L08: Occupant Control of Lighting Environments

(2 points)

INTENT

Provide individuals with access to lighting environments that can be customized to their requirements.

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires projects to implement innovative lighting strategies that take into account personal preferences of users as well as their interaction with the physical space. 

ISSUE

Humans spend about 90% of their time indoors and the ambience of the indoor environments has an impact on the well-being and productivity of occupants. Lighting in a space has been shown to have a positive impact on mood and cognitive performance. Lighting environments that are customizable by individuals have been shown to improve satisfaction levels.

The ages of occupants have an impact on the light levels required for visual acuity. Lighting guidelines recommend twice the light levels for individuals over the age of 65 years compared to individuals between the ages of 25 years and 65 years. As humans age, the transmission of light through their lens is reduced. This is due to age related changes including increased light absorption by the lenses , smaller pupil size, increased scattering of light due to thicker lenses and yellowing of the lenses .

SOLUTIONS

Developing a lighting environment that not only seeks to satisfy the visual and circadian requirements of individuals, but also creates a customizable environment helps to improve the productivity, mood and well-being. Innovative lighting strategies, including the customization of a user’s immediate environment, can contribute to occupant satisfaction with the space. Creating zones with lighting conditions that are distinct from the lighting in regular work spaces can create a comfortable and informal environment that individuals can utilize for social interaction.

IMPACT

Lighting environments can help to improve mental health, reduce stress and improve visual acuity.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Enhance Occupant Controllability (1 point)

Verified by Professional Narrative

For All Spaces

Ambient lighting systems in regularly occupied spaces meet the following requirements:

1. Light systems are tunable and automated to meet the circadian and visual requirements of the occupants.

2. Occupants have control of light levels, color temperature and color of electric light in their immediate environment and can override automated settings for at least 30% of operating hours. 

Part 2

Provide Supplemental Lighting (1 point)

Verified by Policy Document, Photographic evidence

For All Spaces except Dwelling Units

The following requirements are met:

1. Supplemental light fixtures meet the following requirements:

   1. Can increase the light level on the task surface to at least twice the recommended light levels based on the reference used to meet Part 1: Light Levels for Visual Acuity in Feature L02: Visual Lighting Design.
   2. Are provided at no cost upon request.

2. Requests for supplemental light fixtures are met within eight weeks of request. 

ADDITIONAL POINT OPPORTUNITY
To earn an additional point for Commercial Core, projects should achieve the requirements in all leased spaces.

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