• • • LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROLS• • • Lighting Controls: A Crucial
Step Towards Net Zero In today’s world, the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a sustainable future is undeniable
T
he concept of net zero, aiming to balance carbon emissions with carbon removal, has gained significant traction. While many sectors are contributing to this global effort, the often-overlooked realm of lighting controls plays a pivotal role in achieving net zero goals. Lighting is a fundamental aspect of our daily lives. It consumes a substantial part of global energy. Traditional lighting systems, such as incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, are notoriously inefficient, converting a significant amount of energy into heat rather than light. This inefficiency has contributed directly to the increase in carbon emissions.
LED technology has been proven to reduce energy consumption by 40 per cent – 60 per cent. Over 80 per cent of the world’s buildings that will be inhabited in 2050 have already been built. Sustainability and achieving carbon neutral, net-zero and circular economy targets over the next several decades must come from effective retrofit solutions.
As the most fundamental building service, the latest generation of lighting controls can focus on delivering expansive control of lighting systems, data collection and building management – all for the buildings in which we currently live, work and learn.
But first, we must consider lighting beyond its practical function of illuminating our surroundings,
lighting has a profound impact on our emotional well-being and overall quality of life. Human beings are inherently connected to natural light, which has shaped our evolution and continues to influence our physiology and behaviour. Natural light, with its varying intensity and colour spectrum, can evoke a range of emotions and sensations. Exposure to sunlight can boost mood, reduce stress, and improve cognitive function. It can also help regulate our circadian rhythm, ensuring that we sleep better and feel more energised during the day.
The value of light is huge, complex and often not given sufficient importance. We have already learnt that light enables sight, so it might seem obvious that with very few exceptions, every space that humans occupy needs light, either natural light, artificial light or both. We need light to perform tasks adequately, from reading to driving, working to shopping and a thousand other activities. 90 per cent of the information we perceive comes in through our eyes. But lighting is not just to do with the biology of seeing sufficiently well to carry out a task adequately, it delivers so much more than that.
Lighting regulates our whole-body clock. The technical term is Circadian Entrainment (Circadian, meaning a 24-hour day, and entrainment meaning to align the body). As we have learnt, our eye and brain system evolved in natural light, we might live
in an always-on, 24-hour society, but our bodies are still those of our ancestors.
Controls enable precise management of lighting levels, ensuring that only the necessary amount of light is provided in each space. This reduces energy waste and minimises the environmental impact. This is particularly important in sectors with high lighting loads, such as commercial buildings, retail spaces, and industrial facilities. Lighting controls optimise lighting levels based on occupancy, daylight availability, and specific task requirements; lighting controls can achieve substantial energy savings. Lighting controls align with broader sustainability initiatives by reducing the environmental impact of lighting systems. This can help organisations achieve their sustainability goals and improve their public image. There are various types of lighting controls available, each with its own advantages and applications. When layered together they can create an effective and sustainable solution. Simple switches and dimmers allow for basic control of lighting levels. Occupancy Sensors detect the presence of people in a space and automatically turn the lighting off when not required. Daylight Harvesting utilises natural light to reduce the need for artificial lighting, often combined with shading controls. Additional scenes, timers and schedules can be created to allow lighting efficiency to be maximised as well as improve user experience. To maximise the benefits of lighting controls, it is essential to conduct a thorough assessment of lighting requirements in different areas of the building to decide the most suitable control strategies. Maintenance and Continuous commissioning of lighting controls are crucial to ensure their proper functioning and continued energy savings. As spaces change over time, good controls can be adapted to suit their new environments.
Lighting controls, when implemented effectively, represent a powerful tool in the global effort to achieve net zero emissions. By precisely managing lighting levels and significantly reducing energy consumption, these controls play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change and fostering a more sustainable future.
Beyond the numerical benefits of energy savings, lighting controls enhance human well- being. By harmonising artificial light with natural daylight and ensuring the best colour temperature and intensity, controls create environments that support our visual comfort, productivity, and overall health.
26 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • SEPTEMBER 2024
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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