BCO’s research agenda for sustainable offices highlights efficient lighting
The British Council for Offices (BCO) has unveiled its new research agenda aimed at fostering more sustainable offices, emphasizing the importance of efficient lighting systems.
In a 58-page working document, the BCO outlines its vision for offices as integral components of the built environment, focusing on four themed ‘Pillars’ - Economy, Business, Technology, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) - to shape a comprehensive framework for future research.
Each pillar re-evaluates the role of offices beyond mere capital assets, emphasizing their importance as community hubs and contributors to sustainable urban development in the UK.
The document states: “An integral part of the brief for each research pillar was the need to consider change, not only in terms of the detailed issues being faced today but, critically, to take a longer-term perspective in order to anticipate challenges and turn them into opportunities.”
Incorporating Sustainable Features
The research agenda calls for a focus on how to incorporate sustainable features, including efficient lighting, and technologies to reduce energy consumption, lower carbon footprint, and promote environmental sustainability within the office sector.
Lighting is identified as a key feature in the following technology-themed research topics:
- Occupant wellness: Prioritising the well-being of occupants through the development of buildings with features such as circadian/intelligent lighting, biophilic design, and air-quality sensors to enhance mental and physical health.
- Smart building systems: Integrating building systems, including lighting, HVAC, and security, to enable more efficient and coordinated operation, incorporating features such as automated lighting and temperature controls interacting with occupancy sensors and security systems.
- Integrated building solutions: Designs that incorporate various technologies and systems to create a cohesive and efficient environment, encompassing systems for lighting, HVAC, security, location-based services, and real-time occupancy.
Where to next?
Commenting on the BCO’s new research agenda, Richard Wharrad, Group Manager & Head of Sustainability and Social Value, at Tamlite Lighting said: “The direction of travel for the BCO is clear; sustainability and ESG will frame the BCO’s research focus for years to come, influencing the decision-making processes of its members. As a leading lighting manufacturer committed to delivering sustainable lighting solutions, it is heartening to see the BCO recognise the contribution of lighting to sustainable offices. Compared to traditional lights, LEDs last five times longer and use 80% less energy*. Less energy use means reduced carbon emissions, as well as cost savings.” (*According to the Energy Saving Trust).
The ESG Pillar of the research agenda proposes a series of recommendations, including the need for the BCO to create a ‘2030 Vision for the Office’, which embrace the principles of ESG. This Pillar also calls for a focus on the full life cycle of a development and its impact, including design, planning, operation, and asset management.
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- Tamlite has long championed energy efficient, sustainable lighting. For more information, please see our free e-book Let’s talk about light. Tamlite offers a comprehensive range of energy efficient LED lights for workplaces across a range of settings.
