Bright Ideas: Why the Right Lighting Matters for People and Energy Efficiency
When we think about improving buildings, lighting is often overlooked. But lighting is one of the most powerful tools we have - not just to reduce energy use, but to support the health, comfort, and productivity of the people inside.
🧠 1. Lighting Affects Human Health and Performance
Lighting isn’t just about visibility - it affects how we feel, think, and function. Poor lighting can cause eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. The right lighting, on the other hand, can enhance mood, support focus, and help regulate our circadian rhythms (our internal clocks). That means people sleep better, concentrate longer, and experience less stress.
In workplaces, schools, and healthcare settings, this has real consequences. Studies show that access to well-designed lighting - especially daylight or lighting that mimics natural patterns - improves productivity, reduces errors, and even shortens patient recovery times.
💸 2. Smart Lighting Saves Energy and Cuts Costs
Lighting can make up a big portion of a building’s energy bill - sometimes 20% or more. But that’s also where the opportunity lies. By upgrading to high-efficiency LED fixtures, using occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting, and smart controls, buildings can dramatically cut their energy use.
That’s not just good for the bottom line - it’s essential in meeting climate goals. Energy-efficient lighting reduces greenhouse gas emissions and lowers demand on the grid, especially during peak times.
🤝 3. It’s Not Either/Or — You Can Have Both
Choosing the right lighting isn’t a tradeoff between comfort and savings. The best lighting strategies prioritize both people and performance:
🧩 Use layers of light (ambient, task, and accent) so people can adapt spaces to their needs.
🌤️ Design with daylight in mind — bringing in natural light while managing glare and heat.
🕹️ Install controls that respond to occupancy and daylight, reducing waste without anyone lifting a finger.
🌞 Choose high-CRI LEDs, which show colors more accurately and feel more natural to the eye.
✅ The Bottom Line
If you're upgrading a building — whether it’s an office, school, care home, or community space - don’t underestimate the power of better lighting. It's one of the simplest and smartest investments you can make for energy savings and occupant well-being.
It’s time to see lighting not just as a utility, but as a strategy — one that supports people and the planet at the same time. Because if you’re not managing your energy, who is?
2-Minute Payback is GRCL’s weekly blog of energy-saving tips and tools for busy building managers. This post was written by Jeremy Lutes.