Lighting is a critical subject area in supporting the sustainability agenda.
As such, here are our Top Five reasons why it is important to upskill knowledge of sustainable lighting.
2015 is the UN Year of Light – raising global awareness about light-based technologies promoting sustainable development; providing solutions to challenges in energy, education, agriculture and health.
1. Lighting impacts ability to live and work safely and effectively. Quality lighting is a vital influence on productivity in the workplace, and outside the work environment, obtrusive light can have a detrimental effect on health and wellbeing of communities.
2. The most commissioned type of technology around the world currently? Lighting. The majority of projects commission high efficiency lighting or controls.
3. Energy usage can significantly be reduced through lighting controls – for example a reduction of 30% to 50% in a typical office environment is not only feasible, but is highly likely.
4. Lighting is one of the highest carbon emissions contributors, and can account for up to 40% of energy consumption for buildings – leading to a current trend of adjusting lighting to reduce these emissions whilst still maintaining a high level of return on investment.
5. For any type of lighting to be truly sustainable, it is not just about reducing costs and energy usage; a holistic approach should be taken – ensuring that the lighting is fit for purpose.
BRE Academy has formed a strategic alliance with the Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP) to address the knowledge gap through delivering lighting training courses to support construction professionals to maintain best practices in sustainable lighting.