Lighting Council of Australia has prepared an introductory guide outlining the benefits of lighting controls. Lighting Controls Introduction explains the part that lighting controls systems play in achieving an energy efficient lighting design; increased comfort, safety, convenience, health and well-being of building occupants; aesthetic appeal of building interiors and exteriors; and installation cost reductions, building flexibility, maintenance improvements and compliance with building regulations. 

Lighting Council Australia's CEO, Bryan Douglas, said that using lighting controls can cut energy bills, reduce greenhouse emissions and make a lighting system flexible and convenient to use.

‘For example, using a light level switch to control external building lighting will mean that external lights are not left on in the day time’, he said. 

‘Occupancy sensors and automatic light dimmers can switch or dim lighting automatically so that spaces are lit to pre-determined illumination levels and only when occupied. Overriding such systems is possible’, he added. 

‘Research is starting to affirm that productivity benefits and increased learning outcomes can result from varying lighting intensity and colour due to reinforced circadian rhythms’, Mr Douglas said. 

Lighting controls can provide conveniences and benefits for all types of buildings and applications. Designers, installers, specifiers and building owners should discuss their needs with their lighting equipment supplier or refer to the capability section of the Lighting Council Australia website - www.lightingcouncil.com.au 

The lighting controls introduction is available in PDF format and may be downloaded here.