Research project Bright communication

In order to promote an efficient use of energy for lighting, while putting the user's perception and light comfort in focus, this project has developed methods and tools to communicate light and lighting. To ensure that light environments are designed from a user perspective, today's existing definitions of light quality, which are mainly based on technical terms, have been supplemented with concepts and definitions visual and emotional character of the light. Collaboration between lighting industry and professional purchasers in all phases of the project has been performed in order to develop methods and tools that are well-grounded and applicable by different actors involved in the process from light planning to the implementation of lighting environments.

Lighting accounts for a significant part of the total energy use in buildings, about 20 per cent for households and 40 per cent for premises. The energy saving potential is high. Moreover, Europe is facing a shift towards more energy efficient lighting as a result of both regulations and technology development. Still, consumers tend to prefer incandescent light, as it perceived to provide better comfort compared to modern light sources. Therefore, in order to motivate property owners and consumers to convert to more energy-efficient products, it is necessary to focus more on the visual and emotional qualities of light. Today, however, knowledge, concepts and tools to communicate and measure visual light quality are lacking. This challenge has been the motivation and starting point for this project to develop methods for assessing objective and subjective light qualities for light sources, luminaires and light environments and translating the results into tools targeting the industry.

The project has developed a draft communication tool based on the human perception of light quality. The tool aims to constitute a neutral communication point and to supports both the lighting industry and professional purchaser, and thus also the end user. By reducing misunderstandings and increasing the consensus between actors in different parts of the process from light planning to implementation, the tool is expected to promote light environments that are both energy-efficient and provide attractive perception and comfort.

Participating Partners: RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Kristianstad University and Lund University.
Members from Kristianstad University: Karin Wendin, professor
Funding: Swedish Energy Agency and Bertil and Britts Foundation for Lighning Techniques
Project time: 36 months