Creating environments that nurture our wellbeing has emerged as a priority in today’s society, highlighting the need to understand how lighting and building design affect our health. As a core component of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), lighting plays a pivotal role in shaping the comfort and wellbeing of occupants, alongside factors like Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), temperature, and noise.
Circadian lighting, in particular, is crucial in regulating our body’s sleep-wake cycle by mimicking natural daylight, but its benefits extend beyond just sleep. Research shows that proper lighting can significantly influence cognitive function, mood, and productivity, highlighting the importance of creating optimal environments for various activities throughout the day.
Smart lighting systems can adapt to our needs by adjusting brightness and colour temperature to enhance alertness, focus, and relaxation. This adaptability allows for tailored environments that promote wellbeing at different times, whether it’s the invigorating brightness needed in the morning, or the soothing warmth desired in the evening.

The Shift Towards Intelligent Lighting Solutions

The lighting control industry is undergoing a transformation, moving toward more intelligent, sustainable and user-centric solutions. Smart sensors and data-driven insights are at the forefront of this shift, with environmental sensing becoming essential in supporting occupant health and productivity. Whether in workplaces, schools, or healthcare settings, the right IEQ is vital for fostering health and wellbeing.
Helvar believes that lighting sensors combined with environmental sensors are a natural fit into a modern smart building. Lighting sensors being typically the densest sensor network in a building hence the combination allows for the most detailed picture of IEQ in a building without the need for adding a dedicated IEQ monitoring solution. These sensors monitor various factors like Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), temperature, humidity, and noise levels, providing real-time data that helps maintain optimal conditions. This data allows building systems, including lighting, to adjust dynamically, responding to shifts in the environment.
For direct impact, the data from lighting IEQ sensors can be shared with third-party systems such as BMS, which would then adjust the HVAC system in accordance with the integrated data. Another example of direct impact is notifying the space user or making them aware of the current IEQ state in their space, either through a display in the area or as an alert on their smartphone.
Poor IAQ or excessive noise can detract from the occupant experience in various ways, such as by increasing fatigue or reducing focus. Intelligent lighting systems can respond to environmental stressors like excessive noise by adjusting light levels or colour temperature, helping to create a more calming or focused atmosphere. While lighting cannot reduce noise itself, these adjustments can contribute to a more balanced environment, promoting wellbeing despite external disturbances.

Benefits of Environmental Sensing for Wellbeing and Sustainability

As buildings evolve, so too must their lighting systems. The integration of environmental data with modular lighting systems ensures they can adapt to changing building needs. Environmental sensors provide scalability by allowing systems to expand or reconfigure easily without major rewiring, making them flexible for future changes in building use or layout.
These sensors also enable seamless integration with building management systems (BMS) by providing real-time data on IAQ, temperature, and occupancy. This data allows the BMS to optimise lighting alongside HVAC and energy systems for greater efficiency and comfort. By continuously gathering data on factors like IAQ, temperature, and noise, smart lighting systems and sensors allow facility managers to not only respond in real-time but also to track trends over time, ensuring long-term comfort and energy savings. This cross-analysis of environmental data helps identify patterns, enabling smarter, more cost-effective interventions for building health and efficiency.
Indoor Air Quality: Monitoring CO2 levels is vital for understanding indoor air quality, as elevated concentrations—above 1000 ppm—can impair cognitive function, reduce mental capacity, and cause drowsiness. Maintaining CO2 levels below 1000 ppm is recommended by organisations such as the EU commission, Ashrae, and CIBSE. Additionally, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), emitted from common items like furniture and cleaning products, can negatively impact health, causing headaches and respiratory issues. According to Public Health England, poor indoor air quality is linked to a range of health problems and can decrease productivity. By measuring and controlling these factors, smart systems help ensure healthier air, supporting both physical and mental well-being.
Thermal Comfort: Monitoring temperature and humidity is essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor climate. Recommended ranges help ensure optimal comfort: ASHRAE suggests maintaining temperatures between 19-27°C and a maximum relative humidity of 80%, while CIBSE provides more specific guidance for office environments, recommending 21-23°C in winter and 22-24°C in summer, with relative humidity between 40-70%. When conditions fall within these ranges, occupants are less likely to experience fatigue or discomfort, leading to enhanced concentration and productivity.
Noise Reduction: Sensors that monitor noise levels can trigger adjustments to lighting or environmental controls to help reduce disturbances. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), noise exposure should ideally not exceed 55 dB most of the time to protect mental well-being. The WELL Building Standard also emphasises the importance of acoustic zoning, recommending noise levels ranging from an average of 35 dB in quiet zones to a maximum of 85 dB in louder areas. Maintaining appropriate noise levels is crucial, as excessive noise can lead to stress, anxiety, and reduced cognitive function.
From a wellbeing perspective, maintaining optimal indoor conditions is essential for creating a comfortable and productive atmosphere. Furthermore, this technology supports sustainability goals. By using energy more efficiently, buildings can meet certification standards such as WELL, BREEAM, and LEED. The use of real-time data enhances energy management, which is crucial for reducing carbon footprints and promoting environmental sustainability.
As the importance of Indoor Environmental Quality in promoting health and wellbeing grows, the integration of smart lighting and environmental sensors becomes essential for creating sustainable, energy-efficient, and comfortable spaces. These technologies not only enhance occupant health but also support broader environmental objectives, ensuring that indoor environments continue to evolve with our wellbeing in mind.
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