Last month, as part of our regular CPD programme, Scotch Partners invited Tony Harrington and David Stiling from SG Lighting to talk to the team about Human Centric Lighting, the way it works and benefits it can have to people in the workplace.
Human Centric Lighting or Bio Dynamic lighting as it is sometimes known, is the art of illuminating environments to mimic natural daylight. This can have a positive biological impact on the human circadian system – the natural rhythm of our body over a 24 hour period. This clever lighting sends signals to the master clock in our brains telling our bodies how to behave when placed in an environment where there are no external time cues.
We are seeing an increased focus on wellbeing from our clients. There is a demand to create indoor spaces that are beneficial to people’s mental health. We know that how we light a room can play a big part in that, so Lawrence Bramall, one of our Electrical Engineers spoke to Tony at SG after the CPD to find out more about Human Centric Lighting and how it can benefit our clients and their project:
What are the key benefits of Human Centric Lighting systems?
Having a robust circadian rhythm improves energy levels, mood, sleep and body regeneration in humans and we know that the biggest influence on the human circadian rhythm is light. So, implementing a Human Centric Lighting System in a building where people spend a lot of time really can help satisfy the emotional and biological needs of humans.
What are the notable applications of circadian lighting?
There are lots of buildings that can benefit from circadian lighting. Care homes and in particular places that provide dementia care are a great example of indoor spaces where people spend a lot of time and can benefit from these systems. Also call centres, control rooms, large office spaces – the impact on both the employee and the employers can be huge. We are also seeing interest from the healthcare and education sectors too.
What seems to be the driver behind businesses wanting to implement these types of lighting systems?
Studies show that using human centric lighting increases productivity and can reduce errors and accidents in the workplace. There is also a significant reduction in absence reported. With 90% of most business costs being staff, investment in good lighting practice in a work environment can make a real difference.
Why should developers push for improved lighting?
There are so many benefits to creating an environment with good lighting. It can aid learning, concentration, performance efficiency as well as improve sleep patterns and have a positive impact on our mental health. For developers, building this into their project from the outset can make it a real selling point to the end client. Human centric Lighting improves our health, increases our performance, and has a positive impact on our wellbeing – this is what we should all be looking for in our buildings in the future.
If you are considering Human Centric Lighting or want to discuss any lighting requirements for your next project, give Lawrence a call on +44 (0) 203 544 5400 or email Lawrence.bramall@scotchpartners.com