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Lighting at the Frontiers of Sustainable Development

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Sustainability and Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 November 2019) | Viewed by 54237

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Prof. Dr. Antonio Peña-García

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Research Group “Lighting Technology for Safety and Sustainability”, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
Interests: tunnel lighting; use of sunlight; energy savings in lighting installations; light pollution; impact of lighting on safety and well-being; lighting policies
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Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

According to the Brundtland Report, sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. A deep reflection on this definition makes it very clear that sustainable development goes beyond energy savings to address other important problems like cultural heritage, people's physical and mental well-being or equality and fair access to resources and education, among others. In this wide framework, lighting has become a first-magnitude factor. Indeed, research continuously provides new and unexpected data about the influence of accurate lighting on human well-being, worker ergonomics, impacts on productivity and financial profitability, adaptation to seasonal clock changes, and many other sustainability related topics.

In agreement with these considerations, I have always thought that "life is as it is because light is as it is". As a consequence of this indissoluble relationship between light and human beings and, hence, their activities and way of life, lighting should play a key role in the world to be inherited by future generations. This means that the smart development and utilization of lighting, understood from a total perspective, will expand the frontiers of sustainable development in multiple directions.

This Special Issue, entitled "Lighting at the Frontiers of Sustainable Development", addresses the most important topics in these very frontiers and the way they must be broadened.

Prof. Dr. Antonio Peña-García
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Sustainable lighting
Social impact of lighting
Lighting and well-being
Circular economy
Productivity
Ergonomics

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 161 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Towards Total Lighting: Expanding the Frontiers of Sustainable Development

by Antonio Peña-García

Sustainability 2019, 11(24), 6943; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11246943 - 5 Dec 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1683

Abstract

Sustainable development has traditionally focused on actions related to the consumption of resources and the waste produced by this consumption [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lighting at the Frontiers of Sustainable Development)

Research

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18 pages, 4066 KiB

Open AccessArticle

LCA Case Study to LED Outdoor Luminaries as a Circular Economy Solution to Local Scale

by José Adolfo Lozano-Miralles, Manuel Jesús Hermoso-Orzáez, Alfonso Gago-Calderón and Paulo Brito

Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010190 - 25 Dec 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4615

Abstract

The replacement of luminaires with discharge lamps with high luminous efficacy and long life-time LED based equipment is a reality worldwide promoted by policies that favor their gradual substitution. There is a great concern in this manufacturing industry to develop new luminaires with low environmental impact during the manufacturing and transportation processes and its end-of-life disposal (reducing greenhouse gas emissions, toxic or hazardous components, …). Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a very extended tool used to provide information on the quality and quantity of environmental impacts in the life cycle phases of any product, system, or service. This article includes all phases of the LCA analysis of a selected streetlight LED luminaire manufactured by a SME where a landfill deposit is the end-of-life scenario. In a second phase, alternatives are sought for the reuse of the most significant elements that improve its local economy. The results are classified and sorted according to the ISO 14040 standard. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lighting at the Frontiers of Sustainable Development)

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14 pages, 1327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Users’ Awareness, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Health Risks Associated with Excessive Lighting in Night Markets: Policy Implications for Sustainable Development

by Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen and Antonio Peña-García

Sustainability 2019, 11(21), 6091; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11216091 - 1 Nov 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3985

