THE ENERGY AND

RESOURCES INSTITUTE
Creating Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Guidelines for
Optimum Visual Comfort
derived from key performance parameters

Mahindra-TERI
Centre of Excellence
 Guidelines for
optimum visual comfort
derived from key performance
parameters

THE ENERGY AND

RESOURCES INSTITUTE
Creating Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future
© The Energy and Resources Institute 2021

Suggested format for citation

TERI. 2021. Guidelines for optimum visual comfort derived from key performance parameters New
Delhi: The Energy and Resources Institute.

THE TEAM

Technical Team

Mr Deepak Singh Rana, Associate Fellow, TERI

Ms Riya Malhotra, Project Associate, TERI

Support Team

Mr Dharmender Kumar, Administrative Officer, TERI

Technical Reviewer

Mr. Gulshan Aghi, Director – Sunvisor Engineers Private Limited, Co-founder & CSO Intercraft IoT,
Past president ISLE

Editorial and Design

Ms Sushmita Ghosh, Rajiv Sharma, Sudeep Pawar and Vijay Nipane

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Project Monitoring Cell

TERI, Darbari Seth Block, IHC Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110 003, India
Tel.: +91 11 2468 2100 or 2468 2111 | Fax: +91 11 2468 2144 or 2468 2145
Email: [email protected] | Web: www.teriin.org
 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS iii

Contents
List of Figures v
List of Tables vi
Foreword vii
Terms and Definitions ix
Introduction 1
What is Visual Comfort? 3
Parameters Affecting Visual Comfort 3
Illuminance 4
Surface Reflectance 6
Uniformity Ratio 9
Glare 9
Electric Lighting Systems 11
Fundamental Lighting Systems 11
Ambient Lighting 12
Task Lighting 12
Accent Lighting 13
Hardware 14
Luminaires 14
Ballast 15
LED Drivers 17
Internal vs. External LED Drivers 17
Lighting Styles 18
Sustainability in Lighting Systems and Design 18
Basic Steps for Designing 20
Lumen Method Calculations 20
Using Photometric Data 21
Practices for Optimum Visual Comfort 23
Location of Luminaire 23
Daylight on the working plane in a room 25
WORKS CITED 26
List of Figures
FIGURE 1: Luminous intensity and illuminance 4
FIGURE 2: Factors affecting illumination levels 5
FIGURE 3:Task, immediate surroundings, and background areas 5
FIGURE 4: Application of cylindrical illuminance [2] 5
FIGURE 5: Surface reflectance at various surfaces 7
FIGURE 6: Comparison of the room with blinds raised and lowered showing the effect of changing the
window wall reflectance 8
FIGURE 7: Electric lighting systems 11
FIGURE 8: Ambient lighting with multiple light sources in a workspace 12
FIGURE 9: Task lighting in a workspace 13
FIGURE 10: Accent lighting in a workspace 13
FIGURE 11: Accent lighting in a home environment 14
FIGURE 12: Lamps grouping and hierarchy [13] 15
FIGURE 13: The working of a ballast in a florescent lamp 16
FIGURE 14: Typical performance curve LED driver [16] 17
FIGURE 15: Internal vs. External LED Drivers [16] 18
FIGURE 16: Mounting options for downlights: recessed, semi-recessed, surface, pendant and wall
mounting 18
FIGURE 17: Mounting options for louvered luminaires: recessed ceiling, surface, mounting on tracks,
walls, floor-standing or pendant mounting 18
FIGURE 18: Sample polar intensity curve 21
 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS v

List of Tables
TABLE 1: Illuminance range as per codes and rating system 4
TABLE 2: Surface reflectance range as per standard codes and rating systems for office space 8
TABLE 3: Surface reflectance range as per standard codes and rating systems for residential spaces 8
TABLE 4: Uniformity ratio as per different codes and rating system 9
TABLE 5: Shielding angle as per different codes and rating system 10
TABLE 6: UGR values of various task areas 10
TABLE 7: Various types of lighting configuration 14
TABLE 8: Requirements luminous efficacy, life, lumen maintenance and colour rendition of light source 16
TABLE 9: Advantages and Disadvantages of different lighting styles 19
 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS vii

Foreword

The Mahindra-TERI Centre of Excellence (CoE) was established to carry out integrated research on
resource efficiency, enhanced occupant comfort, and sustainable construction materials for the building
industry. The objective is to provide validated information on materials, technologies and occupant
comfort pertaining to the built environment with the underlying principles of “Greener yet Cheaper” built
spaces.

Issues related to visual comfort have been persistent for the last many years and have posed a challenge
to building professionals and architects, as these concepts have limited know-how in the Indian geo-
climatic context. Lighting can enhance form and function, improve safety and security that create
good workspaces. Good lighting at the workplace with well-lit task areas is essential for optimizing
visual performance, visual comfort and overall ambience. The impact of good lighting extend beyond
visual effects – they enhance productivity, make the environment more amiable and increase occupant
comfort.

We, at the Mahindra-TERI CoE, are pleased to introduce “Guidelines for optimum visual comfort derived
from key performance parameters” as a step towards achieving visual comfort and glare-free spaces
in the built environment. These guidelines have been prepared to help building professionals, owners
and end-users, to generate awareness on the impacts of glare. It talks about different lighting schemes,
hardware typologies, steps for lighting designing and conclude with best practices for attaining optimum
visual comfort in indoor spaces.

The “Guidelines for optimum visual comfort derived from key performance parameters” has
been developed through a consultative process involving academia, lighting experts and building
professionals. These will keep evolving in keeping with the advancements in technologies and practices
in the urban built environment. I gratefully acknowledge the support of all those associated with the
development of these guidelines and look forward to their continued guidance for their enhancement.

