If you’ve worked in an office space prior to the recent decade, you probably remember flickering overhead fluorescent lighting that would create fatigue and headaches. The low-level buzzing created a constant distraction and the poor lighting distorted colors on your computer screen, making any kind of work – but especially design-heavy tasks – more difficult.
Building developers, property managers, and business owners, today, have found a better way with energy saving, sustainable LED lighting technology. First, let’s briefly explore the benefits of LED lighting for office workers and management and then talk about the five steps you can take to implement energy efficient lighting in your next building project or retrofit.
Can LED Lights Increase Productivity in a Workplace?
The color temperature of a light can affect our mood and energy levels. Having the proper lighting at different times of day, in tune with our circadian rhythms, can help us stay productive across eight hours or more. White light best mimics natural lighting. But if you implement smart lighting systems, the color temperature can change as the day goes on, creating an environment in sync with what our bodies need to stay productive. When it comes to workplace wellness solutions, the type of light sources we use play a huge role in creating healthier and more productive working environments.
Sustainability Benefits to LED Lighting and Natural Light
In addition to helping increase worker productivity, you can also lower your office energy consumption when you switch to LED lighting. According to the Mark III Construction blog, commercial building owners can reduce energy costs by more than 75% over 25 years. LED lighting, along with using natural light, can also help your building qualify for LEED certification by reducing your overall carbon footprint.
With so many compelling benefits to energy efficient office lighting, you’ll want to take these five steps to implement sustainable solutions in your workplace for your next project. LED lighting has become “table stakes” for new construction, but older buildings can benefit from an LED retrofit to increase the building’s value and attract tenants.
Find an LED Lighting Expert You Trust
The first step to lighting with LED is finding a consultant specializing in LED lighting and retrofits to guide your project. Make sure your expert specializes in commercial lighting projects, since there are different considerations than home lighting design. Some audiovisual integrators may also install architectural lighting systems, but you may choose to work with someone who focuses exclusively on lighting.
Choose the Best Lighting Fixtures for Your Space
Your LED lighting expert can help you choose the best fixtures based on the placement of desks, video screens in conference rooms, and furniture in gathering or collaborative spaces. Some of the most popular LED lighting fixtures include:
- Tubes – Similar to the flourescent light tubes of old
- Panel lights – Flat panels that fit into drop ceilings for a streamlined, modern look
- Standard LED bulbs – Look just like incandescent bulbs
- Candle bulbs – Shaped like flames, much like similar incandescent bulbs used in some chandeliers and wall sconces
You may opt for one or a combination of all of these choices, depending on the room and how much light you need. A spacious lobby may employ decorative fixtures or even a chandelier with candle bulbs, while conventional office space can use simple recessed LED ceiling lights or panel lights.
Configure Your Office to Take Advantage of Natural Light
Of course, there’s more to energy efficiency than just LED lighting fixtures. In a new space or an office retrofit, you can work with a design consultant to maximize daylighting, giving employees access to natural light. Motorized shades can make it easy to let in light when it’s needed most, or block light in a meeting room during a presentation.
If you’re planning an extensive renovation project, you might even consider removing some indoor walls to maximize the flow of light. Take into account the placement of desks and meeting tables in relation to windows. Natural light is not only sustainable and cost-effective but front lighting on a subject looks best for Zoom calls and video conferences.
Consider Your Outdoor Lighting
You can also implement LEDs in your outdoor spaces. If your office entryway has access to sunlight, consider using solar power to charge the lights during the day and illuminate the walkway in the evening. Alternatively, you can install solar powered LEDs with battery backups to ensure you always offer the proper lighting level your customers, workers, or guests need for safety.
Implement Smart Lighting Systems or Building Automation for Greater Efficiency
One of the tremendous advantages to newer LED lighting systems is they integrate with smart building control systems. You may opt to program lighting levels to change throughout the day, in sync with workers’ circadian rhythm to boost productivity. You can implement motion sensors to ensure that lights turn off when occupants leave the room, dramatically reducing your business energy use.
Depending on your construction budget or your renovation plans, implementing energy efficient lighting systems can take many forms. Working with professionals in LED lighting and energy efficient office design can help ensure future-proof systems that will match the trends tenants want today but also stand the test of time.