Summary
This study evaluated existing and retrofitted LED lighting solutions in Italian middle school classrooms against WELL protocol melanopic EDI (m-EDI) recommendations, finding that natural daylighting levels were high but all electric lighting systems—including modern LEDs—fell short of the three-point WELL circadian standard. Designers and facility managers should be aware that LED retrofits alone are insufficient to meet higher-tier circadian lighting targets in classrooms, and that daylighting integration and room orientation are critical variables in achieving adequate m-EDI levels.
Key Findings
- No LED retrofitting solution tested was able to meet the three-point WELL circadian lighting recommendation for m-EDI in classrooms.
- Only two out of six LED retrofitting solutions met the one-point WELL m-EDI recommendation.
- Existing fluorescent lighting systems provided insufficient melanopic EDI, despite classrooms benefiting from high daylighting contributions.
- Room orientation and sky conditions significantly influenced integrative (photopic and melanopic) illuminance levels, highlighting daylighting design as a key lever for circadian adequacy.
Categories
Student Learning: Study evaluates circadian-effective lighting (melanopic EDI) in middle school classrooms to meet WELL protocol recommendations.
The Science of Light: Paper applies melanopic equivalent daylight illuminance (m-EDI) metrics and WELL lighting standards to assess circadian adequacy of daylighting and electric lighting systems.
Sleep & Circadian Health: Research examines whether classroom lighting conditions meet recommended circadian stimulus thresholds relevant to student health and entrainment.
Author(s)
VRM Lo Verso, L Giovannini, L Valetti, A Pellegrino
Publication Year
2023
Number of Citations
1
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