Abstract

The introduction of artificial lighting has dramatically transformed nighttime activities, becoming a very positive but also disruptive factor that must be optimized and adapted according to the guidelines of sustainable policies. In this framework, night markets in Thailand are definitely popular destinations among locals and tourists that are found in every town and city in the whole country, being the source of livelihoods for many people. It is well-known that shops in night markets frequently use colorful light sources, emitting high levels of illumination to attract customers. Since previous research has shown environmental risks of inappropriate lighting on human health and well-being, as well as on ecosystems, excessive lighting in night markets could have adverse effects on vendors’ health if they are exposed to high illumination levels during long hours every night. This is a risk for people, but also for their attachment to their lands, traditions, culture, and way of life. This study was designed to explore whether excessive illumination of night markets has impacts on vendors’ health and well-being. The research was conducted through an empirical study in a night market in the center of Surin province (Thailand), using observations and a questionnaire survey of 205 vendors and clients (non-vendors). The results show that night markets’ vendors were more likely to suffer from eye- and sleep-related problems than non-vendors. Women were affected more than men. The results also revealed that the majority of both vendors and non-vendors tended to have awareness about excessive lighting impacts on human health, with more vendors tending to agree with the fact than non-vendors. Although night markets’ are their main source of income, the majority of vendors were more unlikely to agree about the contribution of night markets to local livelihoods and development than non-vendors. These findings have implications for the Thai Authority in setting up appropriate lighting policies and regulations for night markets. The target is not only energy savings, but also to protect the public’s health, culture, and traditional livelihoods, in a way that supports sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lighting at the Frontiers of Sustainable Development)

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15 pages, 4872 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Color Does the Consumer See? Perceived Color Differences in Plastic Products in an LED-Lit Environment

by Xiao Dou, Chih-Fu Wu, Kai-Chieh Lin and Jeih-Jang Liou

Sustainability 2019, 11(21), 5985; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11215985 - 28 Oct 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2822

Abstract

To attract customers and increase market opportunities, retailers frequently use lighting to highlight the color of their products. However, differences between perceived and actual color, triggered by display lighting, can motivate buyers to discard products after purchase. Few studies have been reported on differences in perceived color, caused by LEDs. This study focuses on two correlated color temperatures (2800 K, 4000 K) and illuminance levels (500 lx, 1500 lx) to create four LED-lit environments, and measures the differences in the color perceived by 20 observers on acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) plastics, with different surfaces, under these four environments. The results reveal that correlated color temperature results in larger perceived differences in color than illuminance, and the effects of LED light sources on green and yellow ABS plastic products are more obvious than their effects on red and blue products. One possible reason for this can be attributed to the visual sensitivity effect of human eyes. The results of this study can serve as a reference for designers fabricating ABS plastic products for practical lighting applications, and improving the role of LED lighting in sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lighting at the Frontiers of Sustainable Development)

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26 pages, 2828 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Criteria for Assessing the Competitiveness of Public Tenders with the Replacement of Large-Scale LEDs in the Outdoor Lighting of Cities as a Key Element for Sustainable Development: Case Study Applied with PROMETHEE Methodology

by Manuel Jesús Hermoso-Orzáez, José Adolfo Lozano-Miralles, Rafael Lopez-Garcia and Paulo Brito

Sustainability 2019, 11(21), 5982; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11215982 - 28 Oct 2019

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4408

Abstract

The technological change to LEDs is an unstoppable reality which, little by little, is becoming increasingly important in terms of the lighting inside and outside our homes. The exterior lighting of our cities is moving decisively and clearly towards the incorporation of this technology in urban spaces. The energy efficiency, light quality, and economic benefits of LED technology are an unquestionable reality. This is causing public administration projects involving large-scale switches to LEDs to be promoted and financed; however, it is beginning to be observed that the commitment to the policies decided by this technology should take into account some environmental aspects which have not been studied to date. The environmental impact of the substitutions is caused by the need to valorize the replaced luminaires. Until now, most have been stored without the possibility of use, reuse, or recovery. The environmental impact produced in the manufacture of LED luminaires that replace the old sodium vapor (VSAP) or metal halide (MH) discharge lamps must also be considered. In addition, in the administrative clauses specifications that govern the public tenders, it is observed that the fundamental environmental aspects both of recycling the old lamps, and of the life cycle analysis (LCA) of the luminaires that are replacing them, have not been contemplated or valued with sufficient weight. In addition, there are very few public substitution contests in which environmental criteria are rewarded or valued in an important way. This work intends to summarize a methodological proposal using the techniques of multiple decision-making criteria for the selection of bidding companies for public outdoor lighting competitions. We propose the use of the PROMETHEE method multi-criteria analysis for the application of the most commonly used criteria for the luminaire LED selection process, including an environmental impact assessment with LCA techniques, and propose this as a case or model guide in the public contests of cities. A model of the bidding conditions that addresses and assesses the environmental aspects which are absolutely key to sustainable development is supported by the ecological criteria of the circular economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lighting at the Frontiers of Sustainable Development)

