By the Light of Day: The Impact of Natural and Electric Light On Human Health

Join Building Energy Exchange for a wide-ranging discussion of the impact of daylight and electric lighting on human health.  Access to daylight as well as the amount and type of electric light we are exposed to significantly effect our circadian cycle, task productivity, behavior, and overall well-being. Our distinguished panel will review the most current research on the relationship between lighting, daylighting and human health, and discuss how this knowledge base is impacting the design of buildings.

The dynamism of daylight provides visual and thermal comfort, but is also central to the regulation of human circadian rhythms. Daylight enhances our mood and focus, improves immune system function, and can even suppress drowsiness. In the workplace, offices with more access to daylight typically report broader employee satisfaction, increased productivity, and reduced
absenteeism. As our understanding of this relationship deepens, and as LED technology becomes commonplace, providers of artificial lighting have endeavored to provide systems with subtle color
tuning that mimic the dynamic nature of natural lighting.

Our esteemed panel features a leading academic researcher in the field, Joan Roberts, a highly respected consultant, Chad Groshart, with extensive experience applying these concepts projects, and Nathan Stodola, responsible for incorporating these issues into the new WELL building standard, which certifies buildings that promote human health.

MODERATOR:
Scott Baillie-Hinojosa, Lighting Designer, Tillotson Design Associates

PANELISTS:
Chad Groshart, Associate Director, Lighting Design Practice, Atelier Ten
Joan Roberts, Ph.D., Professor of Chemistry, Dept. of Natural Science, Fordham University
Nathan Stodola, Vice President, WELL Building Standard

SCHEDULE:
8:30    Registration & Coffee
9:00     Welcome
9:05     Moderated Discussion
10:10   Audience Discussion
10:30   Close