Lighting consultancy services - BRE Group
Lighting consultancy services
Successful lighting depends on a balance of natural lighting, effective and energy-efficient electric lighting and integrated control systems. These should complement the building’s design and support people’s lifestyles. With experienced lighting experts and first-class facilities, we provide professional consultancy, advice, analysis, research and training on all aspects of electric and natural lighting, including occupant needs for lighting.
First class testing facilities
Our laboratories and test facilities enable us to compare the performance of various lighting strategies, and provide experimental validation of innovative lighting solutions, including colour and illuminance evaluation. We also carry out testing of downlights to acoustic and airtightness standards for compliance with Building Regulations, and of visual alarm devices to BS EN 54-23.
Lighting in existing buildings
Our experts measure the effectiveness of current lighting systems, assess problems such as glare, flicker or inadequate quantity and quality of light, and suggest remedial measures.
We provide particular expertise on the best lighting for activities such as display screen equipment use, the appearance of lit spaces, colour appearance and colour rendering properties, impacts on user performance and wellbeing, the selection of appropriate lighting controls, and obtrusive light. Once lighting has been installed we offer and carry out occupant surveys to gather views on comfort levels and identify any problem areas.
Daylight and sunlight
We offer guidance on window design, measuring daylight, solar shading, and avoiding excessive solar heating and glare. Our experienced daylighting team helps with designing site layouts to optimise daylighting, and with issues such as the right to light, overshadowing, and the effects of trees on daylight and sunlight. We can assess daylight and sunlight for planning, including writing Environmental Statement chapters for submission as part of planning applications, offer expert witness and review services and perform Rights to Light analysis.
Lighting and health
We advise on the health effects of lighting in new and existing buildings, including daylighting or circadian electric lighting (sometimes termed human-centric lighting). We draw on the latest research in this field, and relevant codes and standards such as the WELL Building Standard and standards published by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE).
Light pollution (obtrusive light)
Lighting installations can cause unwanted spill light to other properties or to the night sky. We assess light pollution from proposed developments and infrastructure and advise on cost-effective remedies. Our experts can provide reports or Environmental Statement chapters for submission as part of planning applications, and give evidence at planning hearings and public inquiries.
Example lighting projectsWorking with major retailers and businessesWe reviewed design briefs, evaluated existing lighting schemes and implemented methods of reducing energy use while improving space appearance and user wellbeing. We also assessed the market for different forms of lighting and how it will develop in the future. Daylight metricsDetailed computer modelling based research investigating the daylight provision calculation methods in BS EN 17037 and providing guidance for daylighting practitioners on applying the daylight assessment methods in the standard. Circadian lightingField research on the effects of circadian lighting on occupants’ health and wellbeing, linked with control schedules to identify optimal control strategies for circadian lighting so that health and wellbeing benefits are maximised. Artificial skylightsField research on the capability of artificial skylights to improve office work performance and productivity, as well as enhance space appearance. |
Related training courses
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