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Five key considerations for modern university lighting
Fagerhult Group is one of the world leaders in the provision of lighting for academic institutions. With the help of our resident expert, we have compiled five essential considerations for universities looking for modern lighting solutions. Universities are intricate ecosystems, a combination of varied spaces that serve diverse functions and user needs. In addition to being centres for academic and research excellence, universities are hubs of social interaction, innovation, and personal development. Lighting up such a multifaceted environment requires more than basic illumination. Lighting design plays an integral part in shaping the space and the experiences of those who inhabit it. John Gibson, Fagerhult's UK Specification Manager, highlights the company's expertise: “I’d absolutely cite our flagship partnership with Queen Mary University of London. Fagerhult met the university's stringent lighting standards and is involved in both development and maintenance. The partnership uses advanced lighting technology benefiting students and staff, reinforcing Fagerhult's strong track record in this area.” 1. Sustainability Academic institutions aiming for higher levels of energy efficiency increasingly understand that lighting is essential. The impact of artificial lighting on an institution's carbon footprint is significant, making energy-efficient designs crucial for both immediate and long-term benefits. Modern LED technology is increasingly replacing traditional lighting due to its energy efficiency and longer lifespan, reducing both energy consumption and the frequency of replacements. Motion sensor lighting further enhances energy conservation and security. These sensors detect the presence or absence of individuals and adjust lighting accordingly, turning off lights in unoccupied areas and activating them when needed. This creates a dynamic, energy-efficient system adaptable to real-world conditions. “We encourage clients not to simply default to price”, says John, “Instead we should think about energy efficiency first and foremost. Most universities are in use throughout the day, so we must think of energy waste. At Queen Mary University of London, we've even supported the slogan 'Green Mary University' to get across the importance of the message." 2. Integration with other systems The Internet of Things (IoT) drives an ecosystem of interconnected services, lighting being an important aspect that can communicate with other components for seamless interactivity. Fixtures can automatically adjust to environmental conditions like ambient temperatures. For example, colder temperatures might trigger warmer lighting hues, affecting people's perception of their environment. In warmer conditions, cooler lighting could reduce the need for aggressive air conditioning and energy use. John explains: “IoT allows for centralised control over these diverse systems via a single platform. This centralisation gives administrators unparalleled oversight and control, so it’s easier to identify inefficiencies. “Such a platform can monitor and adjust both the lighting and the heating systems in real time, giving a comprehensive and immediate oversight. Connectivity - such as used in Organic Response - simplifies maintenance schedules and when coupled with data can predict when to take preventive action.” 3. Population and usage feedback Universities have to effectively manage resources, so understanding the movement and concentration of people is crucial. From lecture halls to libraries and cafeterias, each area has its unique requirements for lighting, heating, and security. Real-time data collection is increasingly becoming an essential tool to achieve this understanding. Through sensors and IoT-enabled devices, universities can gather in-depth information on the footfall within various zones of the campus, ranging from classroom occupancy to library usage rates and even the flow of people in open spaces like quadrangles and pathways. “A high-traffic lecture hall may require additional resources to ensure optimal lighting and temperature for the larger number of occupants,” John comments, “It is not just about immediate, reactive adjustments; this data also aids in long-term planning. “Suppose specific patterns indicate a surge in library usage during examination periods. In that case, data can be used to plan for extra energy allocation during these peak times, ensuring that students have a conducive study environment.” 4. Tailored user experience University campuses have diverse spaces with unique lighting requirements. The goal is to create a flexible and accurate lighting system that caters to each area's needs. Customisable, programmable fixtures enable optimal lighting for specific uses, such as bright lighting in laboratories and softer lighting in reading rooms. Zoning in lighting enhances adaptability, allowing different areas within a large space like a multi-purpose hall to have distinct lighting controls. This flexibility accommodates various functions, from bright lighting for lectures to dimmer settings for social events. John believes we cannot overlook the demographic diversity of a typical university campus: “Students and staff represent a wide range of ages, each with their own set of visual needs. Older individuals often need brighter lighting conditions for optimal visibility, while younger individuals may be more comfortable with lower light levels. Age-sensitive lighting configurations can address this diversity.” 5. Functional diversity The complexity of different settings requires bespoke lighting solutions rather than a uniform approach, as John explains: “We often advocate a layered lighting strategy that combines various types of lighting—task, ambient, and accent—in a single space to meet diverse needs. For instance, a classroom could benefit from task lighting at workstations for focused work, while also incorporating ambient lighting for general illumination. Accent lighting could then be used to highlight specific areas or objects.” John also underlines the importance of future-proofing these systems:” Given the fast-paced advancements in smart technology and energy-efficient solutions, it's crucial to design lighting systems that can be easily adapted to integrate future technological upgrades.” Achieving these aims might involve selecting fixtures and control systems that adhere to open standards, enabling easier integration with next-generation technologies. Planning for adaptability today means the lighting infrastructure remains both functional and efficient in the years to come. Consequences of poor lighting choices Inappropriate lighting in a university setting affects more than just aesthetics or utility. It has immediate financial implications, increasing utility bills and escalating operational costs due to frequent maintenance needs. These issues are quantifiable and directly affect an institution's financial health. Poor lighting has consequences beyond cost; it negatively impacts students' focus, information retention, and overall academic performance. Issues like eye strain and fatigue make it difficult for students to concentrate, leading to a decline in academic achievement over time. Proper lighting is crucial for optimal cognitive function. Lighting can also significantly influence physiological processes, most notably circadian rhythms. Lighting conditions that are misaligned with natural circadian cycles can disrupt sleep patterns. Sleep is a vital component of both mental and physical well-being, particularly for university students who often face high levels of stress and rigorous academic demands. John explains: “Lighting doesn't just illuminate a space; it defines how that space is experienced and used. Through careful planning and informed decision-making, universities can create lit environments that are not only functional and financially sustainable, but conducive to academic achievement and health. “It’s our mission at Fagerhult to deliver lighting with efficiency, longevity, and with sustainability as a core consideration. Projects like those at Queen Mary University of London show we’re delivering on that commitment to give students and staff lighting that suits their diverse needs.”
