By Paul Jones, Sales Director UK & Ireland, Global Lighting Controls Manufacturer, B.E.G. UK.
The benefits of implementing Human Centric Lighting (HCL) into the Irish market are wide and varied depending on how and why they are used in buildings.
HCL has been proven to help synchronise the body’s internal clock with natural daylight, leading to better sleep quality and overall well-being. By adjusting light intensity and colour temperature throughout the day in offices or classrooms for example – such as a cooler light in the morning to promote alertness and warmer light in the evening for relaxation – supports healthier sleep patterns.
Light has a significant impact on mood, so HCL is also good for mood regulation. Exposure to bright, blue-enriched light during the day has been shown to reduce feelings of fatigue, increase focus, and enhance productivity. Conversely, dimming lights with a warm hue at night can promote a sense of relaxation and help wind down before sleep.
By providing light that mimics daylight, especially in workplaces, schools, and healthcare settings, HCL has been shown to boost concentration, reduce errors, and improve performance, particularly in environments where people need to stay alert or work long hours.
In educational settings, HCL can help students focus better and improve memory retention by aligning light with their natural biological rhythms. Similar benefits are seen in office environments, where proper lighting enhances focus and decision-making.
There are also health benefits associated with HCL. Traditional artificial lighting can lead to eye strain, headaches, and discomfort, particularly in high-stress environments. HCL’s dynamic light can reduce the negative effects of glare and constant exposure to harsh lighting.
In workplaces or even home environments, the right lighting can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and alleviate symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is linked to reduced exposure to natural light in winter months.
Many HCL systems are integrated with smart controls, such as what we offer at B.E.G., that adjust the lighting automatically based on time of day or occupancy. This can lead to energy savings by reducing unnecessary lighting and adjusting brightness and temperature based on need.
Energy-efficient lighting solutions like LEDs, which are often used in HCL systems, consume less power, which in turn also reduces the environmental footprint.
The technology behind HCL has been evolving rapidly, and there will be continued advancements in the coming years. The next iteration of HCL systems will likely feature more advanced integration with smart home eco-systems, enabling users to customise lighting settings through voice assistants, smartphones, or automated schedules. These systems will not only adapt to the time of day but could also factor in user preferences, activities, or health data.
As AI and machine learning evolve, HCL systems will become more adaptive and personalised. These systems may learn user behaviour, adapting light colour and intensity not just according to time, but also based on factors like productivity levels, room occupancy, and even health metrics like sleep patterns and stress levels.
HCL could integrate with wearable devices (like fitness trackers) to assess how users are feeling and adjust lighting accordingly for optimal performance or relaxation.
Healthcare is another key area where HCL will make significant strides. For example, in hospitals, HCL could improve patient recovery rates by providing optimal lighting for rest and healing. In care homes, it can help elderly individuals with cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, by supporting better sleep and orientation.
More businesses will adopt HCL in offices, especially with the growing recognition of the impact of the workplace environment on employee well-being. Expect to see more corporate spaces incorporating dynamic lighting that adapts throughout the day to improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive function.
HCL may begin to incorporate more biometric feedback, potentially using sensors to monitor individual responses to lighting, such as changes in heart rate, skin temperature, or even facial expressions. Over time, this data will be used to refine lighting systems, making them even more responsive to an individual’s needs.
As environmental consciousness grows, expect more HCL systems to use sustainable materials and more energy-efficient technologies. We might see solar-powered lighting options, biodegradable components, and lighting systems that adapt to both energy needs and the environment.
For more information about B.E.G. visit: https://www.beg-luxomat.com/en/
