Why a European standard in lighting?
A standard, or a norm, is a document designed to set harmonized lighting requirements for different applications. It is a repeatable way of doing something, built on consensus among the different countries in Europe. This year the standard for lighting of indoor workplaces has been revised and published (EN 12 464-1 2021). We have taken a deeper look into the new updated guiding principles and met some of the people behind the document.
Tommy Govén has a long history of working in the field of lighting design and research focused on its impact on humans and has with his knowledge and passion contributed to the world of standardization. Today he is, among many other things, Project co-ordinator at CEN TC169 in Light and Lighting, responsible for the work behind EN12464-1.
The first standard on Lighting of work places was established in Europe and globally in 2001. The work started already in the early 1990’s, and Tommy Govén entered the first working group of CEN in 1995.
– Before that there were no common standard for Europe, all countries had their different protectionist views on lighting, with their own specifications for luminaires, Tommy Govén remembers. It was a difficult time being an exporting company, being forced to adapt to so many markets and requirements. The aim of the development of this first standard was to achieve a harmonized approach on lighting design for different applications and to harmonize lighting requirements in terms of illuminance, glare limits and other quality parameters in light and lighting. When the standard came into place, it also became easier to develop and export lighting products globally.
