indirect impact on our health, well-being, and productivity.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has linked household air pollution to a high number of premature deaths worldwide,
The visual impact of lighting can be felt directly, but also impacts mood and emotions.
With good quality lighting employees perform better, students score higher, and it improves the sleep, mood and behaviour of patients suffering from Alzheimer disease.
For buildings, the Lighting Industry Association (LIA) recommends LED lighting in combination with controls and sensors.
“Replacing luminaires or introducing a whole new lighting design should be encouraged as this will lead to greater benefits in terms of energy savings and IEQ,” the LIA said.
Standards should be applied including mandatory minimum requirements on IEQ.