Today cities consume 78% of the world’s energy. In a bid to reduce this massive consumption, many cities are looking towards smart ecosystems as the answer: a complex ecosystem of people, processes, policies, technology and other enablers working together to deliver a set of outcomes.
The smart city is not “owned” exclusively by the city. Other stakeholders are also involved, including those responsible for lighting among others. To evolve cities into smart ecosystems requires all parts of the infrastructure to work together and unify as one complementary system. Here are 5 key trends in the lighting industry today:
1. The move to LED lighting
Recent years have seen a shift away from incandescent and fluorescent lights and a move towards light-emitting diodes (LEDs). These bulbs provide an energy-efficient light source and, as such, LED technology is advancing more quickly than any other type of light before it.
2. Control: Light experience customisation & energy savings
Lighting control systems can be used to attract, engage, and retain customers longer by completely transforming commercial spaces at the press of a button. Through increased control of their lighting fixtures, commercial businesses can now create and deliver endless scene settings that make their space engaging, ambient and dynamic. However, it’s more than just skin-deep schedules and sensors can be used to employ automated control via daylight harvesting and occupancy detection for convenience and energy saving. Lighting has become an interactive experience.
3. Lighting to improve health and wellbeing
There are a range of commercial spaces, from office environments and hospitality venues, to hospital wards and spas, which are turning their attention to human-centric lighting. Specialised lighting can enhance the quantity and quality of sleep and reduce stress by regulating melatonin.
4. Growing demand for outdoor illumination
The experience of a commercial property doesn’t start once a customer walks through the front doors, it starts as soon as they set their eyes on the actual building itself. That’s why many commercial businesses are currently investing in eye-catching outdoor lighting as part of their brand development.
5. IOT (the internet of things): Connect, Collect & Enlighten
The ubiquitous lighting network in every home and commercial building presents a real opportunity for new applications and value streams. IOT technology has created the smart home providing enhanced security, safety, and convenience with the integration of sensors, lighting, and smart phone technology. In business IOT has opened up whole new fields where raw sensor data is captured and converted into valuable business insights to give your business the edge.
