Appropriate lighting design along with the correct selection of luminaires is essential to provide an environment that will aid the recovery of a patient. The correct ambience can affect mood and perception as well as enabling critical chemical reactions in the body. The design of luminaires also needs to take into account infection control, whether minimising horizontal surfaces to reduce dust collection, or for ease of maintenance and cleaning.

Reducing energy use and consequently reducing the generation of Carbon Dioxide today is an important consideration for any site. This is not only important for financial implications but today reducing our carbon footprint is also of social importance. Many companies and government institutions these days have carbon targets and actions plans in place.

Thorlux is committed to minimising the environmental impact of both its manufacturing processes and its products. However, even with the most responsible approach, some carbon dioxide (CO2) will be released into the atmosphere as an indirect result of factory and selling activities and customers’ use of luminaires. In 2009, Thorlux established an ambitious carbon-offsetting scheme to help compensate for these emissions. The company has chosen to plant trees. Why trees? Trees and other plants absorb CO2 during photosynthesis. One tree grown to maturity in open space can absorb approximately 1 tonne of CO2 over its lifetime. A forest covering many acres can effectively lock up CO2, creating a ‘carbon sink’. The scheme is now accredited under the Woodland Carbon Code. On its own land in Monmouthshire, Wales, Thorlux has to date planted 70000 trees.

The use of energy efficient lighting can play a large role in reducing energy costs as typically lighting can account for over 35% of the electricity used in a typical hospital*. Energy costs are going to be a major challenge for healthcare providers over the next decade, highlighting the importance of evaluating lighting projects on a whole life cost basis.

Lighting must enable the performance of a range of visual tasks by all healthcare staff, from examination to night time observations. A range of non-medical functions need to be considered including cleaning, distribution of meals etc. The lighting has to be simple to control and intuitive to switch providing a range of lighting options allowing all healthcare professionals to focus on the task at hand. The correct lighting and quality of lighting can also enhance the well-being of staff, and help staff appreciate their workplace.

Lighting must contribute to an overall ambience of comfort, safety and reassurance for visitors. It can also help to encourage positive feelings from their visit.