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14 pages, 5358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Daylight and Architectural Simulation of the Egebjerg School (Denmark): Sustainable Features of a New Type of Skylight

by Joseph Cabeza-Lainez, Jose-Manuel Almodovar-Melendo and Ismael Dominguez

Sustainability 2019, 11(21), 5878; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11215878 - 23 Oct 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3372

Abstract

This article discusses the performance of a new skylight for standard classrooms at the Egebjerg School (Denmark), which was built ca. 1970. This building underwent important reforms under a European project to which the authors contributed. This research aimed to create a new skylight prototype that is useful for several schools in the vicinity, since there is a lack of educational facilities. The former skylights consisted of plastic pyramids that presented serious disadvantages in terms of sustainability matters. During the design process, the priority changed to studying the factors that correlate daylighting with energy and other environmental aspects in a holistic and evocative approach. Accordingly, the new skylight features promote the admittance and diffusion of solar energy through adroit guidance systems. In order to simulate different scenarios, we employed our own simulation tool, Diana X. This research-oriented software works with the effects of direct solar energy that are mostly avoided in conventional programs. By virtue of Lambert’s reciprocity theorem, our procedure, which was based on innovative equations of radiative transfer, converts the energy received by diffusive surfaces into luminous exitance for all types of architectural elements. Upon completion of the skylights, we recorded onsite measurements, which roughly coincided with the simulation data. Thus, conditions throughout the year improved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lighting at the Frontiers of Sustainable Development)

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21 pages, 14288 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Problem of Lighting in Underground Domes, Vaults, and Tunnel-Like Structures of Antiquity; An Application to the Sustainability of Prominent Asian Heritage (India, Korea, China)

by Francisco Salguero Andujar, Inmaculada Rodriguez-Cunill and Jose M. Cabeza-Lainez

Sustainability 2019, 11(20), 5865; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11205865 - 22 Oct 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3384

Abstract

Lighting in heritage is complex because of the forms intervening in it. The historical evolution of cultures has not been analytical and therefore, the shapes involved differ greatly from the cuboids typically found in 21st century architecture. As a vector, light inevitably attaches to surface sources. In this research, we focused on 3D curved geometries. Following a different trail to radiative transfer by virtue of detailed knowledge of the spatiality of volumes, we present new expressions, previously undefined in the literature, that are derived from a combination of surfaces that we have found in many archaeological sites around Asia. In the discussion, we start from the particularities of spherical surfaces where a normal vector has to pass through the center. By means of easy calculations, we deducted innovative laws. These in turn, allowed us to formulate several new expressions for configuration factors based on the adroit use of spherical fragments. The method easily extends to organic shapes that are often contained in the sustainable architecture of the past. The method finishes with suitable algorithms to assess the reflections in such curved forms. Finally, we implemented the results in our creative software. In this way, we enhanced the sustainable paradigms for heritage structures in Asia that we present as a conclusion of the article. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lighting at the Frontiers of Sustainable Development)

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13 pages, 1035 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Italian Road Tunnels: Economic and Environmental Effects of an On-Going Project to Reduce Lighting Consumption

by Laura Moretti, Giuseppe Cantisani, Luigi Carrarini, Francesco Bezzi, Valentina Cherubini and Sebastiano Nicotra

Sustainability 2019, 11(17), 4631; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11174631 - 26 Aug 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3343