Mr Sanjay Seth
Senior Director, Sustainable
Habitat Programme, TERI
 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS ix

Terms and Definitions

Š Ambient light: The general lighting of the 6000K are used more often in offices and
visual environment is provided by the retail. Very cool temperatures of 6000K plus
ambient light. It is the light which is already can start to look almost blue-white and are
present in the screen without any additional used in car LED headlights.
lighting.
Š Driver: Auxiliary device(s) needed to operate
Š Angle of view: Angle at which an object under and vary the intensity of light output from
view is perceived, measure for the size of the LED lamp source(s) by regulating the voltage
image of the object on the retina of the eye. and current powering the source.
Š Beam angle: A light source's measure of Š Illuminance: Represented by the symbol E
spread is known as the beam angle. It is (lx), illuminance is defined as the ratio of the
measured in degrees. A light's beam angle is amount of luminous flux falling on a surface
determined when its lux level drops to half of to the area of the surface.
the intensity of the centre beam.
Š Luminance: Luminance (cd/m2) describes
Š Cut-off angle: The angle taken from the the brightness of a luminous surface which
horizontal to the line from the inner edge of emits light through either auto luminance (as
the luminaire to the edge of the light source. a light source), transmission, or reflection.
This angle is used to identify the glare Luminance is accordingly defined as the
limitation of a luminaire. ratio of luminous intensity to the area on
Š Colour rendering index: Measurement of a plane at right angles to the direction of
the ability of a light source to reproduce the beam.
colour's vibrancy accurately compared to Š Luminous flux: Represented by the symbol
the reference illuminant (natural light). Light Ï (lm), luminous flux describes the total
sources with a poor CRI (a lower number amount of light emitted by a light source. It
on the scale which goes from 0 to 100) will is calculated from the spectral radiant power
change how some colours appear. by the evaluation with the spectral sensitivity
Š Colour temperature: This term defines of the eye V (¬).
whether a light source appears 'cool', Š Luminous efficacy: Luminous efficacy
'neutral' or 'warm'; this is indicated by the describes the luminous flux of a lamp in
Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT). Colour relation to its power consumption (lm/W).
temperature is measured on the Kelvin (K)
Š Luminous intensity: Represented by the
scale; lamps with a warm appearance have
symbol l (cd), luminous intensity is the
a CCT of 2700-3000K, and are considered
amount of luminous flux radiating in a given
appropriate for domestic settings; neutral
direction (lm/sr). It describes the spatial
lamps of 4000K and cool lamps of around
distribution of the luminous flux.
 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS 1

Introduction
Lighting is vital to the modern world since Access to daylight is also known to be beneficial
it enables a 24-hour society to exist. When to the health and wellbeing of occupants.
electric lighting was first introduced, it was
expensive and available only to a few. However Visual comfort still remains a domain where-
today, it is widely available at a very affordable in most of the cases a quantitative approach
cost. is taken. However, recent studies have shown
the importance of light and visual comfort
Lighting is used for many different purposes, in sleep. Studies have shown the effect of
primarily to ensure the accuracy of visual work, light on our daily circadian cycles. In the last
enhance safety, security, human health and two decades, scientists have discovered a
well-being, improve aesthetics, etc. new type of photoreceptor in the eyes [3], [4].
This photoreceptor via light is responsible for
But lighting comes at a cost, both financial
resetting our body clock (circadian rhythm),
and environmental. The financial cost
disruption of which can have huge impact
involves capital costs, operating costs, and
on our functioning and health. Studies have
disposal costs. The environmental cost can be
shown that disruption of circadian rhythm has
categorized under three groups: generation of
been linked with metabolic disorders, obesity,
electricity to power lighting, chemical pollution
diabetes, and, at times, depression [5] [6]. All of
upon disposal, and light pollution at night. This
this makes understanding the basics of visual
means that lighting recommendations are a
comfort and parameters affecting it even more
balance between the benefits and the costs [1].
critical. This document tries to establish the
Energy reduction in the built environment is a definition of visual comfort, list down various
continuing challenge and the lighting within a parameters affecting it, provide information
major contributor to the energy demands of a regarding different types of lighting system,
building [2]. By carefully selecting luminaires light styles, and hardware associated with it.
and light sources with appropriate controls, This document also presents the basic steps
one can drastically reduce the energy demand. of designing a lighting layout and concludes
Designers and installers can make a significant with the practices to be followed for achieving
impact at an early stage by understanding the optimum visual comfort using electric lighting.
user needs and providing a custom-made
approach.
 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS 3

What is Visual Comfort?

Visual comfort is generally represented as a or building in providing adequate daylight
subjective reaction to the quantity and quality to occupants. Typically, it is represented by
of light within any given space at a given Daylight Autonomy (DA) or Useful Daylight
time. A widely accepted definition of human Illuminance (UDI). Daylight autonomy is
comfort does not exist, but several metrics defined as the percentage of the operating
have been developed to quantify how much period (or a number of hours) that a
users appreciate environments, objects, or particular daylight level exceeds throughout
interfaces. Both too little and too much light the year. Useful daylight illuminance (UDI)
can cause visual discomfort. Visual comfort [8] is a modification of daylight autonomy
encompasses a variety of aspects [6]: conceived by Mardaljevic and Nabil (2005).
This metric, bins hourly time values based
Š Views of outside space and connected to
upon three illumination ranges: 0−100 lux,
nature
100−2000 lux, and over 2000 lux. It provides
Š Light quality full credit only to values between 100 lux
Š Luminosity and 2000 lux suggesting that horizontal
Š Absence of glare illumination values outside of this range
are not useful. These metrics can be used
To define visual comfort, two different
to analyse and evaluate different design
approaches are usually considered:
alternatives to determine which design
Š The most widely accepted approach is the provides more usable daylight in the interior.
‘Non-annoyance approach’ [7] based on the Š Distribution of light as perceived by the eye:
assumption that ‘comfort is not discomfort’. When the light intensity of a room changes,
It is easier to provide a quantitative and the human eye takes some time to adjust
qualitative evaluation of visual discomfort to it. When the lighting levels in a room are
parameters rather than comfort parameters dimmed, there is a difference between the
that do not have a unique definition. actual intensity of dimmed light and the
Š The second approach is the ‘well-being perceived intensity of the dimmed light.
approach’ based on the evaluation of the
positive effects induced by well-being and PARAMETERS AFFECTING
satisfaction. It needs methodologies to
VISUAL COMFORT
define and measure the well-being.
It is relatively easy to identify a comfortable
Multiple metrics exist for assessing visual
environment; however, it becomes a challenge
comfort. The most common comfort metrics
to describe a visually comfortable environment
for lighted environments are based on the ‘Non-
because the effect produced by ‘well-being’ and
annoyance approach’. Non-annoyance approach
‘satisfaction’ levels is not a single effect but a
is based on the following two factors:
generic condition of well-being. If the space is
Š Quantity of natural light around the year: well-lighted, then the subjects usually do not
This metric is about the potential of a space experience any significant visual discomfort.
 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
4 DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS

