Tamlite welcomes BCO’s new research agenda for sustainable offices

Tamlite Lighting, one of the UK’s biggest independent lighting manufacturers, has welcomed the British Council for Offices (BCO’s) new research agenda for sustainable offices which highlights the importance of efficient lighting.

The BCO has published its new research agenda in a 58-page working document that sets out a vision for the office as a sustainable part of the built environment. This vision is explored across four themed ‘Pillars’ – Economy, Business, Technology and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) – to shape a framework for a new research agenda.

Each pillar topic re-evaluates the notion of offices as capital assets, in light of the broader role of offices as a source of community and sustainable place-making 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.”

The research agenda calls for a focus on how to incorporate sustainable features, including efficient lighting, and technologies to reduce energy consumption, lower the carbon footprint, and promote environmental sustainability in the office sector.

Lighting is identified as a key feature in the following technology-themed research topics:

Occupant wellness: The development of buildings that prioritise the well-being of occupants, with features such as circadian / intelligent lighting, biophilic design, and air-quality sensors to promote mental and physical health.
Smart building systems: The integration of building systems, including lighting, HVAC and security to enable more efficient and coordinated operation, with features such as automated lighting and temperature controls interacting with occupancy sensors and security systems.
Integrated building solutions. Designs that incorporate different technologies and systems to create a cohesive and efficient environment, including systems for lighting, HVAC, security, location-based services and real-time occupancy.

Commenting on the BCO’s new research agenda, Richard Wharrad, Group Manager & Head of SSV at Tamlite, says: “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.

“We look forward to seeing the results of the BCO’s research on office space over the next few years and the additional detail it will bring about how lighting is an effective, low cost, and high performance measure for supporting sustainability.” (*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.

Download the BCO’s new research agenda here.