Light and people
Light has always been a prerequisite for human existence. Inspired by daylight and the latest science, we can create lighting that makes life even better. Humans are made to be outdoors, and daylight affects the way we are – biologically and psychologically. New research has shed light on these links.
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Is there a simple, scientific approach to satisfy human biological lighting needs? You bet. Allow me to introduce: The Melanopic Ratio!
Henrik Clausen, the Director of the Fagerhult Lighting Academy, stands at the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and smart lighting. With a commitment to creating a truly effective lighting environment, Henrik emphasises the importance of understanding the intricate relationship between light and our biological rhythms. In this exploration, Henrik introduces the concept of the Melanopic Ratio. It's not just about lighting up a space for visibility; it's about synchronizing with our biological rhythms for a genuinely effective lighting environment. When it comes to measuring light, we often talk about lux, which describes the brightness hitting an area or filling a room. But did you know there's more to it than meets the eye? Traditionally, we've focused on "photopic lux," the kind of light our eyes need for clear vision. But here's the game-changer: the world of lighting planning now includes "Melanopic lux," the unit that gauges how light affects the receptors governing our biological circadian rhythm. It's all about the amount and the spectrum of light we experience, and it plays a significant role in our sleep quality and overall well-being. Picture this: You step out on a bright, sunny morning, and you instantly feel more alert. That's the kind of awakening "melanopic" light provides, and electric lighting can mimic this natural spectrum, which helps support our circadian rhythm. In settings where people spend extended periods, like offices and schools, a consistent circadian rhythm can make a world of difference. Healthcare environments, such as hospitals and clinics, are another prime example, where a well-balanced circadian rhythm benefits both patients and healthcare providers. Enter the Melanopic Ratio. It's your ace in the hole if you're into spaces that cater to human biological needs. This factor, known as Melanopic Daylight Efficacy Ratio (MDER), plays a pivotal role in lighting planning. It calculates how much a light source contributes to melanopic lux, which measures light vertically at eye level. Since daylight is the reference point for our circadian rhythm, it serves as the basis for Melanopic Ratio. Here's the nitty-gritty: Melanopic Ratio compares the spectral composition of a light source with daylight. Armed with a light's Melanopic Ratio, you can effortlessly determine its melanopic lighting intensity. This allows us to create lighting setups that hit the bullseye for both visual and biological lighting needs. But not all lights are created equal. Luminaires with high intensity and a higher color temperature usually boast a favorable Melanopic Ratio. I recommend following the recommendations of the International Commission on Illumination (CIE). They're all about keeping things standardized and have introduced the concepts of MDER and MEDI in the upcoming global lighting standard. While these aren't mandatory, they're a valuable addition. We take your experience and health seriously, so we provide Melanopic Ratio data (MDER) at the diode level per luminaire for full transparency. We're committed to sharing the Melanopic Ratio because good lighting isn't just about visibility; it's about aligning with your biological clock. It's as fundamental as ensuring your workspace is comfortably heated and well-ventilated. By making Melanopic Ratio data available for all luminaires, we're contributing to a holistic approach to future workplaces. Property owners can invest wisely, and lighting designers can create spaces where people thrive. With just one factor per luminaire, you can delve into the world of Melanopic Ratio (MDER) at the diode level, exploring how different setups impact visual and biological lighting intensity and energy efficiency. It also simplifies documentation, especially for building certification purposes. Remember, there's no shortcut to perfect lighting. Melanopic Ratio is crucial, but it's not the only player in the game. We must still consider all aspects of lighting, including visual and emotional elements. Meeting standards and adhering to norms for glare and luminance remains imperative. Excessive lighting intensity and improper light angles can lead to discomfort and glare. We cherish natural daylight, but trying to mimic it round the clock isn't energy-efficient. Each lighting system must be thoughtfully tailored to meet users' needs, room layouts, and daylight availability. Good lighting is all about respect—for people and the environment. Melanopic Ratio is a key factor in striking the right balance between health, sustainability, and economic efficiency. While biologically active lighting and advanced control systems may demand more energy, they represent an investment in human well-being without compromising the environment or the bottom line. As always, energy conservation is a priority. Research indicates that our circadian rhythm responds best to a "light shower" with cooler light for a period ranging from 30 minutes to three hours in the morning. After that, both lighting intensity and color temperature can be toned down, provided they meet the lighting standard's normative requirements. Smart lighting control and tunable white lighting systems enable us to create energy-efficient setups that adhere to the standards—500 photopic lux on work surfaces and a recommended 250 melanopic lux for two hours in the morning. In healthcare environments, there's ample room to create a supportive lighting environment in an energy-efficient manner. Patients often remain bedridden, and horizontal light exposure allows us to achieve recommended lighting levels with lower energy consumption. Embrace daylight—it doesn't matter where it comes from, if it delivers the right intensity and quality. By integrating natural light and implementing effective control systems, you can maintain appropriate lighting levels while minimizing energy consumption. Choose your luminaires thoughtfully. A high Melanopic Ratio often means you can reduce photopic lighting intensity and save energy. However, it's essential to keep in mind that every individual has unique needs, and a well-designed lighting plan should cater to those distinctions.
