On 20 AUG, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM ET, the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Federal Facilities Council will host a virtual roundtable discussion on Circadian Solutions for Healthier Buildings. This event, managed by the National Academy of Sciences, aims to address the barriers to implementing circadian-effective lighting in federal facilities.
The Importance of Circadian Solutions for Healthier Buildings
Traditional lighting design has primarily focused on visual performance, ensuring adequate illumination for tasks and safety. However, recent scientific research highlights the significant role of lighting in regulating our circadian rhythms—the internal biological clock that aligns our behavior and physiology with the natural light-dark cycle of sunrise and sunset. Disruption of this synchrony can lead to inconsistent sleep patterns, diminished daytime performance, and long-term health consequences.
Image provided by Mt. Sinai’s Light & Health Research Center
Circadian-effective lighting, when delivered at the appropriate time, intensity, spectrum, and duration, has been shown to improve sleep quality and confer various health benefits. In addition, UL Solutions has developed an innovative tool, Circadian Product iQ, aimed at revolutionizing the way lighting designers, architects, and manufacturers approach circadian-effective lighting design.Despite these advantages, the commercial sector has been slow to adopt lighting solutions designed to enhance sleep and health, often prioritizing energy efficiency and visual performance over circadian health.
Addressing the Barriers
The upcoming roundtable will provide a platform for a diverse group of stakeholders—including manufacturers, building owners, academic experts, and representatives from building certification systems—to engage in a productive dialogue about the challenges and opportunities associated with circadian-effective lighting. The session will focus on the following key topics:
- Scientific Evidence on Lighting and Sleep:
- Presentations and discussions on the latest research findings demonstrating the beneficial effects of properly timed and tuned lighting on sleep quality and overall health.
- Importance of Light Exposure:
- Exploration of the mechanisms by which light influences our circadian rhythms, emphasizing the critical need for light to reach the eyes at specific times to regulate our biological clock effectively.
- Perceived Barriers to Implementation:
- Identification and discussion of the obstacles that hinder the widespread adoption of circadian-effective lighting in buildings, including regulatory, financial, and logistical challenges.
- Strategies for Overcoming Barriers:
- Development of actionable plans and strategies to address the identified barriers, with input from all stakeholders on potential solutions and best practices.
GSA’s Role and Commitment
The GSA recognizes the importance of integrating electric lighting and daylighting strategies that support circadian health in building design and operations. During the roundtable, GSA representatives will share their perspectives on the role of lighting in regulating biological rhythms and improving occupant well-being. The GSA’s commitment to advancing circadian-effective lighting practices aligns with its broader mission to enhance the health and performance of federal building occupants.
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