The Building Research Establishment (BRE) is urging stronger policy action to accelerate the role of smart lighting in the built environment’s transition to net zero.

In an insight report, BRE calls for updated planning guidance, enhanced building regulations, and broader adoption of smart lighting with controls to drive efficiency, sustainability, and circularity in commercial buildings.

The report recognises the substantial energy savings delivered by modern LED lighting but highlights ongoing challenges in how these systems are managed. Although BRE’s report does not specifically refence wireless control solutions, it emphasises that controls, such as occupancy sensors, daylight-responsive dimming, and integration with building energy management systems, are essential to ensuring lighting is used only when needed.

Citing international research, BRE says that smart lighting systems with controls can reduce energy use in commercial buildings by up to 85%. However, these savings are dependent on thoughtful design tailored to each specific space.

Smart lighting controls support a more circular economy

BRE also highlights the contribution of lighting controls to a more circular economy. In 2023, over 100,000 tonnes of lighting equipment were placed on the UK market. Smart controls help extend the lifespan of lighting systems, enable reuse and remanufacturing, and reduce waste – all key elements of sustainable product life cycles.

BRE’s BREEAM certification already rewards projects that incorporate circular principles, including lighting solutions with reduced environmental impact. To further support these outcomes, BRE is calling for a shift in policy and regulation. While commercial buildings can currently demonstrate energy performance using the Lighting Energy Numerical Indicator (LENI), BRE argues for broader promotion and integration of LENI into building regulations to encourage smarter, whole-system thinking about lighting efficiency.

The need to optimise daylight

The report also identifies daylighting as a major opportunity. BRE’s Site Layout Planning for Daylight and Sunlight (BR209) is widely used in planning to ensure buildings receive adequate daylight. BRE makes the case for a more systematic application of this guidance, particularly in commercial developments and low-carbon retrofit projects. It also points to the transformative impact of digital daylight modelling, which enables fast, accurate assessments during planning and design.

BRE’s overall message is that effective, energy-efficient lighting depends on how lighting systems are designed, controlled, and integrated into broader sustainability strategies.