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Smart lighting is also an incredible tool in improving energy efficiency. Lighting is often one of the largest contributors to energy use in buildings, accounting for up to 40% of a building’s total energy consumption. Through its ability to program, schedule and automate lighting settings, smart lighting has the capability of reducing lighting energy consumption by up to two- thirds, delivering impressive results in terms of both efficiency and sustainability.


By installing smart lighting systems, facilities managers can be assured they are taking measured steps toward achieving net- zero carbon goals. The ability to closely monitor and manage energy consumption ensures that every watt of electricity is used efficiently.


Using wireless technology and protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Zigbee, smart lighting works by connecting luminaires throughout buildings together; creating a network of lamps that can be centrally controlled and automated via an app, remote control or voice control.


Smart lighting allows every single detail of a lighting system to be programmed to meet specific requirements. Factors such as colour, brightness, intensity and the combinations of lamps in use can be individually set according to the different activities taking place, moods required, or even the time of day.


Indeed, one of the most profound possibilities of smart lighting is its ability to shape mood and occupant wellbeing. Setting lighting cycles and hues to mimic those of nature, it can be used to influence circadian rhythm, the body’s natural 24-hour cycle of sleep, wake, hunger, alertness, hormone release and body temperature. Emitting a warm colour in the morning, blue during the day and then back to a warmer hue in the evening, smart lighting can prompt the body into knowing when it should feel awake and energised or more relaxed and ready to sleep. Exposure to the wrong lights at the wrong time of day can play havoc with this natural rhythm. For example, too much blue light in the evening can result in poor sleep, which in turn can cause low and irritable mood, whilst exposure to too much warm light during the day can leave staff feeling lethargic, unproductive and tired.


Enabling precise and optimum control over lighting hues and intensity, smart lighting is a powerful tool for enhancing health and wellness.


Another new technology boosting the benefits of smart lighting even further are light monitoring dashboards. These cutting- edge tools, provide real time data on the performance and energy consumption of a building’s lighting systems, enabling facilities managers to monitor, manage, and optimise their lighting environments like never before. Offering granular insights into how, when, and where energy is being used, they provide a clear view of lighting-based energy consumption data throughout a building or even across an entire portfolio of buildings. This provides further opportunity for wasted usage to be identified, making it easier than ever for facilities managers to manage site performance and further reduce unnecessary use, CO2


emissions and costs.


Light monitoring dashboards work by collecting data from devices across the entire lighting network. This data is then collated and displayed in a user-friendly interface to provide full visibility of the lighting infrastructure at a glance.


Light monitoring dashboards can also vastly optimise the


burden lighting maintenance and compliance has on facilities managers. By providing a central hub to track the performance of all smart lighting fixtures, the need for time-consuming manual inspections is eradicated. Maintenance needs can also be detected before issues arise, reducing downtime and preventing unexpected failures. Additionally, emergency lighting systems can be continuously monitored, providing instant alerts in the event of faults and ensuring safety standards are upheld.


Innovative lighting solutions like smart systems and monitoring dashboards are redefining what’s possible in building management. By simultaneously addressing energy efficiency and occupant wellbeing, they can empower facilities managers to create sustainable, comfortable, and productive environments. As businesses continue to strive for sustainability and operational excellence, the role of advanced lighting technologies will only become more critical.


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