What is Human-Centric Lighting?

Human-centric lighting is lighting that is focused on the benefits it has on people. It focuses on both the visual and non-visual effects that lighting can have on human beings. The correct lighting is not only important for tasks and working, but it is also an important time reference for our body clock. This is particularly important in the winter months.

This type of lighting balances the building occupants’ health and wellbeing while reducing operational carbon consumption.

Human-centric lighting is like indoor daylight. LED lighting has evolved and is now closer to natural daylight than ever. This innovative LED technology then combines with a control system to artificially create a full spectrum lighting effect, which can change colour and intensity throughout the day, creating illumination patterns that mimic natural daylight.

How does human-centric lighting work?

Also known as circadian lighting, there are several electric light approaches to implementing a circadian lighting system:

• Intensity tuning – Light fixtures are set to a lower intensity in the early morning, transition to a higher intensity as the day progresses, and reduce to a lower intensity in the evening.
• Colour tuning – For instance, adding an amber hue to the lighting is an effective way to replicate the sunset. Meanwhile, having more blue-white light mimics light levels typically seen in the morning and afternoon.

The colour of lighting can have an effect on a person’s mood and work performance. It’s been known for some time that full spectrum light, particularly colours in the blue-green spectrum, are best for making us feel awake and alert. When we’re exposed to this kind of lighting during the day, it helps us resist feeling sleepy and sends a strong signal to our brains, influencing our circadian rhythm.

According to the World Green Building Council’s research, it’s important to pay attention to the impact that lighting has on your workforce. Our bodies react to darkness by creating the hormone known as melatonin which regulates sleep. If there is not enough light, feelings of lethargy will be caused by an excess of the hormone, in turn, reducing productivity and the motivation to complete a work task on time and to a high standard.

Ideally, lighting in the workplace should provide a balance of natural and artificial light for employees to concentrate to the best of their ability for extended periods of time.

Contact Remark Group today to discuss human-centric lighting for healthcare facilities, offices, and commercial buildings.