International Commission on Illumination The 2009 IECC requires that a minimum of 50%
(CIE) documents [7] standards on lighting of the lamps in permanently installed lighting
environments, relevant codes and available fixtures be high-efficacy lamps (2009 IECC,
research, results specifying/recognizing the Section 404.1). The 2012 IECC has increased
following parameters as relevant for visual the minimum percentage from 50% to 75%,
comfort in indoor lighting: along with an exception for low-voltage lighting
(2012 IECC, Section R404.1).
1. Illuminance
2. Surface reflectance TABLE 1: Illuminance range as per codes and
3. Uniformity ratio rating system
4. Glare Parameter Codes/Rating Range
system
ILLUMINANCE Illuminance EN 12464-1 500 lux
Illuminance is a measure of how much the (at work Immediate
incident light illuminates the surface and is surface, surrounding
measured in lux. It is the total luminous flux horizontal) illuminance: 300 lux
incident on a surface per unit area (lumen per Background area
m²). The basic representation of illuminance is illuminance: 100 lux
given in Figure 1. NBC 2016 300−500−750 lux
GRIHA V - 300−500−750 lux
Illuminance and its distribution on the task area 2015
and on the surrounding area have a greater The WELL 300−500 lux
impact on how quickly, safely, and comfortably Building
a person perceives and carries out the visual Standards if ambient lighting ≤
300 lux
task (European standard EN-12464-1, Light v 1 with May
and lighting - Lighting of workplaces - Part 1: 2016 addenda
Indoor workplaces, June 2011). CIBSE Code 300 lux: mainly
for lighting screen-based tasks
Various codes and standards specify the
500 lux: paper-
minimum level of illuminance over the
based tasks
task area on the reference surface. The
average illuminance should not fall below There are numerous ways and methods of
the recommended values (in lux). A typical devising the minimum illumination levels at any
example of illuminance at a horizontal work given surface. These levels vary based on the
surface (office) is given in Table 1. type of task to be conducted in that particular

FIGURE 1: Luminous intensity and illuminance

 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS 5

space. The recommendations for minimum

illumination levels are detailed for specific
task areas based on the factors discussed in
Figure 2.

The standard is based on illuminating the task

area and not the total space with references
to the areas referred to as ‘immediate
surroundings’ with a minimum bandwidth of
0.5 m, and ‘background area’ with illumination
ratios to the task and each other. The standard FIGURE 2: Factors affecting illumination levels
also details the uniformities of the respective
areas in place of the whole workspace. Background area

Typically, if the task area is illuminated to

500 lux the immediate surroundings should ≥3 m

be at least 300 lux, whilst the background

area should be illuminated to a one-third the ≥0.5 m
Task area
value of the immediate surroundings. Figure 3
depicts illuminance for task, immediate, and
background areas [9].
Immediate
For residential sector there is no prevalent surrounding area

codes/standards specifying the Illuminance FIGURE 3:Task, immediate surroundings, and

levels. However IESNA (Illuminating background areas

1200 to 1600 mm zone above floor level where mean

cylindrical illuminance should be > 150 lux with U > 0.1

Task area illuminaon

300 to 500 lux

Modelling rao
between task
area cylindrical
illuminance
0.3 to0.6

FIGURE 4: Application of cylindrical illuminance [2]

 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
6 DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS

Engineering Society of North America) in its SURFACE REFLECTANCE

Lighting Handbook has specified illuminance
levels. Below are the illumination levels Surface reflectance is the ratio of luminous flux
specified in the IESNA documents below [11]: reflected by a body (with or without diffusion)
to the flux it receives (National Building Code of
India, Volume 2, 2016).

Areas/Tasks Illuminance

For Specific Visual Tasks Lux

Dining 100-150-200

Reading (Casual, Normal, Books, Magazine, Papers) 200-300-500

Kitchen Counter (Range, Sink, Non-Critical) 200-300-500

Laundry (Preparation at tubs, washer, and dryer) 200-300-500

Ironing 200-300-500

Grooming 200-300-500

Multi-Purpose Tables 200-300-500

Full Length Mirror 200-300-500

Hand and Machine Sewing (Occasional, High Contrast) 200-300-500

Music Study (Simple Scores) 200-300-500

Workbench Hobbies 200-300-500

Reading (Handwriting, Reproductions, Poor Copies) 500-750-1000

Study (Prolonged, Serious or Critical) 500-750-1000

Kitchen Counter (Range, Sink, Difficult Seeing) 500-750-1000

Hand and Machine Sewing (Light to Medium Fabrics) 500-750-1000

Workbench Hobbies (Difficult Tasks) 500-750-1000

Easel Hobbies 500-750-1000

For General Lighting

General Lighting 50-75-100

Conversation, Relaxation, and Entertainment 50-75-100

Passageways 50-75-100
 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS 7

Ceiling cavity reflectance 0.6 minimum

Rela ve ceiling illuminance 0.3 to 0.9

Rela ve wall illuminance 0.5 to 0.6

Effec ve wall reflectance 0.3 to 0.7

Task
illuminance
0.3

Window wall
reflectance = 0.6

Effec ve
cavity reflectance 0.3 to 0.7

FIGURE 5: Surface reflectance at various surfaces

 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
8 DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS

Reflectance creates a well-balanced Reflectance values described in various codes

luminance distribution. If reflectance is more and standards are given in Table 2.
than the desired range, it will contribute to
Reflectance is dependent on various factors.
high luminance, which will cause glare. If
The finishes and paints of the wall play a crucial
reflectance is lower than the desired range,
role in determining the overall reflectance. An
it will contribute to low luminance, which
example of effect of reflectance via blinds is
results in a dull and non-stimulating working
shown in Figure 6.
environment (European standard EN-12464-
1, Light and lighting - Lighting of workplaces Figure 6 clearly shows the increased level of
- Part 1: Indoor workplaces, June 2011). illuminance when the blinds are up. However,

TABLE 2: Surface reflectance range as per standard codes and rating systems for office space
Parameter Codes/ Rating system Range
Ceiling Walls Floors Furniture
Reflectance EN 12464-1 0.7–0.9 0.5–0.8 0.2–0.4 0.2–0.7

CIBSE Code for Lighting 0.7–0.9 0.5–0.8 0.2–0.4 0.2–0.7

LEED 85% 60% 25% Work Surfaces: 45%
v4.1 Interior Design Movable Partitions: 50%
The WELL Building Standards ≥ 0.8 ≥ 0.7 ≥ 0.5
v 1 with May 2016 addenda
NBC 2016 For ceilings and walls
Dark colours Middle Light White and very light
: 0.1 tints : 0.3 colours: 0.5 colours : 0.7

