Business Lighting – Your Complete Guide

If you have a commercial building, no doubt you’ll understand there are many reasons for lighting it up, both externally for advertising purposes and internally for OHS. Because your needs can be varied and complex, a plan of what is required may be necessary. To understand how light works in a commercial space would be a great advantage. Below are some areas to be considered.

1. Exterior for safety particularly Security at Night.
2. Exterior for Branding and Advertising
3. Interior of building Safety of Client and Team members
4. Interior Ambiance and Appeal 
5. Workplace performance and morale
6. Cost of power to achieve the above

At DLF we have the experts to help you work through the above 6 areas that need to be considered. To be able to help you, it’s best if you have an understanding of the basics of how lighting can be applied in a commercial building.

Know How Much Light You Need

Before you consider any lighting applications, it’s necessary to consult the industry regulations in regards to commercial lighting requirements. In factory working areas safety comes first particularly if in a dangerous work scenario. Then again working in hospitals or restaurants would be a completely different situation as far as lighting requirements.  

Light recommendations for commercial spaces are given in Lumens or Lux values, which is a measure of the intensity of light. A single bulb in a room has the highest Lux directly under the bulb. You can even out light coverage and increase the overall intensity of the lighting by spreading several lights out across a space.

Light output for bulbs and fixtures is measured in lumens, with higher lumens correlating to more light. To determine how many lumens you need in a space, multiply the square footage by the foot-candle recommendation. For example, an approximate  10.0 m2  office would need 3200-5400 Lumens. While these may vary a little depending on usage and safety requirements, these recommendations will get you to a good starting point that you can tweak if you want more or less light.
Below are Some Examples of Lumens or Lux required for specific areas.

Lux is the Metric equivalent. To convert from Foot-Candles to Lux, multiply the foot-candles by 10.764. 1 foot-candle = 10.764 lux. *Foot-Candles is an Imperial measurement.

Use Consistent Light Temperature

The colour of lighting, also known as Temperature, is measured in Kelvins. The people working in and enjoying the illuminated space will respond to the different lighting temperature. Lower Kelvin rated bulbs produce warm yellow lighting effects with higher rated bulbs producing Cool Bluish light. 

Commercial uses of Kelvin applications affect the way we feel in a workplace, e.g. Cool light (higher Kelvin Rating) makes us feel bright and alert, being focused in the workplace is important.
Warm lights (Lower Kelvin rating) are used as a relaxant and used in restaurants and rest areas.

Pay Attention to Durability

In many situations your light fittings will be exposed to the elements, rain, heat and humidity. Also take into account steam and industrial vapours including wet areas like showers, laundries ect.  In some cases lights may be in operation 24/7/365, not all fixtures can tolerate constant heat.

Determine the Type of Light

To make a space totally functional and comfortable,it’s suggested to use light for several different sources. Light filtering is important in commercial situations.
Some areas for consideration are:

• Overhead Lighting and reflected lighting will illuminate wide areas in work spaces.
• Additional related lighting like pendant lights or desk lamps for specific works areas
• Focal lighting or directional lighting to accentuate a particular architectural feature
• Direct lighting fixated on a particular items or event, it highlights and action (EXIT)
• Indirect Lighting- softens the appearance of an area and is soothing in the workplace

To effectively mix the type of lighting needed for a given area this sort of plan could be implemented. Take into consideration the above points and implement in your overall lighting plan.
There are several things to take into account.

• Reflective sources: One important consideration is the pain that reflected light can give to one's eyes. Light will bounce off surfaces and it can be taken as an advantage or disadvantage. As an advantage glossy surfaces or even mirrors can reflect light around a room saving you money in the long run. It can also be an issue for employees or customers if it hurts their eyes. 
• Utilising Natural Light: Incorporating natural light into your space can enhance mood and energy levels. Besides its mood-boosting properties, natural light serves as a valuable light source, potentially reducing the need for additional artificial lighting during daylight hours.
• Considering CRI: The Color Rendering Index (CRI) gauges a light source's ability to accurately represent object colours, ranging from 0 to 100. Lights with a CRI of 100 faithfully depict colours, while those with lower scores may distort them. In retail environments, high-CRI lighting is crucial for attracting customers and showcasing products effectively. Opting for high-quality LEDs typically ensures superior CRI, ideally between 90 and 100
• Exploring Bulb Types: LED bulbs reign supreme in commercial settings due to their energy efficiency, dimmable capabilities, and diverse colour options. While fluorescent and CFL bulbs are alternatives, they often lack dimming functionality and may cause discomfort due to flickering, potentially triggering migraines. Halogen bulbs, another popular choice, emit significant heat and pose fire hazards if installed near flammable materials.

Energy Efficiency and Savings

Maintaining illumination incurs expenses, but there are numerous avenues for economising. Fixtures equipped with dusk/dawn sensors remain inactive during daylight hours and activate when darkness falls, eliminating the need for manual intervention. Motion sensor-equipped lights offer an optimal solution for intermittently utilised spaces like examination rooms and bathrooms, as they only consume electricity when occupancy is detected. Intelligent lighting systems can be scheduled to operate at specific times of the day and can often be managed remotely via a mobile application, rendering them appealing for instances when you're away from the workplace for extended periods.

While perusing lighting options, you may come across products adorned with energy star rating. Energy Star is an Australian government-endorsed entity that certifies fixtures and appliances designed to minimise energy consumption. The Energy Star endorsement simplifies the identification of energy-efficient choices, resulting in reduced utility expenses."

In a commercial setting, prioritising the safety of customers and employees is paramount. It's essential to adhere to Queensland's laws and guidelines concerning safety standards. Lighting plays a crucial role in mitigating various risks, including accidents, fire hazards, discomfort, criminal activity, employee productivity, and emergencies.

Indoor areas require well-placed exit signs and directional signage for visibility. Opt for lighting that not only meets work requirements but also ensures comfort for employees. Inadequate lighting not only hampers productivity and increases accident risks but also affects morale and job satisfaction. Properly lit stairwells are essential to prevent falls and discourage criminal activities in dimly lit areas. Regularly inspect and replace old wiring and faulty fixtures to prevent fire hazards.

Outdoor spaces should be illuminated from dusk to dawn, including walkways, paths, and parking areas, to enhance safety. Ensure adequate lighting for areas prone to trip hazards, such as stairs or raised sidewalks. Install sufficient lighting around exterior entrances to enhance employee safety during lock procedures. Motion sensor lights serve as effective deterrents against crime near doors, windows, or other important outdoor features. It's imperative to use outdoor fixtures and bulbs rated for outdoor use to ensure durability.

Aesthetics Matter

Beyond meeting safety standards, aesthetics significantly impact your business's ambiance and appeal. Harmonise lighting choices with the building's architecture by matching finishes and styles. Utilise accent lighting to showcase attractive features like original brick walls or water fountains.

Make Your Building Shine

Select lighting that complements the building's style, enhancing its visual appeal. Highlight architectural features with accent lighting to create a striking visual impact.

Lighting and Branding

Leverage lighting to reinforce your brand identity. Incorporate statement lighting pieces in your brand's colours in the foyer to make a bold impression. Utilise high CRI lighting to accentuate signage and branded elements like furniture or murals, keeping your brand colours vibrant. Spotlight aspects of your brand identity, such as memorabilia collections or community projects, with accent lighting. Consider installing colour-changing lights around the building's exterior for festive occasions or to reflect your brand's colours for special events.