Modern Building Services

MODERN BUILDING SERVICES APRIL 2021 21 FEATURE LIGHTING introducing potential noise issues, the control switch briefly interrupts it. This interruption signals the associated lamps to, for example, change colour temperature or brightness without disrupting the light output. In this way, unlike more complex powerline communication systems, only lamps on the switched line receive signals, which automatically associates the lamps with the control. This is an important development for the lighting industry, since such a system can be installed by simply replacing the existing lights with LED lamps and a switch. FM’s aware of challenges Modular, lamp-based lighting systems, often based on tubular LEDs (TLEDs) in commercial applications, are gaining popularity. One reason is facility managers are realizing the challenges to maintain and update integrated fixtures, which require whole fixture replacements when the LEDs burn out or electrical components fail. This generates unnecessary material wastes before the end of the product’s lifecycle. Modular lighting systems enable simple retrofit through lamp replacements and are future proofed to allow for cost-effective replacement when the lamps either reach the end of their useful lifecycle or when technology advances to the point where an upgrade is desired. As LEDs became commercially viable in the context of their much more versatile form factors during the first decade of the 21st century, fixture manufacturers began integrating them directly into their products. The additional space for hardware afforded by this integration enabled them to not only present additional design potential but also achieve a fully managed heat dissipation system and additional lighting controls, such as wireless dimming and colour-tuning. However, over the past few years, innovations in LED as well as communications, electronics and software technologies have enabled high-quality LED tubes and lamps to catch up with and match the capabilities of integrated fixtures while still retaining the ease and affordability of installation and maintenance, achieving a superior sustainability profile. New directive This is a critical turning point in the HCL space, since not only will more technologically advanced lighting improve human lives, but it will also reduce the environmental impact of the lighting. While this direction was initiated by manufacturers taking advantage of improvements of exponential technologies such as electronics and software, the new European Eco-design requirements are accelerating the trend. The directive, which will come into effect in the latter half of 2021, sets minimummandatory requirements for energy efficiency, lamp lifetime, and requires that light sources can be easily replaced using commonly available tools. It’s also expected that the UK government will effectively mirror the regulation so that UK and EU regulations remain aligned. Beyond the visible spectrum of light, certain wavelengths can bring about even more potent health and wellness benefits. Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection has been used in air treatment systems since the 1930s to destroy a wide array of indoor airborne pathogens. UV-C lights disinfect surfaces and air by emitting short wavelength light in the 200 to 280 nanometre (nm) range. According to the Centres for Disease Control (CDC), 265 nm is most effective at inactivating viruses due to its ability to render pathogens incapable of replicating by damaging the DNA and RNA strands. Due to the dangers posed by UV, self-contained UV-C disinfection units limit the harmful UV rays to airborne pathogens drawn through the device. Such in-room air disinfection units act as a continuous, vigorous safety measure that can be employed while occupants are in the space. The most advanced versions of these units combine colour-tuning and dimming systems with active air disinfection in the same lighting troffer, thus maximizing the human- centric benefits. Advances in LED and UV-C technologies have enabled simple and affordable retrofits that improve occupant health and wellbeing. Modular HCL systems can be replaced at a lower cost and generate significantly less environmental waste, taking into account the future implications of lighting installed today while maximizing the non-energy benefits in the process. For the immediate future, lighting that provides circadian capabilities will afford significant human comfort, productivity and health benefits while UV related innovations will provide a safer environment that is crucial for bringing people together and back to work. There has never been a better time to direct your attention up, to your lighting, for triple bottom line benefits: health, environmental, and financial.