How to integrate lighting controls to meet regulatory requirements

Published: 26th November 2024

It is only within the last couple of years that the UK has incorporated lighting controls into building regulations, and this is largely due to the environmental impact and energy usage of lighting within buildings. But how should you integrate lighting controls to meet regulatory requirements?

What are the Regulations?

To meet regulatory requirements for lighting controls in the UK, includes balancing energy efficiency, compliancy and comfort. To achieve safe, comfortable and optimised lighting, you must first understand the regulations before attempting to incorporate controls.

Part L of the Building Regulations legislation, laid out by the Secretary of State, involves specific measures of the conservation of power and fuel. In terms of lighting, this means it is necessary to integrate systems that help to reduce energy.

There are several other standards that should be considered and adhered to when it comes to lighting within buildings:

• BS EN 12464-1: This safety standard relates to lighting in indoor workspaces and requires the lighting levels to be safe, comfortable and visible. Lighting that can be adapted to suit certain tasks can help to meet these standards, such as automated lighting in communal areas to assist in saving energy.
• BS 5489: This relates to outdoor lighting in public spaces and on roads. To be compliant you must ensure that lighting levels are uniform for safety. Motion-sensor lights can be used to conserve energy during times of low traffic.
• The Well Building Standard: A more relevant standard for commercial properties that should be adhered to is the Well Building Standard. It focuses on the impact that light has on health and wellbeing, with the goal being to enhance comfort and productivity. Ways to do so can include user-friendly lighting controls and focusing on natural light where possible, both of which can help to reduce the effects that artificial light has on our circadian rhythms.

How to Integrate Lighting Controls

The above standards can be met by installing smart systems and controls that allow for lighting adjustments and downtime when not in use. Dim switches, motion sensors and daylight sensors can all help to minimise energy usage and make the most of natural light when available.

These smart systems can help with:

• Adjusting lighting levels in various areas of a building.
• Conserving energy when areas are not in use, reducing the environmental impact and energy costs simultaneously.
• The ability to program based on natural daylight and office hours to reduce lights being on when rooms are unoccupied.

Final Thoughts

To summarise, in order to comply with the regulatory lighting requirements within the UK as a commercial building, you should consider installing smart controls that allow for energy conservation and optimised performance. The importance of lighting controls is paramount – according to a study by Utility Design, 6.5 million people regularly leave lights on when they leave a room, which equates to an estimated £14,950,000 of wasted energy per day across the UK. By using lighting controls this figure will dramatically improve and help to save energy.

If you need advice on how you can ensure that your building is compliant with these regulations, get in touch today.