TABLE 3: Surface reflectance range as per standard codes and rating systems for residential spaces
Parameter Codes/ Rating system Range
Ceiling Walls Floors
Reflectance IESNA Lighting Handbook 60% - 90% 35% - 60%* 15% - 35%*
* in areas where lighting for specific visual tasks takes precedence over lighting for the environment, the minimum reflectance should be 40% for
the walls and 25% for the floors

FIGURE 6: Comparison of the room with blinds raised and lowered showing the effect of changing
the window wall reflectance
 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS 9

when the blinds are down, the overall GLARE

illuminance at the workplace reduces because
of their lower reflectance. Room surface finishes Glare is the sensation produced by bright areas
can play a significant role in maximizing the within the field of view. It may be experienced
efficiency of a lighting system because lighter either as discomfort glare or as disability glare.
finishes can produce relatively higher light The glare caused by reflections in specular
levels and perceptions of brightness. In fact, surfaces is usually known as veiling reflections
in an existing space with a large area of dark or reflected glare.
surfaces, the light levels and visual comfort In interior workplaces, discomfort glare may
can be improved almost immediately by simply arise directly from bright luminaires or windows.
repainting the walls a lighter colour as it will Glare from windows can be minimized either
improve reflectance. by using shading devices such as louvers,
external hoods, curtains, or by cross-lighting
UNIFORMITY RATIO the surroundings to a comparable level. For
glare produced by electric lighting, shielding
Uniformity ratio plays a vital role in improving
is used. While technically both shading and
user perception, visual acuity, and overall
shielding are almost the same and used to
visibility. When referring to light uniformity
either diffuse the light to reduce the luminance
of an area, the task area in which the objects
or shield the source from view, the slight
and immediate surroundings are considered.
difference in language helps in differentiating
Uniformity ratio as defined in EN- 12464-1 is
between lighting and daylighting.
the ratio of minimum to average illuminance
in the visual task area (European standard For electric lamps, the minimum shielding
EN-12464-1, Light and lighting - Lighting of angles for lamp luminance shall not be less
workplaces - Part 1: Indoor workplaces, June than the values given in Table 5.
2011). A working environment should ideally
Shielding angle is the angle between the
be the one in which the occupants do not notice
horizontal plane and the first line of sight at
different lighting levels with the naked eye and
which the luminous parts of the lamps in the
feel themselves in an environment in which
luminaire are directly visible.
the light is well-distributed. The higher the
uniformity ratio, the better is the uniformity, If discomfort glare limits are met, disability glare
which will make people more comfortable. is not usually a major problem. For determining
the rating of discomfort glare directly from the
TABLE 4: Uniformity ratio as per different codes
and rating system luminaires of an indoor lighting installation,
CIE Unified Glare Rating (UGR) tabular method
Parameter Codes/Rating Range shall be used.
system
Uniformity EN 12464-1 Task area ≥ 0.6
The UGR rating helps to determine how likely
Ratio Immediate a luminaire is to cause discomfort to those
surrounding around it.
illuminance: ≥ 0.4
There are generally two methods of reducing
Background area
illuminance: ≥ 0.1 the glare that is present in relation to interior
GRIHA V - 2015 Min. 0.4 lighting [10]:
NBC 2016 Min. 0.7 Š To use luminaires that are UGR<19 rated
 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
10 DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS

Š To ensure that the lighting design is The series of UGR is: 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, and
appropriate for the environment it is being 28. In most situations, the less the glare the
used in, i.e. the correct number and position better, so a low UGR is better than a high UGR.
of luminaires Some of the typical spaces with maximum
UGR value is provided in Table 6 [11].

TABLE 5: Shielding angle as per different codes and rating system

Parameter Codes/ Rating Range
system
Shielding NBC 2016 Lamp Luminance (kcd/m²) 1 to 20 20 to 50 50 to 500 ≥ 500
angle Min. Shielding angle 10° 15° 20° 30°
w.r.t lamp
The WELL Building Lamp Luminance (kcd/m²) 1 to 20 20 to 50 50 to 500 ≥ 500
luminance
Standards
v 1 with May 2016 Min. Shielding angle No shielding 15° 20° 30°
addenda required
EN 12464-1 Lamp Luminance (kcd/m²) 1 to 20 20 to 50 50 to 500 ≥ 500
Min. Shielding angle - 15° 20° 30°

Note: The above-mentioned shielding angle should not be applied to luminaires that do not appear in the field of view of a worker during usual
work and/or do not give the worker any noticeable disability glare

TABLE 6: UGR values of various task areas

BS EN 12464 table Type of area, task or activity (no. of sub-divisions) Maximum UGR

5.1.1 Circulation areas and corridors 28

5.1.3 Elevators, lifts 25

5.2.1 Canteens, pantries 22

5.2.2 Rest rooms 22

5.26.2 Offices: Writing, typing, reading, data processing 19

5.26.5 Offices: Conference and meeting rooms 19

5.26.6 Offices: Reception desk 22

5.29.2 Places of public assembly – Restaurants and hotels - Kitchen 22

 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS 11

Electric Lighting Systems

FUNDAMENTAL LIGHTING the requirements necessary for good lighting
quality are more likely to change over time
SYSTEMS
and space and, hence, will not be achievable
Extensive interest has developed in light and
through the use of lighting recommendations
electric lighting systems owing to the growing
alone. Therefore, each lighting solution must
awareness of better architectural quality
and visual comfort, which has increased the be designed specifically and not generically. To
demand for good electric lighting. A variety enable users to perform visual tasks efficiently
of light sources and luminaires are now and accurately, adequate and appropriate
available and researched upon that focus lighting should be selected and provided. The
on the technical progress to expand the illumination levels can be achieved by multiple
scope of lighting technology, and this has,
light sources including daylighting, artificial
in turn, led to the growth of more specialized
lighting, or a combination of both, where the
lighting equipment and tools. It is this fact
that makes it more difficult for the electric degree of visibility and visual comfort required
lighting designer to be adequately informed in a wide range of spaces is governed by the
regarding the comprehensive range of lamps type and the duration of the activity performed.
and luminaires available and to decide on the
correct surrounding parameters and technical Hence, in order to understand the implications
solutions to meet the lighting requirements and fundamentals of the lighting systems
of a specific project. The balance of lighting better, we need to understand the different
system to be thus really good, the lighting has types and combinations of lighting sources,
to be matched in some way to the particular hardware and lighting styles, which we majorly
environment and should be task appropriate.
incorporate to design an electric lighting
In order to achieve these lighting solutions, a system.
combination of architectural design and the
specificity of placement of lighting suggests that

