Good lighting design is inherently human-centric. Lighting affects our sleep cycles, circadian rhythms, alertness, and other non-visual responses. With innovative technology developments, coupled with new research, the lighting industry has the opportunity to improve people’s health. The question is, do we wait for more research and more discussion or do we begin implementing what we know today?
These issues, as well as biophilic design, were discussed during a panel at the National Lighting Bureau’s Annual Lighting Forum. Moderated by EdisonReport Editor and Publisher Randy Reid, the panel included Mark Lien, Industry Relations Manager, IES; Michael Barber, Principal, The Lighting Practice; Craig Casey, Senior Building Science Engineer, Lutron Electronics.
Watch a video of the panel discussion here.
The panel defined and discussed Equivalent Melanopic Lux (EML) and the Circadian Stimulus (CS), as well as the ethics of using lighting to influence the sleep-wake cycle. Additionally, the panel discussed that once the science establishes the impacts of light on human health, employers that don’t implement solutions may face litigation.
“…We are not united in funding research to make some of the benefits tangible. As long as we are not unified to do this for the betterment of the industry, we risk the survival of our industry,” said Lien.