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Optimising buildings through data-driven lighting systems
In the quest to make buildings more energy-efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly, data has emerged as a powerful tool. Smart lighting systems, such as Organic Response, which leverage wireless technology and smart sensors, are at the forefront of this transformation. By collecting and analysing data on everything from energy consumption to occupancy patterns, these systems have the potential to help building owners and landlords optimise building performance, reduce carbon footprints, and create better environments for occupants. But how exactly does this data-driven approach work, and what are the key benefits? The role of smart lighting systems in building automation Smart lighting systems are more than just a network of lights - they are integral to the broader concept of building automation. At the application level, wireless lighting technology is particularly effective for both new developments and the retrofitting of existing buildings. This technology supports the decarbonisation of older building stock by enabling advanced lighting controls without the need for extensive rewiring or infrastructure changes. Automating lighting to minimise waste One of the most significant operational challenges in building management is ensuring that lights are not left on unnecessarily; wasted light is both unsustainable and costly. The functionality of a traditional lighting control system is fixed during commissioning and often doesn’t deliver optimal energy efficiency or lighting conditions for users. A smart lighting system can dynamically adjust lighting based on real-time sensor data and system settings can be reconfigured manually or automatically to optimise performance continuously through its lifetime. This approach ensures that lights are only used when needed, optimising energy consumption without compromising the quality of the lit environment. For instance, smart lighting systems can adapt to varying occupancy levels, while maintaining optimal lighting in spaces where people are present, balancing energy efficiency and user comfort. Data: the key to optimisation Nick Van Tromp, UK Controls Manager at Fagerhult, explains why data is at the heart of these advanced lighting systems: “Large amounts of information about energy consumption, light levels, and occupancy can be collected and stored in secure cloud portals. With access to this data, building managers can make informed decisions about how to optimise lighting across different spaces and data from multiple buildings can be compared for even greater insights. “We have recently conducted a study looking at occupancy data and how making simple changes to things like sensor time-out periods and varying light levels with distance away from occupants can impact energy savings, without compromising user experience. The results showed that in high-traffic areas, such as corridors and open-plan offices, adjusting system light levels saw the best results, whereas adjusting time-out periods was more effective in spaces that were frequently unoccupied, such as meeting rooms. “This kind of data-driven decision-making is transforming the lighting industry, enabling a shift from reactive to proactive building management.” The evolution of data-driven decision-making in lighting “The lighting industry has been increasingly focused on the potential of data to drive efficiencies and optimise building performance,” Nick continues, “and whilst the collection of data from various systems within a building is not new, the challenge has been in making this data actionable. Traditionally, building managers would have to manually analyse data to identify trends and make decisions, but with the sheer volume of data now available, this approach is becoming less feasible. “As a result, there is a growing push towards integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into building systems. AI has the potential to automate the analysis of complex data sets, providing insights and even making real-time adjustments to optimise building performance. While the industry is still in the early stages of this transformation, the direction is clear - AI will play a crucial role in the future of smart building management.” Overcoming challenges: data integration and standardisation One of the main hurdles in realizing the full potential of data-driven building optimisation is the lack of standardisation. In many buildings, different systems operate in isolation, making it difficult to consolidate data into a common format for analysis. The absence of a universally accepted standard for data presentation in buildings has created a fragmented landscape. However, efforts are underway to address this challenge. Nick explains: “Data ontologies such as RealEstateCore aim to standardise data collection and analysis across different systems. This type of initiative could pave the way for more integrated and efficient building management practices.” Leveraging data for broader applications Smart lighting systems also offer the potential to serve as the backbone for other building data and sensors. Since the lighting network spans the entire building, it can be used to collect additional data, such as CO2 levels, temperature, and humidity. This approach reduces the need for multiple networks and allows for a more streamlined and cost-effective way to monitor environmental conditions. For example, by integrating environmental sensors with the lighting system, building managers can track air quality in real time. This information could be displayed on digital signage within the building, providing occupants with insights into the health of their environment, a feature that aligns with the growing trend of promoting well-being in the workplace. The future of smart buildings As more organisations recognise the value of data in optimising building performance, we can expect to see wider adoption of these technologies. With advancements in data analytics and AI, smart buildings can only be on an upward trajectory, offering both cost savings and enhanced user experiences. “Data is the key to unlocking the full potential of smart lighting systems,” Nick concludes, “by harnessing the power of data, building managers can not only improve energy efficiency but also create more sustainable and responsive environments. As the technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for optimising building performance through data are virtually limitless.”
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