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We are happy to annouce that the BDA (Biophilic Design Academy) is joining us! Photo by Maia Habegger  on Unsplash Many designers instinctively know that nature works. But how do you intentionally design for wellbeing, connection, and health? How do you translate scientific insights into tangible design choices? And how to bring clients along in that process? The Biophilic Design Academy was created for designers, architects, and interior architects who want more than just aesthetics — those who aim to design with real impact. BDA offers knowledge, tools, and a community to truly understand and apply biophilic design. From sensory design to systems thinking, from well-founded arguments to creative tools for your own projects. BDA helps create environments where people genuinely feel good. Spaces that are not only beautiful but meaningful — and in harmony with nature. More info

April. 2025; Jakob Zeihlund, The Danish Road Lighting Group &    Joachim Stormly Hansen, GLG Science Advisor and Ocutune. Good light during the evening and night is very important. Aim to keep lighting below 10 lux three hours before bedtime by avoiding bright lights! See our 4 steps to good light. In December 2024, the new and updated version of the Danish Road Lighting Handbook was published. This handbook is one of the most used Danish standards to meet the Danish Road Lighting Guidelines, and is heavily adopted within state roads, municipalities and road infrastructure. In May 2024, the Danish Road Directorate published the report “The Impact of Lighting on Animals, Plants, and Humans.”  This report, along with international publications, has since formed the basis for the measures the Danish Road Directorate has incorporated into the recently updated road lighting handbook (standard). So what’s new? – the handbook, among others, introduces three new terms and concepts concerning light pollution, good light and biodiversity. These also aim to align with recommendations such as Good Light Recommendations for light, and Human responses to light on the circadian system, and other brain targets of ipRGCs, sometimes referred to as ipRGC-influenced responses to light (IIL responses) (CIE, 2018 and CIE TN 015:2023). These new terms are:   Environmental Zones  G-index  mDER (Melanopic Daylight Efficacy Ratio)   The environmental zones are adopted through the CIE 150:2003 Guide on ‘the Limitation of the Effects of Obtrusive Light from Outdoor Lighting Installations’. The purpose of this Guide is to help formulate guidelines for assessing the environmental impacts of outdoor lighting and is also adopted in the new CIE standard EN 12464-2 for outdoor workplaces.    It outlines five environmental zones to establish a basis for outdoor lighting regulations. The aim is to reduce the overall light pollution by helping to limit, or in some cases eliminate, light pollution and its consequences. These zones range from E0 (Darkness, Dark Sky and biodiversity rich areas) – E4 (e.g. A city centre). They describe the various lighting environments and the surrounding context to a given site. Defining the environmental zones helps guide the designer into defining the maximum and minimum permissible levels to avoid obtrusive light and mitigate light pollution. For each environmental zone it is recommended to make use of mDER for used light sources, the abbreviation of Melanopic Daylight Efficacy Ratio, which is defined by the CIE and introduced in the CIE S 026/E:2018  document. mDER shows the ratio of the amount of light in the range of melanopsin sensitivity (mEDI, using a ref. D65 light source ) to the amount of photopic lux, the range of visual sensitivity. The other recommendations are to make use of a lower mDER ratio at night from 0.30-0.35, using the estimations of CIE TN 015:2023.       Further to this, the G-Index is also introduced. We know that short-wavelength light if emitted and/or reflected to the sky, can allow for more Rayleigh scattering, which can potentially lead to more skyglow and light pollution. The spectral G-Index  is a variable that was developed to quantify the amount of short wavelength light below 500 nm in a visible light source relative to its visible emission. The smaller the G-index, the more blue light a lamp emits relative to its total output. It is used in order to select outdoor lamps that minimise skyglow and ecological light pollution. The Spectral G-index was developed to get insight into the amount of short-wavelength light compared to the rest of the visual spectrum, with a guideline of minimum 1.5 for areas with a focus on Biodiversity. As such i n their "core criteria", to mitigate light pollution, it is recommended that "in parks and areas considered by the lighting designer  to be ecologically sensitive, the G-index shall be ≥1.5". For regular light sources, as a ‘rule of thumb’, this corresponds to an LED with a colour temperature of around 3000K and lower, which is also recommended by the Dark-sky association. The introduced efforts seek to provide sustainable outdoor and road lighting which ensures user safety, as well as mitigating skyglow, providing access to the night sky and protect biodiversity, and to open up the discussions on this important field within outdoor lighting. The full text can be accessed through the Danish Road Lighting Authorities:   Picture 1 Road lighting Handbook with the new updates - Vejbelysning    Picture 2 the Danish Road Directorate published the report “The Impact of Lighting on Animals, Plants, and Humans.” - Belysningens indvirkning på dyr, planter og mennesker

Willie Duggan Lighting is passionate about the transformative power of light—not just in shaping spaces, but in supporting human health and well-being. That’s why they’ve joined our group.   Indoor lighting should do more than simply illuminate; it should work in harmony with our natural rhythms, supporting rather than disrupting human biology. We are delighted that the like-minded professional organisation Willie Duggan Lighting is joining our group. Photo by Nick Abrams  on Unsplash Together, we can raise greater awareness. Through collaboration with lighting professionals, manufacturers, designers, and health experts, Willie Duggan Lighting aims to drive innovation and develop solutions that enhance well-being in indoor environments.   Their mission—to push the boundaries of lighting design and promote a more holistic, balanced approach to artificial lighting—aligns perfectly with ours. We believe that by working together, Willie Duggan Lighting can expand the range of options available to both professionals and the public, ultimately helping to create healthier, more human-centred spaces.

