The inner clock, also known as circadian rhythm, plays a crucial role in all living beings’ lives. We are all tuned to get up when the sun rises and sleep when the sun goes down. The time of the day and the amount of light influences our life. It also has a significant role in our feelings, performance, sleeping pattern, mood, energy, and more. Since the right light at the right time has a significant role in everyone’s life, human-centric Lighting (HCL) is gaining attention from building owners around the globe. 

What is human-centric Lighting? 

Human-centric lighting is the holistic approach to Lighting that focuses on the human being’s emotional and physical well-being by creating lighting in tune with circadian rhythm. 

Light is essential for vision, but it is also inevitable for physical fitness, emotional regulation, and well-being. Daylight plays a significant role in stimulating and influencing the mood and activity level of living beings. When staying indoors, the availability of natural light is reduced. Human-centric lighting can compensate for the shortage of natural light. It goes beyond the visual need and focuses on the benefits of daylight in human beings. 

In short, the human centric lighting is nothing but the adoption of a lighting concept that focuses on the light intensity and color temperature that suit the circadian rhythm. At present, Human-centric lighting (HCL) is the new face of smart Lighting that employs tunable bulbs, controllers, drivers, gateways, and app interfaces.

Trends and developments in the Human-centric lighting industry

The market intelligence report published by BIS Research in the study titled Global Human Centric Lighting Market – Analysis and Forecast, 2018-2024 states that human-centric lighting is expected to reach $3.91 billion by the end of 2024. It is anticipated that the growth rate is at a CAGR of 35.2% during the forecast period. The factors resulting in human-centric Lighting’s growth are its ability to personalize Lighting to suit various requirements and well-being. 

Advantages of HCL

Increased Productivity:

Human-centric lighting produces light to suit the internal clock, and it has a direct impact on productivity.  

Consistent sleep schedule:

The employees exposed to appropriate lighting has a positive impact on sleep. Those who get enough rest and sleep become more productive, energetic, and have a positive attitude.   

Increased job satisfaction:

If lighting is according to individual preferences, it results in greater comfort, efficiency, and job satisfaction. 

Sustainability:

HCL mostly focuses on daylight harvesting, thereby reduces energy consumption, ensuring sustainability. 

How to implement human-centric Lighting? 

When installing human-centric lighting, color, intensity, timing and distribution need special attention. Each building is unique and the individual needs will be different. So, the solution needs to be tailor-made, considering all these aspects.

Color

Blue wavelengths denote biologically active areas. It is advisable to use cool white wavelengths to activate the body in the morning and when concentration is required maximum. In the evening, provide warm light for relaxation. 

Intensity

Studies have proven that when the lighting is created to suit the biological clock, it positively impacts occupants’ physical and psychological well-being, avoid glare and energy usage.

Timing and duration

In a 24hour cycle, the lighting effects keep changing; hence ensuring the light exposure as per the time is crucial.  

Distribution

While distributing or designing light for a particular space, it is crucial to consider the availability of light in an area, the user’s requirement, and the biological impact. 

Use-cases of Human-centric lighting

Human-centric lighting has been widely deployed and is an indispensable part of everyday life. It is deployed in a wide-range of facilities, including hospitals, ware-houses, offices, and more. 

In hospitals, HCL is proven beneficial for employees, caretakers and patients.  For speedy recovery of patients, adequate sleep, peace of mind, hormone regulation, and pharmacotherapy is essential. HCL ensures rest, relaxation and hormone regulation. By mimicking daylight in workspaces throughout the day, HCL helps healthcare professionals stay active thereby improving individuals’ alertness and productivity. 

In offices, factories and warehouses, deploying HCL results-in increased energy and productivity of employees. Incorporating smart controls that adjust the light levels, intensity, color, and temperature makes the workplace energetic and cheerful. HCL suits users- requirements besides reducing energy usage. 

 Disclaimer: The original version of the blog was published in WiSilica.com

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