The Critical Role of Lighting in Building Design

When we think about building efficiency and performance, insulation and heating often are the focus. But lighting plays an important role. From the comfort and safety of building occupants to compliance with regulatory standards, the way lighting systems are designed and installed can have a long-lasting impact. We specialise in delivering lighting solutions that combine safety, sustainability, and efficiency.

Why Energy-Efficient Lighting Matters

Lighting is one of the biggest energy consumers in any building. Traditionally, halogen and fluorescent bulbs were the norm, but advances in technology have made LEDs the preferred choice. LED lighting uses a fraction of the energy while providing brighter, longer-lasting illumination.

LEDs can also reduce maintenance costs due to their longer lifespan, and they also open new possibilities for smart controls. For example, occupancy sensors can automatically switch lights off in corridors or classrooms when spaces aren’t being used, while daylight sensors ensure artificial lighting is only used when natural light levels fall below the required standard. These systems reduce unnecessary energy use, helping to lower running costs while contributing to long-term sustainability targets.

Lighting as Part of a Retrofit

When retrofitting older buildings, insulation upgrades and roof replacements often create an opportunity to address lighting as well. For example, when ceilings are stripped back during roof works, it makes practical and financial sense to replace outdated lighting systems with efficient alternatives.

By designing systems that meet modern standards, we can ensure compliance, improve efficiency, and reduce long-term costs all while enhancing the quality of the internal environment for users.

Emergency Lighting

While efficiency is important, safety is non-negotiable. Emergency lighting plays a crucial role in ensuring that buildings remain safe. Current regulations, such as BS 5266 and DfES Building Bulletins 87 and 90, set out strict requirements for emergency lighting. These cover illumination levels, uniformity, glare, and colour rendering, with the requirements varying depending on the space. For example, circulation areas such as corridors must achieve a maintained illuminance of 100 lux, whereas general teaching spaces and assembly halls require 300 lux, reflecting the higher levels of activity and occupancy in these areas.

It is also important to consider how emergency lighting integrates into the overall design of a building. Systems must be robust, reliable, and seamlessly linked to the main electrical infrastructure, with backup power supplies ready to take over instantly if the primary system fails. At CDB, we ensure that these systems are not only compliant with the relevant standards but also tailored to the unique needs of each building. From schools and healthcare facilities to offices and retail spaces, we design solutions that prioritise safety while aligning with the wider electrical and lighting strategy.

External Lighting

External lighting has its own set of challenges. It must ensure safety and visibility for car parks, roadways, and walkways, while also minimising energy use and avoiding obtrusive light that can affect surrounding properties or wildlife.

External lighting systems must meet the requirements of CIBSE Lighting Guide 6 and the ILE Guidance on the reduction of obtrusive light. These standards ensure that external systems provide adequate illumination while limiting glare and light spill. For example, car parks typically require a maintained illuminance of 10 lux, while walkways require 20 lux.

By incorporating energy-efficient lamps with high-frequency control gear and smart systems, we can ensure that external lighting is both effective and sustainable. This also satisfies planning authority requirements, ensuring that buildings not only function well but also meet environmental expectations.

Setting Ambition Levels for Building Efficiency

The importance of efficient lighting becomes even clearer when viewed in the context of long-term energy goals. As we move toward 2050 efficiency targets, building performance will be judged across multiple levels:

• Level 1: Minimal effort, where only 10% of existing buildings are retrofitted, and energy demand continues to rise.

• Level 2: One-third of buildings retrofitted, with stable energy demand thanks to improved efficiencies.

• Level 3: Two-thirds of buildings retrofitted, LED lighting fully adopted, and appliance efficiency increased.

• Level 4: 80% of buildings retrofitted, advanced LED technology, behaviour changes reducing usage, and building design maximising natural light.

We work with these ambition levels in mind, helping clients transition toward maximum effort in reducing energy demand. Whether through LED adoption, smart controls, or comprehensive retrofits, we provide solutions that not only meet today’s needs but also prepare for the future.

Practical Applications in Real Projects

Lighting is about more than just visibility, it is safety, comfort, and sustainability. By combining technical expertise with practical experience, we deliver solutions that are efficient, compliant, and tailored to the specific needs of each building.

From LED upgrades and smart controls to emergency and external lighting systems, our work ensures that buildings are safe, efficient, and future-ready. By focusing on long-term energy goals, we help reduce operational costs while supporting sustainability targets. If you’re planning a new project or considering a retrofit, get in touch to discuss how we can support you with systems that meet the highest standards.