ENERGY MANAGEMENT, OPTIMISATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
Smart lighting is a game-changer in commercial building energy use
With energy management, optimisation and sustainability being core considerations for organisations and individuals in our industry, the demand for innovative solutions and pioneering environmentally friendly practices continues to grow. In this article Chris Anderson, technical manager at Ansell Lighting discusses the benefits of smart lighting and its transformative impact on energy use and building operation
W
ith the potential to cut the amount of energy used to light buildings by up to two thirds, smart lighting is a game-changing technology that should be on the radar
of all building service engineers. Alongside huge energy savings, these advanced lighting systems can also deliver substantial cost savings, create improved levels of comfort, and drive significant progress towards sustainability targets. They are also easily monitored, measured and controlled, allowing for efficient management and maintenance of lighting systems. Whilst not a brand-new technology, the popularity of smart lighting has gained rapid momentum over the last couple of years. Soaring energy prices have spurred organisations to seek more efficient operational strategies, and awareness of its many other benefits has peaked. So what is smart lighting and how does it revolutionise the way we can illuminate buildings and external areas? Smart lighting is an advanced lighting system where wireless technology is integrated into each light fitting. Using communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee, all components of the lighting system, can be seamlessly connected to enable centralised control and automation. Entirely customisable, smart lighting systems allow users to set parameters according to
their preferences and needs. From the timings of operation to the colour, brightness, intensity and combination of luminaires in use, every individual light fitting can be programmed and controlled to the most minute detail. Smart fittings with motion or presence/ absence detection sensors can further enhance functionality. By detecting human presence or absence in real-time, these sensors enable smart lighting systems to dynamically respond to lighting needs, switching on when spaces are in use and off when vacated again. The technology eliminates any reliance on human intervention, making costly issues such as accidentally leaving lighting switched on, a thing of the past. This precise level of control offered by smart lighting technology means that energy use in any space fitted with the solution is equally optimised; aligning with sustainability goals and leading to significant cost reductions over time. Smart Lighting technology is particularly effective where spaces are being used sporadically. In this post pandemic-era, the adoption of hybrid working practices has meant that many buildings are still being partially used. However, the installation of a smart lighting system can help effectively manage this situation, ensuring that lighting is optimised based on occupancy patterns and usage, thus improving energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Another major benefit of smart lighting is the ease with which it can be controlled and operated. Whether via remote control, smartphone app, voice commands, or ecosystems such as Hey Google or Amazon Alexa, smart lighting systems are highly functional and simple to co-ordinate. Installation is also incredibly straightforward. Operating wirelessly via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, systems are controlled and hosted on the cloud, so there is no hub or wiring required and most units are simply installed like a lamp or switch. These user-friendly interfaces and intuitive installation processes ensure that businesses can seamlessly transition to smart lighting without significant downtime, making it an ideal option for a wide range of retro-fit settings. For many building operators, monitoring and maintenance can be a huge headache and a drain on time and resources. Smart lighting offers a solution to this problem too. By automating and streamlining these tasks, the burden on facility and building managers can be reduced, ensuring that lighting systems
16 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER APRIL 2024
operate efficiently and effectively without constant manual intervention. Many smart systems have controls such as dashboard monitors which provide a visual display of a building’s lighting system in real time. This can be used to monitor usage and identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary wastage. Dashboards can also be used to carry out vital maintenance testing on emergency lighting. Instigating tests automatically and wirelessly, dashboards can highlight remotely whether an individual luminaire or driver is operating outside of expected operational parameters, streamlining facilities management processes. The usage data generated by smart lighting systems can also be used to save further costs and CO2
emissions throughout the business. For
example, if lighting controls provide data about offices which have not been used in a day, building managers can use this information to update heating and air conditioning settings or even cleaning schedules, reducing additional operational costs. As organisations prioritise employee and visitor wellbeing, another benefit of smart lighting is the positive impact it can have on health and comfort. Light is one of the biggest influences on circadian rhythm, which controls the natural 24-hour cycle of sleep, wake, hunger, alertness, hormone release and body temperature experienced by humans. By using smart lighting systems to set ‘scenes’ to mimic the pattern of natural lighting indoors, it can be used to enhance circadian rhythm, resulting in improved focus and productivity during the day and fewer sleep disturbances at night. Accounting for almost 40% of all energy used in commercial buildings in the UK, lighting is a significant source of energy consumption for organisations of all shapes and sizes and any savings made can translate to huge improvements in cost and environmental efficiencies. Smart lighting is undoubtedly a key player in this realm, offering innovative solutions to optimise energy usage, reduce operational expenses, and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to building management. It is a game-changer for building service engineers and facilities managers alike, empowering them with advanced tools and technologies to revolutionise lighting control and management processes, leading to enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and environmental stewardship.
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