Lighting
Lighting the way to sustainable offi ces
The British Council for Offi ces (BCO)’s new research agenda sets out a vision for the offi ce as a sustainable part of the built environment.
R
ichard Wharrad, group manager and head of SSV at leading UK’s independent lighting manufacturer Tamlite Lighting, has welcomed the BCO’s new research agenda, which highlights the importance of effi cient lighting.
Published earlier this year, the 58-page working document looks at the sustainable offi ce across four themed ‘Pillars’ to shape a framework for a new research agenda. These are Economy, Business, Technology & Environmental and Social & Governance (ESG).
Each pillar topic re-evaluates the notion of offi ces as capital assets, in light of the broader role of offi ces as a source of community and sustainable place-making in the UK. The document states: “An integral part of the brief for each research pillar was the need to consider change, not only in terms of the detailed issues being faced today but, critically, to take a longer-term perspective in order to anticipate challenges and turn them into opportunities.”
The research agenda calls for a focus on how to incorporate sustainable features, including effi cient lighting, and technologies to reduce energy consumption, lower the carbon footprint, and promote environmental sustainability in the offi ce sector.
Lighting is identifi ed as a key feature in the following technology-themed research topics: Occupant wellness: The development of buildings that prioritise the well-being of occupants, with features such as circadian / intelligent lighting, biophilic design, and air-quality sensors to promote mental and physical health.
Smart building systems: The integration of
“[The BCO] calls for a focus on the full life cycle of a development and its impact, including design, planning, operation and asset management.”
building systems, including lighting, HVAC and security to enable more effi cient and coordinated operation, with features such as automated lighting and temperature controls interacting with occupancy sensors and security systems. Integrated building solutions: Designs that incorporate diff erent technologies and systems to create a cohesive and effi cient environment,
including systems for lighting, HVAC, security, location-based services and real-time occupancy. The ESG Pillar of the research agenda proposes a series of recommendations including the need for the BCO to create a ‘2030 Vision for the Offi ce’, which embraces the principles of ESG. This Pillar also calls for a focus on the full life cycle of a development and its impact, including design, planning, operation and asset management. According to Tamlite’s Richard Wharrad: “The direction of travel for the BCO is clear; sustainability and ESG will frame the BCO’s research focus for years to come, infl uencing the decision-making processes of its members. As a leading lighting manufacturer committed to delivering sustainable lighting solutions, it is heartening to see the BCO recognise the contribution of lighting to sustainable offi ces. Compared to traditional lights, LEDs last fi ve times longer and use 80% less energy, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Less energy use means reduced carbon emissions, as well as cost savings.
“We look forward to seeing the results of the BCO’s research on offi ce space over the next few years and the additional detail it will bring about how lighting is an eff ective, low cost, and high performance measure for supporting sustainability.” The BCO’s new research agenda can be downloaded at
www.bco.org.uk
22 | electrical wholesalerMay 2024
ewnews.co.uk
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