We're waking up an hour earlier throughout the summer because the clocks have gone forward – our bodies really don’t like it. Many people struggle with the change for days, sometimes even weeks. Yes, it does mean an extra hour of daylight in the evening, but that late light can actually make it harder for our bodies to wind down. When it's time to sleep, we're simply not ready for a deep, restful night. As a result, we sleep poorly and wake up feeling groggy. So, it’s time to end daylight saving time! It serves no real purpose and only disrupts everyone’s sleep.

Have you ever wondered why the sky looks blue, why sunsets are orange and pink, or why some indoor lights just feel … wrong? Let’s take a trip into the world of light! What is light, really? Light might look white to our eyes, but it’s actually a rainbow in disguise. White light is made up of many different colours, which together form the light spectrum. Think Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet. You’ve probably seen this in action when light passes through a prism or in a rainbow when it’s raining and the sun shines at the same time. Each colour in the spectrum has a different wavelength: Red light = long wavelength Blue/violet light = short wavelength Photo by Zdenek Machacek on Unsplash     But why does the sky look blue (And not rainbow)? When sunlight hits the Earth’s atmosphere, it bumps into tiny molecules in the air. These molecules scatter the light, but they don’t scatter all colours equally. Shorter wavelengths like blue get scattered much more than the others. That’s why the sky looks blue during the day!   Why are sunsets and sunrises orange and red? At sunset (or sunrise), the sun is lower in the sky, so its light has to pass through more air to reach your eyes. By the time it gets to you, most of the blue light has already been scattered away. What’s left? The reds, oranges, and pinks. Which makes those beautiful sunset and sunrise magic!   Daylight vs. bad electric light Not all electric lights are created equal! Only high-quality daylight lamps are designed to have the right light intensity and spectrum that compensates for the lack of daylight from sunrise to sunset.   Daylight (the gold standard) Full of all the colours of the spectrum. Feels natural and comfortable to our eyes. Helps regulate our body clock (circadian rhythm) because of the change of colours and intensity throughout the day. Boosts mood and energy and helps you focus and improves sleep which is very important for your health!   Bad electric lighting Most of the lights miss parts of the spectrum or have the wrong intensities of certain colours. They might have a weird yellow or bluish tint, and sometimes flicker, which you may not notice, but your eyes and brain do. Can cause eye strain, headaches, and make everything look kind of dull or unnatural. It can disrupt your circadian rhythm if you spend too much time during the day under electric lighting, which causes sleep problems and negatively affects your health and mood.   Why daylight is so important for your health Since the beginning of human existence, our bodies have been completely programmed by daylight. The natural cycle of the sun rising and setting tells us when to wake up, when to be active, and when to rest. Daylight’s full spectrum of light helps keep our body clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, running smoothly. But today, we spend more and more time indoors, under electric lighting that isn’t good enough. Many indoor lights don’t give us the full spectrum and intensity of light our bodies needs during daytime. And in the evenings, the light intensities are often much too high. That’s why electric lighting can mess with your sleep, mood, health, and energy.

On March 11th, the Good Light Group held its 6th Strategy Day, was an inspiring and energising meeting, featuring both constructive and engaging discussions. The day was filled with constructive discussions, valuable insights, and a shared commitment to driving positive change. During the wrap-up, the group identified four key focus areas that will guide the group’s efforts moving forward: Strategic Partnerships:  Collaborating with like-minded organisations to amplify the group’s message and expand its reach. Media & Public Engagement:  Leveraging (social) media and public-facing initiatives to enhance involvement and awareness. Impact & Value Creation:  Transitioning from storytelling to demonstrating tangible economic benefits. Future-Proofing the Group:  Ensuring long-term sustainability by securing financial and human resources. This strategic roadmap underscores the Good Light Group’s commitment to growth, impact, and lasting change. With renewed energy and a clear direction,we are ready to take the next steps toward a future where good light benefits everyone. What’s Next? In the coming weeks, the Board will refine action plans with input from our Science Advisors, Participants, and Partners. We will keep you updated on this process and welcome your contributions and ideas. If you would like to be involved in shaping the next steps, please reach out, your support makes a difference!

