Good lighting promotes energy efficient behaviour

Around 20 % of all electrical energy goes to lighting. There is a strong need to make this figure lower. Our research group has for more than a decade worked with the problem how to reduce the energy use for lighting, but at the same time provide better lighting conditions to meet human needs. The work comprises both laboratory studies and field studies. Two different tracks have been used: One that relates to daylight, since this light source gives us the complete spectral composition and it is available when we should be awake. The other, electric lighting, should be seen as a compliment to daylight. The introduction of light emitting diodes (LED) reduces the energy use if it is used in the right way. We have investigated people’s tendency to use light in a more efficient way but also how they experience different lighting solutions. The studies also investigate different ways to prompt a more energy efficient behavior in relation to lighting use. The results suggest there is a large potential to change human lighting behavior more sustainable.