Abstract

Tunnel lighting represents a major cost item for road managers, and particularly in Italy owing to its specific geomorphological and orographic features. In 2018, ANAS, the Italian government-owned road company launched an ambitious program to rehabilitate the lighting systems of more than 700 tunnel tubes across Italy. The Greenlight plan aims to reduce consumption and improve the management of lighting systems while minimizing the impact of works. Outdated high-pressure sodium (HPS) luminaries will be substituted with state-of-the-art light emitting diode (LED) luminaries without modifying the position and the number of the existing luminaires. The project involves an amount of 155 million euros and provides a total return over a less than seven-year period. The first phase of the project involves 147 tubes and is still on-going: 28 GWh (on average 55% of the current consumption) will be saved every year against a 30 million euro investment. More importantly, the economic benefits also have a direct impact on the environment for citizens and safety levels for road users—every year more than 17,000 t of CO₂ eq. and 230 TJ from combustion of fossil fuels will be saved. The lighting quality of the artificial lighting inside the tunnel will be enhanced thanks to better uniformity and the color temperature of the luminaries. The experience presented here could be useful since other road managers may pursue a similar approach in order to balance often-conflicting environmental, economic and safety goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lighting at the Frontiers of Sustainable Development)

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17 pages, 8948 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Method for Sustainable Lighting, Preventive Conservation, Energy Design and Technology—Lighting a Historical Church Converted into a University Library

by Carla Balocco and Giulia Volante

Sustainability 2019, 11(11), 3145; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11113145 - 4 Jun 2019

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5419

Abstract

Many ancient libraries in Italy are housed in historical buildings, only a few in former churches and monasteries. Newly built libraries mostly comply with the requirements of sustainability, energy saving and renewable energy use, but this does not occur for existing ones, especially when they belong to the historical cultural heritage. Historical library buildings have good mass and thermal inertia but often have inadequate windows with low light transmission value. Lighting systems are often without control and thus cause poor lighting conditions. Our present research concerns the energy sustainability assessment of retrofit operations for lighting in an existing historical university library, focusing on lighting quality, adequate lighting conditions for visual tasks, vision ergonomics and well-being, and guaranteeing the preventive conservation and protection of heritage books. This case study is very particular, because it concerns a Florentine historical monastery which is now a university library. Our proposed method introduces an optimal toolset for lighting design solutions with the aim of sustainability. The library indoor space was procedurally decomposed into illumination volumes according to different occupant activities and visual tasks and different use areas. This method is extensible to all similar cultural heritage case, but also existing old buildings and current designs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lighting at the Frontiers of Sustainable Development)

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14 pages, 1851 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effects of Artificial Light Treatments on Growth, Mineral Composition, Physiology, and Pigment Concentration in Dieffenbachia maculata “Compacta” Plants

by Pedro García-Caparrós, Eva María Almansa, Rosa María Chica and María Teresa Lao

Sustainability 2019, 11(10), 2867; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11102867 - 20 May 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3434

Abstract

Specific wavebands may allow precise control of plant growth. However, light sources must be carefully evaluated before the large-scale use of supplemental light sources can be implemented. Dieffenbachia maculata “Compacta” plants were grown for 8 weeks in pots in a growth chamber under tightly controlled temperature and humidity in order to assess the effects of supplemental light. Three treatments were applied: (i) using 18-W fluorescent bulbs (T1), (ii) using the same bulbs with supplemental light emitting diodes (LEDs) (Pure Blue and Pure Red Mix-Light-Emitting Diodes (BR-LEDs)) (T2), and (iii) using high-efficiency TL5 fluorescents (T3). Plant biomass, mineral composition, and physiological and photosynthetic parameters were assessed under each light treatment. Total plant dry weight was highest in plants grown under treatments T1 and T3. Other differences were observed between different light treatments, including variation in biomass partitioning as well as N and K concentrations in roots, stems, and leaves. Further, proline and indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) levels were higher in plants grown under the T1 treatment, whereas total soluble sugars and starch were higher in plants grown under treatment T3. Plants grown under treatment T1 had the lowest chlorophyll concentrations. No differences were observed in organ water content and P concentration. T2 was not the best treatment, as expected. The model proposed a linear regression between integrated use of spectral energy (IUSE) and total dry weight (TDW), which showed a good relationship with an R² value of 0.83. Therefore, we recommend this methodology to discern the effects of the different spectral qualities on plant biomass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lighting at the Frontiers of Sustainable Development)

