Why Lighting is Important: Stingray Energy Systems LLC

Why Lighting is Important

Starting with the prehistoric quest for fire, the creation and harnessing of light has been a quintessentially human endeavor. Light has long been symbolic of warmth, power, wisdom and goodness. And today, electric light has proven to be one of the most transformative inventions of modern civilization. So much in fact, that the incandescent bulb has become the very icon of thought and innovation.

Electric light allows the modern world to function as it does. But, because it represents approximately 30% of all U.S. electrical energy consumption, there is growing awareness of our need to utilize light more efficiently and effectively. Energy resources are limited and its use is harmful to the environment. But, turning off or dimming the lights is hardly a viable solution. Give it a try - the exercise can be very instructive with regard to the value of lighting and the degree to which it is commonly taken for granted.

Obviously, lighting is a requirement of visibility, and therefore mobility and task performance within most interior environments and in the outdoors at night. But effective illumination is by no means a one-size-fits-all proposition. As a result there are literally thousands of unique types of lighting equipment that utilize a multitude of different lamp technologies, power and control systems, optical systems, mounting options, mechanical features, etc. – all designed to meet specific needs and applications.

Even with all these options and the application knowledge that has developed over the ages, “bad lighting” still exists and we’ve all encountered it – insufficient illumination, glare, veiling reflections, shadows, etc. The negative effects can range anywhere from mild annoyance to visual debilitation. This is a testament to the inherent complexity of providing quality illumination for the wide variety of visual tasks and functions that we encounter. Futher imposing the requirement of energy efficiency adds yet another dimension to the challenge.

The human visual system is amazingly versatile however, and we have all become so accustomed to modifying our behavior to adapt to poor lighting conditions that we readily do so, sub-concsiously and without complaint – tipping objects toward the light or away from glare, stepping closer to a window, repositioning ourselves to avoid shadows, etc. Because of this, we rarely even take note of good lighting when we experience it. Spaces with better lighting just feel more comfortable, productive and engaging. Though it is often difficult to precisely quantify, both focused research and common experience have shown that lighting has a substantial impact on everything from error, scrap and accident rates to employee satisfaction and productivity. We benefit from lighting quality in the environments we inhabit, even though we may not be entirely aware of it.

Lighting designers also understand that quality illumination involves more than simply providing for raw visibility. Light is such a fundamental element of the physical world and the human experience that we often respond to it in ways that are emotional and subconscious. Lighting has a unique ability to influence the tone, mood and impressions of our environment. In commercial and industrial spaces it acts to shape perceptions of vibrancy, cleanliness, pride and efficiency (and naturally, the lack thereof). Lighting speaks of business entities and what they represent, whether intentional or not.

Lighting’s importance in our lives is manifest in a myriad of both subtle and obvious ways. In its critical role of facilitating commerce and industry, good lighting can simultaneously enhance our interior environments while helping to preserve the exterior, natural one.

Vision is a complex psycho-physical process

Glare in the workplace hinders visibility and causes visual fatigue