Luminaire
Ambient
Lighng
Lamps Hardware
Fundamental Task ELECTRIC
&
Lighng Lighng LIGHTING
Ballasts, Lighng
Systems SYSTEMS
Drivers Styles
Accent
Lighng
Controls

FIGURE 7: Electric lighting systems

 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
12 DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS

Ambient Lighting Task Lighting

Ambient lighting, also known as general Task lighting is the additional lighting of a
lighting, is used as a primary lighting source room that goes beyond general lighting in
in a working space. It ensures comfortable conjugation with ambient lighting to meet
illumination, glare-free environment, and the demands of any specific visual task or
appropriate brightness level, which act as task area. It is to be noted that not all tasks
foundation or the first layer of the lighting require same level of illumination level. For
placement of all other lights in the room. It is example, in a typical office, task lighting might
also considered as an important and dominant be accomplished with a system of luminaires
source of establishing the feel and mood of the on the desks or a system of ceiling-mounted
space. luminaires correlated to the desk locations.
These are designed and controlled to affect
Ambient lighting selection depends on the only specific task areas being lighted.
following factors:
Task lighting control strategies vary depending
Š Size of the room on the following applications:
Š Natural source of light, which may enter the Š The extent of ambient and accent lighting
room and contribute to lighting the indoor
Š The extent of daylighting and its integration
environment
with electric lighting, and the ambient
Ceiling decorative mounted lights, wall mounted lighting
ambient lights (e.g. for staircase and landing
The control of task lighting can offer significant
area), floor recessed ambient lights, etc. with a energy reductions provided the function does
combination of fixtures from track lights, down not interfere with the expected use of the
lights, fan lights, cove, wall scone, or any other facility. Task lighting along with other ambient
type of fixture with the ability to produce a wide or accent lighting are therefore designed to
beam span can be used as ambient lighting. classify lighting in accordance with code-

FIGURE 8: Ambient lighting with multiple light sources in a workspace

 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS 13

FIGURE 9: Task lighting in a workspace

and/or standards-definitions for purposes of they allow precision focusing on small areas
meeting their respective requirements. or objects. It also adds style and drama to a
space, and is especially suited to living and
garden areas, entrances, and anywhere the
Accent Lighting
goal is to display special features.
The main purpose of accent lighting is to
highlight a specific object or an area. They Accent lighting is a necessity in many
are generally three times as bright as ambient situations as it also minimizes the fatiguing
lights. Accent lighting draws attention to a effects of long-term close-up viewing of tasks
feature, such as planters, sculptures, artwork, and provides visual relief. Fixtures such as wall
furnishings or any other architectural details, lights, recessed spot lighting, track lighting,
converting them into focal points. For this type wall-mounted picture lights are commonly
of lighting, adjustable fittings are preferred as used for accent lighting.

FIGURE 10: Accent lighting in a workspace

 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
14 DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS

FIGURE 11: Accent lighting in a home environment

HARDWARE lamps to the power supply [12]. The luminaire’s

function is to direct light to appropriate
Luminaires locations, without causing glare or discomfort.
A luminaire is a complete lighting unit, With thousands of different luminaires made by
comprising a light source (lamp or lamps), hundreds of manufacturers, more luminaires
together with parts that distribute the light, are available in the market than any other type
position and protect the lamps, and connect the of lighting equipment.

TABLE 7: Various types of lighting configuration

Task Light Task lighting is the additional lighting of Recessed Cove A recessed cove fixture is fixed in a
a room, which goes beyond the general Light light cove, which is built above the
lighting. In conjugation with ambient ceiling at the intersection point of the
lighting, it meets the demands of any ceiling and the wall. These fixtures
specific visual task or work that is being generally function to direct the light
done. Task lights can be table lamps, towards the wall. It is important to
focus lights, lights mounted to desks, note that the height of the trim at
under the cabinet lights, or any lighting the edge of the cove fixture should
that helps people see their work better. be tall enough to hide the lighting
fixture.

Wall Wash Wall wash fixtures are recessed lights with Wall Scone A wall scone is typically a wall
reflectors that direct the light towards the lighting fixture that is installed
wall. It ‘washes’ the wall or distributes using the support of the wall. Such
the wall with uniform illumination than lights are usually directed upwards
creating a focused beam of light at a or downwards to provide general
particular area. They are most often used lighting in the room. A sconce owes
to highlight art, signage, or other items its existence to the pre-modern age,
on a wall. In many cases, wall washers when such fixtures were used to hold
are recessed fixtures, sometimes with candles and torches. The modern
a socket or ‘eyeball’ style, featuring a wall sconces come in a wide variety
housing that moves by hand, allowing you of shapes and sizes for decorative
to turn and angle the light as needed to purposes and, generally, require
achieve the desired effect. some sort of electric light source that
connects within the fixture.
 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS 15

Direct / Indirect A direct/indirect pendant is a ceiling- Under Cabinet Under cabinets lights are task-
pendant mounted lighting fixture that directs Light specific lighting. These lights are
the light upwards and downwards often mounted below cabinets/
simultaneously. These types of fixtures shelves so that the objects on the
thus provide a combination of general counter below can be seen easily.
lighting and task lighting, and are widely These can be found in kitchen,
used in offices and commercial spaces. accessory showcase, etc. in homes
These fixtures are designed in variations and in offices. They are generally
to enable designers with control over the controlled from a nearby switch or a
light distribution up and down as per the switch on the light fixture.
requirements.

