Commercial lighting is ever-evolving due to the introduction of new technologies and the emergence of new aesthetic preferences. Now that we’re well into the new year, let’s take a look ahead to 2022 and see what could change in terms of lighting for the commercial areas.
Constant Shifts at the Grocery Store
After Amazon announced plans to introduce checkout-free food shops, the industry’s major supermarket chains raced to test the concept for themselves. In the next years, this will be the norm for grocery stores. What does this have to do with lighting in stores? The bare facts are that CCTV and improved illumination are used in checkout-free businesses to accurately bill customers for the items they select.
Because of this requirement, supermarket lighting will undergo a radical transformation, with fluorescent lights gradually being phased out. Thus, the focus will shift from strictly utilitarian ceiling lighting, as has been the standard for decades, to illuminating the items on the shelves, with modular aisle luminaires poised to become the next great fad. In addition to dimming the overhead lights, these formerly lifeless spaces will also benefit from the introduction of accent lighting. This will also lessen glare, allowing cameras a clearer view of shoppers’ basket contents.
Supermarkets will then have properly lit shelves with lights that can be pointed at cameras and adjusted for the atmosphere. Smaller lights used strategically can help cut energy use and expenses.
Combining Bright and Dim Elements
As the preference for contrasting light and dark spreads through high-end shopping, it may become common practice to switch off all ceiling lighting during business hours. Retail architects are eliminating ceiling light pollution to make products sparkle for shoppers, much as the stars shine better when there is no light pollution from the surrounding surroundings. The energy-efficient LEDs are employed in innovative ways to vary the color, color temperature, and brightness of the lighting to draw attention to items and displays in the aisles and along the walls
Natural light
As the pandemic restrictions ease and more individuals transition back to the office, we can expect a rise in the adoption of natural daylight in lighting design among businesses in 2022. This trend will involve the use of LED bulbs that replicate the qualities of natural daylight, including the ability to adjust brightness and color temperature to align with the time of day.
This type of lighting has gained popularity in public places for several different reasons. 84% of workers reported fewer headaches, eye strain, and impaired vision when working in workplaces with natural sunshine or daylight bulbs. It can even improve sleep by regulating hormones, leading to a higher quality of life and more efficiency at work.
Eco-friendly light bulbs
Businesses in the UK have little choice but to become more sustainable to satisfy government net-zero objectives and the rising demand from green customers. Since lighting accounts for around 10% of a company’s total energy consumption, more businesses will choose to switch to energy-efficient LEDs in 2022. LEDs are the best option for reducing your carbon footprint and your electric cost since they convert more energy into light than any other type of bulb.
Since lighting accounts for as much as 95% of a warehouse’s total energy usage, it stands to gain the most from switching to LED lighting as energy costs continue to rise through 2022. The usage of LEDs would significantly reduce both prices and carbon footprints within the fast-expanding industry, as rising internet sales pushed UK storage capacity up by 3.4 million square meters just last year.
Intelligent LED Settings
In 2022, smart LED lighting controls are expected to become more widely used as businesses embrace digital transformation. These smart solutions not only provide businesses more control and flexibility over their lighting, but they also boost lighting efficiency by making use of both natural light and occupancy sensors. By allowing for centralized lighting management, organizations may set up distinct lighting zones for various locations and set those zones to automatically adjust based on predetermined criteria. This can make it easier to quickly adapt rooms to a variety of purposes. Meanwhile, smart emergency lighting systems have built-in self-testing features that inform maintenance employees promptly when an issue emerges, reducing the workload for both parties.
In Conclusion
The demand for sustainability, energy efficiency, and staying competitive in the digital era is driving significant changes in the commercial lighting sector. In 2022, we can expect exciting advancements in lighting design and technology that will transform commercial interiors. As an NICEIC-approved electrical contractor, Quest Electrical offers nationwide commercial lighting services. To learn more about our offerings, please visit our Commercial Lighting page.
