Came across some information about regulations on light levels that you might find interesting. The language is quite dense – but as we look for ways to raise the bar on the quality of lighting, the numbers sometimes matter – if only so that know what to look out for.
So here is a review article from the journal of sustainability that outlines current legislation in different countries across the world and calls for a more joined-up approach.
This article makes a parallel point about the tension between lux levels and energy consumption. This team in Portland, Oregon set up a number of classroom and an office space and demonstrated that current guidelines for lux levels (overall light levels) are not enough to deliver recommended levels of ‘melanopic lux’ (wavelengths that stimulate the melatonin pathway). Quoting from the abstract ‘Using results from 45 unique simulation conditions, it was estimated that lighting energy use may increase between 10% and 100% because of increased luminaire light levels used to meet circadian lighting design recommendations listed in current building standards such as WELL v2 Q2 2019, UL Design Guideline 24480, and CHPS Core Criteria 3.0.’
And speaking sustainability, some of you may know that new regulations about ‘eco-design’ have just come into force. Sadly the legislation itself is behind a paywall (but do let me know if you find a link to share) but this article from Kosnic gives an overview. To quote ‘All light sources will need to be categorised for example as removeable replaceable, non-removable, non-replaceable and so on for eco design legislation requirements. If a light source is not removeable/replaceable then some technical justification by the manufacturer will be required within the technical documentation of the product’.
ps – many thanks to Jan von Rompay at Lumilux LED for sharing links to that legislation Ecodesign:
and Energy Labeling: