Image walking into a dark room. Can you picture yourself working or living in a dimly lit space every day? The functionality of a building, and its occupants, is largely dependent on the quality of lighting. We need good lighting to effectively experience a space. Lighting can positively or negatively affect the human body and mind. Good lighting can improve productivity, mood, and energy levels. Conversely, poor lighting can hinder the way individuals work, learn, and even heal. Lighting can even affect a buildings environmental impact. It’s for these reasons lighting is a primary focus for CSV when designing or renovating a space.

Four ways lighting can impact sustainability

1. Life cycle & Efficiency: When designing sustainably, CSV not only considers the duration of the design, but the quality and value the overall design brings to its occupants. The project team takes care to select the most durable and energy efficient lighting available. To further support the life cycle of a building, CSV selects fixtures that can be adapted to support the rapid advances in technology.

2. Chemicals: Out with fluorescent lighting, in with energy efficient LED lights! Carbon dioxide (CO2), a damaging waste product that is a major pollutant, is produced when electricity is generated. LED lighting is a more environmentally friendly option as less energy is required to generate electricity, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide which is produced and released into the atmosphere.

3. Light Pollution: Light pollution refers to the excessive use of artificial light. This can lead to several harmful impacts on the environment, wildlife, and human health. Studies show light can change the migratory patterns of animals. This can cause confusion and change their natural way of living. It may cause them to lose their way and the location of their home. Light pollution can aid in worsening climate change as well by emitting further heat into the atmosphere. When working with CSV, you can feel confident we take care to select fixtures that are safe for humans, the planet, and animals.

4. Natural Light: CSV designs spaces that provide access to as much natural light as possible. Our designs are typically characterized using large or numerous windows that allow the outside light in, minimizing the need to generate electricity.