Rethinking Light: From Efficiency to Wellbeing

Today’s facility lighting is no longer just about brightness — it’s about creating environments that support human comfort and health.

As Allyson Evans, senior lighting designer at Henderson Engineers, notes for FacilitiesNet, modern lighting controls can automatically adjust electric lighting to complement available daylight, making spaces feel more natural and uplifting while reducing energy use.

This shift toward “human-centric” design aligns with a broader push for workplaces that enhance occupant wellbeing. Dynamic lighting systems can tune brightness and color temperature throughout the day, reinforcing circadian rhythms and improving focus.

In spaces without natural light, such as locker rooms or interior offices, tunable fixtures can mimic the changing hues of daylight — an innovation that’s proving especially valuable in performance-driven environments like sports facilities and healthcare.

Smart Systems, Smarter Decisions

Before adopting new lighting controls, facility executives must clearly define their goals. According to Bill Trivett, senior vertical engineering director at JLL, understanding the building’s existing electrical setup and long-term renovation plans is essential. Will the system rely on line voltage or low voltage? Will ceilings be replaced or left intact? These factors affect cost, compliance, and future flexibility.

Regulatory standards also vary by building type — what’s acceptable for an office might not meet the requirements of a hospital or parking garage. Facility managers should ensure that any upgrade aligns with both local and national energy codes while also supporting the organization’s sustainability goals.

To make informed decisions, experts recommend conducting photometric simulations. These computer models visualize how light interacts with the space, helping teams choose fixtures and layouts that balance performance, comfort, and compliance.

The Wireless Revolution

Among the most impactful innovations is the rise of wireless lighting controls. By eliminating the need for extensive wiring, these systems reduce installation costs and make retrofitting older facilities far simpler.

Wireless networks also enable granular control — down to individual luminaires or entire zones — giving managers unparalleled flexibility.

Such systems are increasingly linked to building management platforms, integrating with HVAC and shading systems to optimize comfort and energy use in real time. For property owners, this means smarter data, streamlined maintenance, and the ability to adapt lighting strategies as tenant needs evolve.

Beyond Installation: Training, Maintenance, and Growth

The success of any lighting upgrade depends as much on what happens after installation as before it. Evans emphasizes the importance of involving maintenance and facilities teams early in the process to ensure that control equipment is accessible and easy to service.

Training is equally critical. Even intuitive systems require staff to understand programming, troubleshooting, and potential expansion.

Partnering with reputable manufacturers that provide on-site training and support ensures the system’s longevity and adaptability as the building changes over time.

Trivett reminds owners to plan for future growth. As workspaces continue to evolve, flexibility will be key — both in system design and in the mindset of those managing it.

The new generation of lighting controls offers facility professionals a powerful toolkit for improving energy efficiency, occupant wellbeing, and operational agility. The challenge — and the opportunity — lies in using light not just to see, but to shape the future of the built environment.

More: 
B+N Group