There are many benefits associated with smart building lighting systems, such as cost reductions in maintenance, improved energy efficiency, and increased security.
FREMONT, CA: Lighting systems are one of the largest energy consumers in any building. As a result, businesses' operating costs and financial well-being can be affected. However, it also has broader implications. Without specific measures to improve efficiency, the demand for energy in built environments will increase by 50 percent by 2050, according to the International Energy Agency. Commercial buildings can reduce their energy demand and minimize their environmental impact by using smart lighting systems.
The occupant experience is also a compelling reason to install a smart building lighting system.
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The Role of Lighting in Occupant Comfort, Health, and Safety:
The majority of building owners install smart building lighting systems to save money, but it can also help create safer, healthier, and more comfortable spaces for occupants. Smart lighting systems use IoT sensors and advanced analytics to automatically adjust lighting levels according to individuals' preferences, occupancy, daylight availability, and other factors. Health researchers have found that this isn't just convenient.
Lighting conditions that cause visual discomfort will likely lead to eyestrain, which can cause headaches, concentration problems, and blurred vision.
Circadian rhythms can be disrupted by lighting that is out of sync with the time of day (bright lights at night, poor illumination during the day). Sleep disorders, mood disturbances, metabolic disorders, impaired immune function, and even cancer are associated with disrupted circadian rhythms.
As well as causing safety hazards, accidents, and decreased productivity, poor lighting can also affect the quality of work, especially when precision is required. Lighting level isn't the only factor to consider; the type of light bulb also matters. According to a 2008 study, fluorescent lighting can cause health problems in 12-14 percent of the world's population, such as nausea, ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, stress, and migraines. Office workers are particularly prone to this.
Lighting systems that are smart ensure that the lighting is appropriate for the environment, responsive to the changing needs of occupants, and health-friendly.
Older and siloed lighting systems need to be retrofitted:
Many new commercial buildings today are designed with smart lighting systems in mind. However, most smart building lighting systems require retrofitting older buildings with new technology. A number of challenges can arise as a result.
Lighting systems that are not connected to building management systems (BMSs) can't share data with other building systems, which means businesses are missing out on important optimization opportunities. Smart building lighting systems that are older also need to be updated over time; a system that seemed cutting-edge five years ago may already be outdated and cannot offer the advanced capabilities needed to keep up with current best practices.
Modern systems allow organizations to customize illumination in multiple zones according to multiple variables, while older systems only offer a single zone. Having limited functionality prevents businesses from realizing many of the advantages of smart building lighting.
