UL Solutions’ New Tool Brings Manufacturers and Specifiers Together
Nowadays, most people spend the majority of their time indoors, and the impact of lighting on human health has become a significant area of research. There is some dispute about the details – how much light is needed during the day? What wavelengths are most effective and which should be avoided in the evening? But, researchers broadly agree about the basic facts – humans need bright, abundant light during the day and very little light at night.
Despite this consensus, the industry has been slow to implement circadian effective lighting solutions.
Recognizing the need to close the gap between understanding and implementation, 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.
Understanding Circadian Lighting
Circadian lighting refers to lighting solutions designed to mimic the natural variations in light intensity and color temperature experienced throughout the day. By aligning indoor lighting with the body’s natural circadian rhythm, these solutions aim to improve sleep quality, reduce daytime sleepiness, and mitigate negative health impacts associated with artificial lighting.
The Need for Circadian Product iQ
Until now, locating circadian lighting products tailored to specific project requirements has been a challenge for specifiers. Likewise, manufacturers faced hurdles in effectively showcasing the circadian capabilities of their products to potential clients. This gap in the industry prompted UL Solutions to develop Circadian Product iQ, a comprehensive tool that streamlines the process of identifying and evaluating circadian lighting solutions.
Features and Functionality
Circadian Product iQ offers a range of features designed to empower users in their quest for optimal indoor lighting solutions.
Manufacturers can submit products to be tested in UL’s own laboratory. The circadian performance of the luminaire in each of the three primary measurement methods is calculated under standardized conditions and added to the database.
Specifiers can then easily differentiate luminaires based on circadian ratings, enabling informed decision-making during the lighting design process. This comparative analysis empowers users to select the most suitable products for their specific project requirements.
Circadian Product iQ is a simple, searchable online database, providing users with easy access to circadian data for a wide range of tested products.
Empowering Designers and Manufacturers
Circadian Product iQ offers a win-win solution for both designers and manufacturers. Designers gain access to a wealth of circadian data, enabling them to make informed decisions and prioritize human-centric lighting design principles. Meanwhile, manufacturers can effectively showcase the circadian capabilities of their products, enhancing their competitiveness in the market.
The Path Forward
As the demand for circadian lighting solutions continues to grow, tools like Circadian Product iQ are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of indoor lighting design. By prioritizing human health and well-being, stakeholders across the industry can collectively contribute to creating healthier, more sustainable indoor environments.
Circadian Product iQ represents a significant leap forward in the quest for circadian-friendly lighting solutions. With its user-friendly interface, comprehensive database, and commitment to promoting human-centric design principles, this innovative tool is set to transform the way we illuminate our indoor spaces for the better.