When it comes to energy management in the lighting arena, nothing rivals smart lighting. Highly functional, adaptable and precise, it offers incomparable levels of control and efficiency. In this article we speak with Chris Anderson, Technical Manager at Ansell Lighting who delves deeper into the technology; highlighting its many benefits and explaining how it can be used to achieve optimum energy performance in almost any environment.
Smart lighting has been around for many years, but it is only during the last decade that its use has become more widespread. Advances in technology, rising energy costs and growing consciousness of sustainability issues have all played their part in accelerating its popularity, helping it to become the go-to solution for those seeking an effective lighting system which delivers reduced energy use.
As one of the largest contributors to energy use in buildings – lighting is commonly reported to account for up to 40% of total energy consumption in commercial buildings – lighting is one of the biggest causes of co2 emissions and high operational costs for organisations. These factors make it a prime area of focus for cutbacks and smart lighting is proving to be the most effective method to achieve this.
In a smart lighting system, each light fitting installed is connected to each other using wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Zigbee.
Forming an intelligent network, this connectivity provides users with the ability to control each fitting installed from a central point, offering an unparalleled level of precision over all lighting settings. From the timings of operation to the colour, brightness, intensity and combinations of lamps in use at any time, smart lighting enables the output of every individual light fitting within a building to be controlled and automated to the most minute detail, meaning that energy use is optimised to this exact level too. It removes the guesswork from energy management, providing tangible, measurable results.
For example, schedules can be pre-programmed so that lighting only operates at specific times of day or in specific areas of buildings that are in use. This targeted approach means lighting is only in use where it is genuinely needed. It also eliminates reliance on human intervention, thereby reducing the risk of lights being accidentally left on and wasting energy.
Smart lighting can also respond to real-time conditions which again helps to moderate energy use. Paired with motion sensors that detect when a space is occupied, lighting can become instantly responsive, activating when someone enters the area and switching off again when it is empty. Similarly, daylight harvesting fittings can be used to automatically dim artificial lighting output when it is not needed. They measure the amount of natural light in a space and adjust output accordingly to maintain optimal illumination levels without unnecessary energy use. This approach not only saves energy but also creates a more comfortable environment by maintaining consistent light levels throughout the day.
It sounds simple but the impact an effective smart lighting system can have on energy use is considerable. Previous installations we have provided have proven that they have the capability of reducing lighting energy consumption by up to two-thirds, which is an impressive saving in terms of both energy use and expenditure.
Smart lighting technology is continually developing and we are already seeing new features arise that are designed to enhance its functionality even further. One of the most promising recent innovations are light monitoring dashboards. A central control and reporting interface, dashboards compile and store real-time data from each device within the smart lighting network to give users a clear, real-time view of their lighting system’s performance, energy consumption and occupancy trends.
They make it easy to identify areas where energy is being wasted, whether that may be through unnecessary operation in certain zones or inefficient settings. They can also flag failing or underperforming components before they cause bigger problems, allowing maintenance to be carried out more quickly and efficiently.
Smart lighting systems and complementary technologies such as light monitoring dashboards are leading the way in energy management in the built environment. Whilst advancements are undoubtedly set to continue, they are a great futureproof investment for organisations looking to optimise energy performance and minimise environmental impact. In an era where sustainability is imperative, smart lighting is proving to be an essential tool for building managers to use to meet energy efficiency, cost and carbon reduction targets.
This article appeared in the September 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.