Switching to an LED lighting system is an excellent first step in any sustainability journey. However, there are even more benefits to be secured by introducing a light management system. Here Head of Projects, David Goddard from LEDVANCE discusses the benefits of a light management system in an office or commercial environment.

The need for efficient, intelligent and environmentally friendly lighting has been well-documented. Outdated lighting technology, such as fluorescent and incandescent bulbs are being successfully phased out. LED technology has paved the way for a more sustainable future with regard to lighting.

While this is an important element of any drive for sustainability, maximum energy savings can only be achieved by using lighting control, and as such, has the capability to further decrease energy consumption by 50%.

Of course, not all lighting control systems are created equally. Therefore, it is important to look at the different elements that make lighting control more appealing, both from an installation and usability perspective.

Looking at the quality of the components used is an important place to start. After all, top systems need top components. Looking at LEDVANCE’s VIVARES system as an example, DALI components have been utilised. The DALI-2 certified control units, sensors and pushbutton couplers come in a new design and with extra functions, and are a perfect match for the LEDVANCE DALI luminaires. Furthermore, they perfectly integrate with other DALI systems in the market.

When considering installation, choosing a plug & play solution offers significant benefits. With a plug & play solution, such as that offered by LEDVANCE’s VIVARES system, the technology is ready to use – simply wire the control in, and it’s ready to go. The control units work for single rooms, with an area of up to 300 m2 and up to 25 luminaires.

Adding to this simplicity, VIVARES offers pre-programmed functions for manual room lighting – on/off, dim, TW and memory. No app, software or registration is required, making the system easy to get started with.

To deliver even greater benefits when choosing a lighting management system, it is preferential to specify solutions from a manufacturer that has secured environmental credentials. For example, EcoVadis is an independent sustainability assessment platform, helping companies to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of their green practices across business operations and their supply chain.

LEDVANCE has secured the EcoVadis Silver Medal award level, which only 15% of businesses reach. This evidences that LEDVANCE follows ethical and social practices, comply with labour laws, meet environmental responsibilities and respect human rights.

Adding to the sustainability advantages of a light management system, this technology has the potential to aid wellbeing when offering human centric lighting (HCL) capabilities.

Little daylight, dark floors and artificial light around the clock are working conditions that are quite common in office buildings. A system such as VIVARES uses human centric lighting to adapt the lighting in open-plan offices or on entire floors to the natural changes in daylight using a certified algorithm: automatically, intelligently and easily controllable. That means that everyone in the building will benefit from the positive effects of HCL light.

With the right light at the right time, HCL creates a working environment that simulates the changes in natural daylight with its visual, biological and emotional effects. To achieve this, the luminaires are controlled by an intelligent control system with appropriate light profiles.

Through colour temperatures and illuminance levels, human centric lighting can simulate the course of natural daylight in such a way that it provides positive support for the human circadian rhythm (our “inner clock”). A neutral or cold white light colour, for example, can energise in the morning, whilst warm white light is relaxing and ideal for the evening. HCL supports health, well-being and performance in a workplace.

By specifying lighting management systems that deliver a plethora of benefits, a sustainable future that also creates comfortable environments is an easy reality to achieve.