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21 pages, 4194 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Building Design Parameters on Daylighting Metrics Using an Analysis, Prediction, and Optimization Approach Based on Statistical Learning Technique

by Jaewook Lee, Mohamed Boubekri and Feng Liang

Sustainability 2019, 11(5), 1474; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11051474 - 10 Mar 2019

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 5278

Abstract

Daylighting metrics are used to predict the daylight availability within a building and assess the performance of a fenestration solution. In this process, building design parameters are inseparable from these metrics; therefore, we need to know which parameters are truly important and how they impact performance. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between building design attributes and existing daylighting metrics based on a new methodology we are proposing. This methodology involves statistical learning. It is an emerging methodology that helps us to analyze a large quantity of output data and the impact of a large number of design variables. In particular, we can use these statistical methodologies to analyze which features are important, which ones are not, and the type of relationships they have. Using these techniques, statistical models may be created to predict daylighting metric values for different building types and design solutions. In this article we will outline how this methodology works, and analyze the building design features that have the strongest impact on daylighting performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lighting at the Frontiers of Sustainable Development)

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Review

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17 pages, 253 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Comparative Study on Current Outdoor Lighting Policies in China and Korea: A Step toward a Sustainable Nighttime Environment

by Wu Guanglei, Jack Ngarambe and Gon Kim

Sustainability 2019, 11(14), 3989; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11143989 - 23 Jul 2019

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 7513

Abstract

Light pollution is a serious environmental issue with many adverse effects on human health and the ecosystem as a whole. Accordingly, many countries have issued laws and regulations to limit the effects of artificial lighting at night (ALAN). The Republic of Korea and China are among the few countries that have drafted laws to curb light pollution. In the present study, we gathered data related to light pollution regulations and ordinances in both China and Korea. We then carried out a comparative analysis of the light pollution laws of both countries. We found that, although the two countries share a similar socio-economic background, they have different approaches to the issue of light pollution. The information provided in this study serves as a guideline to countries that wish to develop their own light pollution policies. In addition, the conclusions provided in our study offer potential improvements to local and national light pollution policies in both the Republic of Korea and China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lighting at the Frontiers of Sustainable Development)

Other

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15 pages, 7449 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Sustainable Lighting-Retrofit Versus Dedicated Luminaires-Light Versus Power Quality

by Calin Ciugudeanu, Mircea Buzdugan, Dorin Beu, Angel Campianu and Catalin Daniel Galatanu

Sustainability 2019, 11(24), 7125; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11247125 - 12 Dec 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4074

Abstract

For the next few years millions of fluorescent luminaires will become waste and will be replaced by light-emitting diodes—LED luminaires. According to the Cost European Cooperation in Science & Technology Program, the next step will be shifting from sustainability to regeneration (enabling social and ecological systems to maintain a healthy state and to evolve); to reach this point, a is circular economy becomes necessary. The Technical University of Cluj-Napoca’s Lighting Engineering Laboratory—LEL—is the main lighting independent consultant in Transylvania (the north-west region of Romania). For the Building Services Faculty, LEL adopted different energy efficient lighting solutions to replace existing fluorescent T8 luminaires. The best available techniques were evaluated over the last few years. Out of a range of different smart lighting control systems, LED were chosen and used for retrofitting the existing T8 luminaires or simply replacing them with new dedicated LED luminaires. The study analyzed five different lighting setups for upgrading the existing fluorescent T8 2*36W luminaires. One setup used T5 lamps and the others used retrofitted or dedicated LED lighting solutions. First the lighting quantities of each setup were evaluated under real and experimental conditions. Second, a programable power source was used for measuring power quality indicators corelated with the provided lighting outputs, under different voltage values and waveforms. For each lighting setup, an even and odd current harmonic limit check was performed in line with class C—lighting equipment, IEC 61000-3-2 requirements. A new energy efficiency and power quality indicator was proposed—the lighting apparent power density [VA/sq.m/100lx]. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lighting at the Frontiers of Sustainable Development)

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