Let There Be Light Control for Productivity

Lighting requirements to enhance productivity and comfort have been proposed for ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1-2011.

This proposal addresses subsections 8.3.6.1 and 8.3.6.2, which require that occupants of certain space types be given some level of control over the light levels in that space.

Citing a research study on the effects of lighting on office workers, the proposal notes “Normally, the persistence and vigilance of office workers will decline over the course of a workday. However, the presence of personal control of their lighting increased subject motivation allowing workers to sustain their performance – they persisted longer on difficult tasks and were more accurate on a task requiring sustained attention.”

To comment on proposed changes or for more information, visit www.ashrae.com/publicreviews.