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Lighting the way to enhanced workplace productivity
The power of light transcends aesthetics, touching the realm of human physiology and psychology and influencing performance in ways more profound than perhaps first apparent. Inadequate or poor-quality lighting can result in physical discomfort and psychological distress, leading to decreased concentration and increased fatigue. Conversely, proper lighting can stimulate focus, enhance visual clarity, and support overall performance, creating an environment truly conducive to productivity. Bright sparks The correlation between light and productivity has been much discussed over the years, especially when it comes to considering surface luminance levels in workspace design, due to the tangible effects on worker performance. Research has long shown that higher illuminance levels might bolster productivity, although some studies advocate for lower levels, particularly for tasks requiring meticulous focus. Colour temperature can also have profound effects on workers’ states of mind. Lighting with a higher colour temperature, which emits a cooler, bluer light, can stimulate workers, kindling a sense of alertness and drive. On the other hand, lighting with a lower colour temperature, emitting a warmer, yellower light, can potentially induce a calming effect, enabling a much-needed balance within high-pressure work environments. There is also an emphasis on the need for glare reduction in lighting design, as unchecked glare can lead to discomfort and visual fatigue, negatively impacting worker productivity and overall well-being. A recent paper in the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute journal explores the relationship between lighting design and employee productivity, specifically in the workplace context. The authors surveyed employees across various office settings, gathering data on the impact of different aspects of lighting design on productivity. The results from their machine learning analysis offered a lucid representation of the significance of lighting design variables such as light intensity, colour temperature, and direct sunlight, all of which displayed a marked impact on employee productivity. The Lighting Engineering Society of Slovenia has published research into industrial environments, also reflecting these findings. Studies conducted across various European countries continue to establish a clear correlation between increased levels of illumination and improved productivity. Tailored for glowing results Given the diverse lighting needs of workplaces, tailored lighting solutions offer a promising approach. The crux of designing the right place for optimum work lies in the use of adaptable lighting systems like Organic Response. These innovative systems use advanced sensors and intelligent controls to adjust lighting levels based on occupancy, daylight availability, and individual needs. For instance, employees dealing with historical documents or artifacts could be more productive with lighting designed for close-up tasks, while conversational and collaborative spaces might benefit from more subdued lighting. This ability for workers to move around comfortably and smoothly without feeling disoriented is highly valued under The WELL Building Standard. This benchmarking framework is designed to measure the influence of the built environment on people's health and wellness, both of which are paramount when getting the best out of the workforce. We can achieve a desirable bright, cool light that’s akin to natural daylight through lighting with a colour temperature range of 5000 to 6500 K. On the flip side, lighting with a colour temperature of 2700 to 3000 K will create the warm ambience needed for a calmer, more reflective atmosphere. By responding to changing conditions and preferences, this adaptive lighting system ensures that employees always have the appropriate lighting for their tasks, optimising productivity and ensuring energy efficiency. By implementing Human Centric Lighting, organisations can create a productive and vibrant work environment that is not only efficient but also supports the well-being of its employees. Well-designed lighting solutions can significantly boost employee morale, engagement, and performance. This, in turn, leads to improved productivity, employee satisfaction, and, ultimately, a healthier bottom line for businesses.
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