New and effective lighting techniques

Energy problems and cost in the last ten years have stimulated new lighting techniques, which can save energy and improve lighting standards. Four factors are prominent in controlling the energy consumed by electric lighting: (1) the amount of light given; (2) the measures adopted to control and distribute the light; (3) the choice of light source and circuit; (4) the techniques used to manage the lights. The author examines items (3) and (4). The standards for interior lighting, in quantity and quality, are defined in the CIBSE code for interior lighting, which shows that satisfactory performance is determined by illuminance, uniformity, brightness balance, discomfort glare, veiling reflections and colour parameters