Quality indoor lighting for comfort, health, wellbeing and productivity
Quality indoor lighting for comfort, health, wellbeing and productivity, was written by Cosmin Ticleanu and Paul Littlefair. It was published by BRE Trust in February 2019 and is available as a free download at: https://www.bregroup.com/bretrust/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/02/Quality-indoor-lighting-Trust-report.pdf
Suitable indoor lighting and lighting controls are essential for people to work and move around a building safely, and also play a key role in their comfort, wellbeing, health and productivity.
But, in practice, indoor lighting is not always designed or installed to standard recommendations. Poor lighting can cause visual discomfort which may result in sore eyes, headaches, and the aches and pains associated with poor body posture.
Building designers, owners and occupants should be aware of the potential benefits of lighting design that meets the recommendations of codes and standards, and ensures occupants’ visual requirements are met. Well-designed lighting can help to maintain a healthy physiological and psychological balance through its influences on hormone secretions, body temperature, cognitive activities and moods.
This publication gives expert guidance on issues such as:
- Quality indoor lighting design.
- Visual comfort.
- Health and wellbeing.
- Emergency lighting.
- Relevant standards and codes.
Its contents are:
- Introduction.
- The role and impact of indoor lighting.
- Standard recommendations and guidance on indoor lighting.
- Post-occupancy evaluation of indoor lighting problems.
- Case study – Office space.
- Case study – Secondary school.
- Case study – Hospital.
- Case study – University campus.
- Conclusion.
- References.
- Acknowledgements.
Download it for free at: https://www.bregroup.com/bretrust/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/02/Quality-indoor-lighting-Trust-report.pdf
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BRE articles.
- BRE Expert Collection 6 Daylight and shading.
- BRE Trust.
- BREEAM Internal and external lighting.
- BREEAM Visual comfort Daylighting.
- BREEAM Visual comfort Glare control.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Health and wellbeing impacts of natural and artificial lighting.
- Human-centric lighting.
- Lighting and health infographic.
- Lighting.
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.


