Lamps Ballast
Ballast is a device connected between the
A lamp is an artificial source of light. Over the
supply and one or more discharge lamps. It
last 100 years, lamps have become an integral
serves mainly to limit the current of the lamp(s)
part of our daily lives. Various types of lamps
to the required value [1]. Some of the functions
are available in the market. These lamps differ
of ballast are mentioned here:
in their operating principle, materials used, and
importantly – their energy efficiency. 1. It transforms the supply voltage, correcting
the power factor, either alone or in
The grouping of these various types of lamps
combination with a secondary starting
has been illustrated in Figure 12.
device, providing the necessary conditions.
The types of lamps differentiate on various 2. Without a ballast to limit the current flow, an
factors such as wattage, efficacy, average life. electric-discharge lamp connected directly
Detailed information is provided in Table 6: to a high voltage power source would rapidly

Electrically powered lamps

Incandescent lamps Luminscent lamps

Incandescent Halogen ESL Discharge SSL (LED)

Fluorescent HID

FIGURE 12: Lamps grouping and hierarchy [13]

 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
16 DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS

TABLE 8: Requirements luminous efficacy, life, lumen maintenance and colour rendition of light source
S. No. Light source Wattage Efficacy Average life Lumen Colour
range (W) (lm/W) maintenance rendition
1. Incandescent lamps 15 to 200 12 to 20 500 to 1000 Fair to good Very good
2. Tungsten halogen 300 to 1500 20 to 27 200 to 2000 Good to very Very good
good
3. Standard fluorescent 5 to 40 60 to 70 7500 Good Good to very
lamps (CFL) good
4. Slim line fluorescent 18 to 58 57 to 67 5000 Fair to good Good
5. High pressure mercury 50 to 1000 90 to 125 10000 to Fair to good Federate
vapour lamps 15000
6. Blended- light lamps 160 to 250 20 to 30 5000 Low to fair Federate
7. High pressure sodium 50 to 1000 90 to 125 10000 to Fair to good Low to good
vapour lamps 15000
8. Metal halide lamps 35 to 2000 80 to 95 4000 to 10000 Very low Very good

9. Low pressure sodium 10 to 180 100 to 200 18000 to Good to very Poor
20000 good
10. LED 2 to 200 80 to 110 10000 Very good Good for
white LED

NOTES:
The table includes lamps and wattages in use in buildings in India.
Luminous efficacy varies with the wattage of the lamp.
Average life values are based on available Indian Standards.

and uncontrollably increase its current draw ballast quickly reduces the voltage and
leading to overheating of the lamp within a regulates the electric current to produce a
few seconds and burn out. steady light output.
3. It briefly supplies high voltage to establish 4. To achieve a full-rated lamp life and
a circuit between the two electrodes of the light output from an electric-discharge
lamp. Once the circuit is established, the lamp lighting system, the ballast’s output

FIGURE 13: The working of a ballast in a florescent lamp

 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS 17

characteristics must precisely match the could cause a change in the current being
electrical requirements of the lamps it supplied to the LEDs.
operates. 3. LED light output is proportional to its current
A special typology of ballasts, known as supply, and LEDs are rated to operate within
dimming ballasts, which when used together a certain current range (measured in amps).
with a dimmer, will vary the light output of a Therefore, too much or too little current can
lamp. Thus, to find a ballast compatible with cause light output to vary or degrade faster
a particular light fixture, the lamp type, lamp as a result of higher temperatures within the
quantity, and line voltage must all be known. LED.

LED Drivers Internal vs. External LED Drivers

Today, most people are familiar with the benefits Internal LED Drivers: The internal LED drivers are
of using LEDs (light emitting diode) and its link the most widely used drivers and usually found
to the energy-efficient lighting design with in domestic LED bulbs. The internal drivers are
a longer life span. However, many of us are usually housed in the same case as the LEDs
not aware that these innovative light sources and make it easy during the replacement of the
require specialized devices called LED drivers to bulbs.
operate. LED drivers (also known as LED power External LED Drivers: The external LED drivers
supplies) are similar to ballasts for fluorescent are housed separately from the LEDs and
lamps or transformers for low-voltage bulbs. usually used for applications such as outdoor,
They provide LEDs with the electricity they commercial, roadways lighting. These types
require to function and perform at their best.
of lights require separate drivers, which are
LEDs require drivers for three purposes:
easier and cheaper to replace. In most of these
1. An LED driver rectifies higher voltage, applications, the manufacturer specifies the
alternating current to low voltage, direct type of LED driver to use for a particular light
current. assembly.

2. LED drivers also protect LEDs from voltage Most of the LED bulb failures are due to the
or current fluctuations. A change in voltage failure in the driver, and it is easier to replace

DRIVER LIFETIME
YEARS (24 hours on)
40

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
30 40 50 60 70
TEMPERATURE (°C)

FIGURE 14: Typical performance curve LED driver [16]

 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
18 DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS

FIGURE 15: Internal vs. External LED Drivers [16]

or repair the external driver compared to the

internal driver.1

LIGHTING STYLES
There are numerous methods of lighting a
particular place. The lighting style depends
on several factors: user requirement, furniture
layout, design scheme, etc. The lighting scheme
can range from pure direct to a combination of
direct and indirect to a fully indirect lighting
scheme. Table 9 lists the advantages and FIGURE 17: Mounting options for louvered
luminaires: recessed ceiling, surface, mounting
disadvantages of each lighting scheme [15].
on tracks, walls, floor-standing or pendant
mounting

Sustainability in Lighting Systems

and Design
Lighting is an essential element in quality
environments that support health and wellness.
Similar to acoustic design, a lighting design too
can have both positive and negative effects on
people. This effect is heightened in areas where
many people spend relatively more time, such
as in schools, offices.
FIGURE 16: Mounting options for downlights:
A wide variety of sustainability issues clash with
recessed, semi-recessed, surface, pendant and
architectural lighting such as light pollution, life
wall mounting
cycle impacts of lighting products, chemicals
of concern, energy efficiency, occupant health,
and wellness. While designing new projects or
1 Details available at 100bulbs.com
doing retrofitting in an existing building, the
 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS 19

TABLE 9: Advantages and Disadvantages of different lighting styles

Lighting style Advantages Disadvantages

Direct light only • Efficient delivery of light to task area • Poor illumination of walls and ceiling
• Less energy required than for uplighting • Possible issues with glare and
styles reflections in computer screens
• Usually the lowest capital cost for • Uniformity can be poor
installation • Can feel oppressive, leading to poor
productivity
• Poor cylindrical illuminance
• Lack of visual interest
Direct with ceiling • Efficient delivery of light to task area •
glow • Less energy required than for uplighting • Poor illumination of walls
styles but more than for direct lighting • Possible issues with glare and
only reflections in computer screens
• Usually a lower capital cost for • Improved uniformity over direct-only
installation than for a style using style but can still be poor
uplighting
• Some minimal ceiling illumination
Direct with uplight • Improved ceiling and wall illumination •
over direct-only styles • Will probably involve increased cost
• Feeling of a larger space can be achieved over direct-only styles
• Lighting can be used to add visual interest • Increased energy use over direct-only
and achieve better interaction with the styles
interior design • Lower ceiling height may impact
• Improved uniformity over direct-only usable space
styles
• Improved cylindrical illuminance over
direct-only types
Direct/indirect light • Much improved ceiling and wall •
illumination over direct-only styles • Will probably involve increased cost
• Feeling of a larger space can be achieved over direct-only styles
• Lighting can be used to add visual interest • Increased energy use over direct-only
and achieve better interaction with the styles
interior design • Lower ceiling height may impact on
• Improved uniformity over direct-only usable space
styles
• Improved cylindrical illuminance over
direct-only types
Direct and indirect • Improved ceiling and wall illumination •
light over direct-only styles • Will probably involve increased cost
• Flexibility to site direct and indirect over direct-only styles
components to best suit the room or • Increased energy use over direct-only
individuals’ needs styles
• Feeling of a larger space can be achieved • Loss of floor space
• Improved cylindrical illuminance over • Obstructions on floor may lead to
direct-only types accidental damage
• Issues with glare and reflections in
computer screens
 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
20 DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS

Indirect light only • Good uniformity when used with • Likely increased cost over direct-only
appropriate ceiling height styles
• Positioning is not critical so gives • Increased energy use over direct-only
more flexibility for unusual rooms or styles
individuals’ needs • Shadow-free environment may feel
• Feeling of a larger space can be achieved bland
• Lighting can be used to add visual interest • Obstructions on floor may lead to
and provide better interaction with the accidental damage
interior design
• Good cylindrical illuminance

designer should keep the below-mentioned or families best suited for the application
points in mind w.r.t sustainability in lighting that is closest to the project site.
system and design:
9. Reduce lighting’s impact on the greater
1. Maximize daylighting and its integration
night environment—employ strategies to
with electric lighting—use daylighting as
limit night-lighting effects.
the primary source.
10. Make the project eminently liveable or
2. Parameters related to lighting layouts
workable—make the most of the energies
that are specific to function, architectural
expended in manufacturing, procuring,
and interior design aspects, and energy
installing, and operating the lighting and
modelling should be finalised at the design
provide a complete and well-executed
stage.
design.
3. The lighting system should be designed
keeping in mind the future technology
advancements. The adaptability for retrofits
BASIC STEPS FOR
will help in extending the life of the building DESIGNING
and further reduce environmental impacts
[16]. Lumen Method Calculations
4. Overall lighting efficiency—select efficient This method uses the utilization factor tables
lamps and luminaires within the classes or created from the photometric measurement
families best suited for the application. of each luminaire. First, the Room Index (K)
of the space must be calculated, which is the
5. Component longevity—select longest-life relationship and measure of the proportions of
lamps and luminaires within the classes or the room:
families best suited for the application.
L×W
6. Usage of intelligent controls can make K=
significant, on-going energy savings. (L+W)×Hm

7. Recyclability of lighting equipment and where

components—select equipment that L = length of room
consists of recycled materials and is W = width of room
prepped to be recycled at the end of its use. Hm = height of luminaire above the working
plane
8. The proximity of qualified vendors to the
project site—select vendors of the classes
 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS 21

light sources and the surfaces within the model.

All available lighting software options use one
of the two methods of calculation: Radiosity or
Raytracing.

Š Radiosity: Radiosity is a calculation method

that divides each surface into small pieces,
called patches. Each patch is calculated
individually for the amount of light that
enters or leaves the surface. The programme
then solves the system of equations in the
model by determining the quantity of light on
each patch as a result of the total sum of all
the patches. This method works well for all
matte model surfaces as Radiosity is based
on Lambertian reflectance calculations.
Lambertian reflectance refers to surfaces
that have reflected light scattered in such
a way that the apparent brightness of
the surface is the same regardless of the
FIGURE 18: Sample polar intensity curve
observer’s angle of view. Because of the
surface dependency of the calculation, the
Using Photometric Data Radiosity method can calculate a model
once and produce any desired view.
Polar Intensity Curves
Š A disadvantage to the Radiosity method is
Whilst most lighting design is based on that it applies to matte and diffuse surfaces
computer simulation, photometric datasheets only, so contributions from translucent,
are still provided for luminaires as they can transparent, and specular (shiny) surfaces
provide a quick and efficient way of picking a are not included in the calculation.
luminaire that is suitable for a given application. Š Raytracing [16]: It is a point-specific lighting
Polar intensity curves illustrate the distribution calculation process. Calculation rays are
of luminous intensity (in cd/1000 lm) for the sent outwards from a particular viewpoint
transverse (solid line) and axial (dashed line) and the programme follows each ray as it
planes of the luminaire. The curve provides a hits and reflects off different surfaces and
visual guide to the type of distribution expected divides into more rays. This method works
from the luminaire, e.g. wide, narrow, direct, and for all object types including transparent,
indirect, in addition to intensity. translucent, and specular surfaces.
Raytracing creates beautiful renderings
Using lighting software and presentation-quality images by visually
Professional lighting design requires detailed representing light on all surfaces, including
luminaire photometric and product design data. the sparkle and highlights on specular
Lighting designers use software as a design materials. Unlike Radiosity, Raytracing
tool to complement and contribute to the is view dependent, meaning renderings
design process. Lighting calculation software must be recalculated from each new angle.
depends on two important components to Additionally, Raytracing can be a slow
produce accurate calculations: the selected process, especially if the model contains a
large quantity of surfaces.
 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
22 DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS

All lighting software use one or both of these calculation data. Some of the commonly used
two options to calculate the illuminance (the lighting software’s are as follows:
amount of luminous flux per unit area) and Š DIALux
luminance (the intensity of light emitted from Š Radiance
a surface per unit area in a given direction) Š AGI32
of surfaces, and provisions to export lighting Š Lumen Designer etc.
 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS 23

Practices for Optimum Visual

Comfort
lighting. Factors like uniformity and glare can
LOCATION OF LUMINAIRE be maintained using location of luminaire and
The location of luminaire plays a very vital role proper shielding.
in determining the visual comfort from electric

In general, luminaires are spaced x metre apart in either direction, while the distance
of the end luminaire from the wall is 0.5x metre. The distance x is more or less equal
to the mounting height Hm between the luminaire and the working plane

For small rooms where the room index1 (K) is less than 1, the distance x should
always be less than Hm, as otherwise luminaires cannot be properly located.

In most cases, four or two luminaires are placed in such rooms for good general
lighting. If, however, such rooms have only one luminaire installed in the middle, then
higher utilization factors are obtained, but the uniformity of distribution is poor

Indirect lighting, or up lighting, can create a low glare environment by uniformly

lighting the ceiling (e.g. cove-type fixtures, lighted valences, wall washers, floor
lamps). Use it wherever possible to produce high levels of ambient light

Provide high levels of light within each spacing fixture to ensure that light is uniform
throughout

1 The room index is a number that describes the ratios of the rooms’ length, width and height.
 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
24 DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS

Local/task lighting should not be installed in the forbidden angle (field of vision) as it
will become a source of direct glare (with respect to the height of lighting installation)
or mount luminaries out of the field of view of the common workplace.

To evaluate direct glare, the luminance of the luminaires within the range 45° to 85° is
considered.

For the basic planning of a lighting installation, the CRF value is generally only
calculated for the primary viewing angle of 25°.

Luminaires placed on either side of the task (office desk) should not be directly above
the observer.

Avoid positioning work station with light fixture directly behind the worker.

Use a large number of small-luminance sources rather than a small number of high-
luminance sources for better uniformity of light.

Screening and shielding the sources from direct view or covering with diffusing plates
or filters or cross polarizers greatly reduce glare

Use proper or correct lighting and avoid specular materials such as metallic paint on
mechanics or wall rock, and choose flat paint when possible (surface reflectance)

Provide a ‘transition zone’ with medium-bright lighting in areas where residents must
pass from a brightly lit space to a more dimly lit space.

Provide multiple layers of light in spaces where appropriate with ambient light, task
lights, and a bit of accent lighting, as long as accents do not produce direct glare.

Luminaires more than 53° above the centre of view (degrees above horizontal) should
have luminance less than 8,000 cd/m².
 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS 25

DAYLIGHT ON THE WORKING PLANE IN A ROOM

For good distribution of daylight on the working plane in a room, window height, window width, and
height of sill should be chosen in accordance with the following recommendations:

In-office buildings windows of height, 1.2 m or more in the centre of

a bay with sill level at 1.0 to 1.2 m above the floor and in residential
buildings windows of height 1.0 m to 1.1 m with sill height as 0.7
m to 0.9 m above the floor are recommended for good distribution
of daylight indoors. Window width can accordingly be adjusted
depending upon the required fenestration percentage of the floor area.

If the room depth is more than 10 m, windows should be provided on

opposite sides for bilateral lighting.

It is desirable to have a white finish for ceiling and off white (light
color) to white for walls. There is about 7% improvement in lighting
levels in changing the finish of walls from moderate to white.
Provide as much natural light as possible. If skylights are specified,
they should be fitted with partially obscure glazing rather than clear
glass or plastic to prevent glare effects.
 GUIDELINES FOR OPTIMUM VISUAL COMFORT
26 DERIVED FROM KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS

WORKS CITED
[1] P. Raynham, The SLL Code for Lighting, T. C. Group, Ed., Norwich: The Charlesworth Group, 2012.
[2] S. Robinson, Lighting for the built environment LG7: Offices, The Society of Light and Lighting, 2015.
[3] I. Provencio, I. Rodriguez, G. Jiang, W. Hayes, E. Moreira and M. Rollag, “A novel human opsin in the
inner retina.,” J Neurosci, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 600-605, January 2000.
[4] D. Berson, F. Dunn and M. Takao, “Phototransduction by retinal ganglion cells that set the circadian
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pp. 1-13, 2020.
[6] J. E. Gale and e. al, “Disruption of Circadian Rhythms Accelerates Development of Diabetes through
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[7] Saint Gobain, “Visual Comfort,” [Online]. Available: https://multicomfort.saint-gobain.com/comforts-
and-solutions/visual-comfort. [Accessed March 2021].
[8] P. R. M. R. G. &. R. L. Iacomussi, “Visual comfort with LED lighting,” Energy Procedia, pp. 729-734., 2015.
[9] Advanced Buildings, “Daylighting Pattern Guide,” [Online]. Available: https://patternguide.
advancedbuildings.net/using-this-guide/analysis-methods/useful-daylight-illuminance. [Accessed
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Reflectances On The Visual Environment,” Semantic Scholar, 2013.
[11] Contech Lighting, Residential Lighting Design Guide, Illinois, 2017.
[12] Northgate, “What is UGR (Unified Glare Rating)?,” Northgate Lighting Ltd, August 2017. [Online].
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Institution, 2011.
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[15] Electrical4U, “Different Types of Lamps And Their Applications,” Electrical4U, 01 March 2021. [Online].
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April 2021].
[16] 1000Bulbs.com, “Understanding LED Drivers,” May 2014. [Online]. Available: https://www.1000bulbs.
com/pdf/understanding-led-drivers.pdf. [Accessed December 2021].
[17] H. H. Rüdiger Ganslandt, Handbook of Lighting Design, Germany, 1992.
[18] J. Wilson, “Lighting Design for Health and Sustainability: A Guide for Architects,” Building Green, 9 July
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[19] J. BICKFORD, “Lighting Software Tools,” The Journal of the American Institute of Architects, 2008.
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[21] “National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence,” NITI Aayog, 2018.
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Government of India, 2019.
 The Mahindra-TERI Centre of Excellence (MTCoE) is a
joint research initiative of Mahindra Lifespaces (MLDL)
and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). It focuses
on developing science-based solutions for India’s future
built environment, with a view to reduce the energy
footprint of the real estate industry.

The overall scope of the project includes standardization

and measurement of building material, thermal and visual
comfort study, development of performance standard
matrices, guidelines and numerical toolkits and water
related activity for sustainable water use in habitats.

The activities related to the sustainable use of water in

habitats, includes both macro and micro level analysis in
terms of water efficiency, conservation and management
within a premise by end users in Indian cities. The study
identifies potential risks associated with water sources,
governance, infrastructure and demand & supply and
provide recommendations to combat those risks.

MTCoE is located at TERI Gram, Gual Pahari, Gurugram,

Faridabad, Haryana.

THE ENERGY AND

RESOURCES INSTITUTE
Creating Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future