The International Association of Lighting Designers ( https://www.iald.org/ ) published on 28th February 2025 a white paper entitled ‘Lighting Design for Health, Wellbeing and Quality of Light, A Holistic Approach to Integrative Lighting’. It was written by the IALD’s European Regulatory Affairs Working Group with assistance from members of The Good Light Group’s WG Science ( https://www.goodlightgroup.org/ ). AI generated picture  This paper is a comprehensive re write of IALD’s previous paper on the subject published in 2018. The past 7 years have seen substantial new work on the topic and a certain stabilisation of the metrics and recommendations for the non visual effects of light. In addition there is new knowledge relating to the beneficial non visual effects of Infra Red and Near Infra Red radiation.  Everyone involved with lighting from practitioners like manufacturers and lighting designers to end-users and Human Resource / Occupational Health organisations are realising the importance of light in its complete spectrum, meaning toward the IR and UV ends and not just the visible wavelengths, for healthy and happy lives in the 21st Century, where so much time is spent indoors and isolated from natural light. This paper identifies existing published guidance on the topic including discussion of WELL standards and DIN/TS 67600:2021. It also provides guidance for implementation as part of a considered architectural lighting design. The white paper includes references to relevant published papers to allow practitioners to develop strong design arguments for the consideration of non visual benefits of good light. A blog by: Kevan Shaw ( EFLA | Kevan Shaw Lighting Design ) Download here

How to have a perfect start of the day for numerous benefits for both your mental and physical health. Photo by Emma Simpson  on Unsplash Why is morning daylight  so important: Boosts mood and energy: morning daylight helps increase the production of serotonin , a hormone that boosts mood and energy levels, making you feel happier and more productive throughout the day. Regulates sleep-wake cycle: exposure to natural light in the morning helps regulate your circadian rhythm, ensuring you feel alert during the day and sleepy at night. Enhances focus and productivity: natural light has been shown to improve cognitive function, helping you stay focused and productive. Reduces stress: spending time in natural light can reduce stress and anxiety levels, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. A perfect morning light routine: Morning walk: take a walk outside for at least 30 minutes. Breakfast by the window: enjoy your breakfast within one meter of a window. Outdoor exercise: do your morning workout or yoga session outside. Commute on foot or bike: if possible, walk or bike to work or school. Make morning daylight a part of your daily routine and experience the positive impact on your mood, energy, and overall health. Don’t forget to be outside or in light that compensates for the lack of daylight for at least two hours daily! Start your routine tomorrow and feel the difference!

This is the fourth and last step towards living a healthier and happier life. The secret to feeling more awake during the day and sleeping better at night might be simpler than you think, good light! Our fourth step to good light : About three hours before bed, minimise bright light exposure. Dim the lights, avoid screens, and give your body the signal that it’s time to wind down. This helps you sleep better, wake up refreshed, and feel more energised the next day. Follow our first three steps to good light to increase your exposure to natural light during the day. This helps regulate your body's internal clock, improving mood, focus, and energy levels.

This is the first of four steps towards living a healthier and happier life Exposure to natural daylight is vital for your well-being. We recommend spending at least two hours outdoors each day, ideally including at least 30 minutes in the morning. Daylight is unique due to its intensity and dynamic shifts in colour throughout the day. These qualities help regulate your circadian rhythm, which influences sleep quality, mood, and overall health. Making outdoor activities a priority or simply stepping outside each morning can be a powerful step towards a healthier lifestyle! If you want to bring good light in your life, watch our latest videos, click here: Try | Home | Good Light Group | Foundation Light supports us in everything we do. Good light has a great positive impact on our experience of energy, sleep, happiness and health.

This is the third of four steps towards living a healthier and happier life. Feeling tired and unfocused at work? Poor lighting might be the cause. Without the right light, your brain thinks it’s time for bed, making concentration harder. This also affects your sleep at night. This video covers the third step to good light, essential when you're indoors and away from windows. IInstall high-quality electric lighting to compensate for the lack of natural daylight. Ensure your eyes receive at least 500 lux during the daytime. This helps your brain stay in sync with natural light, improving focus and sleep. If you want to bring good light into your life, explore the other steps to a healthier and happier life here: Home | Good Light Group | Foundation . Light supports us in everything we do. Good light has a positive impact on our energy, sleep, happiness, and health.

This is the second of four steps towards living a healthier and happier life. Beating the winter blues and living a healthier and happier life starts with making the most of natural daylight. Exposure to natural light plays a vital role in mental well-being, especially during the darker, shorter days of fall and winter when sunlight is limited. Sitting within a meter of a window allows you to absorb as much natural light as possible. Making daylight exposure a priority can be a simple yet effective way to boost your overall well-being. If you want to bring good light into your life, explore the other steps to a healthier and happier life here: Home | Good Light Group | Foundation . Light supports us in everything we do. Good light has a positive impact on our energy, sleep, happiness, and health.