A1 Lighting magazine: DALI's role in sustainability

May 30, 2023

The May issue of A1 Lighting magazine features a Tech Update article from the DALI Alliance’s Paul Drosihn, which discusses the role of DALI in sustainable lighting.

>> A1 Lighting magazine, May 2023 issue

Tech Update

Paul Drosihn, General Manager at the DALI Alliance

“The role of DALI in sustainable lighting is becoming increasingly important. As the need grows to reduce energy consumption, cut carbon emissions and lower running costs, DALI’s ability to realise these needs make it transformational across the sector.

Even when using efficient light sources, many commercial buildings have poor lighting efficiency because the lights remain on even in unused spaces. Lighting often accounts for around 20-30% of total energy costs; the potential savings are indeed significant.

An effective approach is to adopt an automated DALI lighting control system with sensors to detect occupancy, movement and daylight levels.

Looking at occupancy, PIR sensors can detect presence and movement in different areas, and the system can then respond by turning lights on and off. This of course helps to reduce unnecessary electricity use.

Light level sensors also help to save energy through daylight harvesting. Sensor data informs the system how much natural light is available in a particular location, and the artificial lighting is controlled in response.

Sensor-based DALI lighting control can optimise both the brightness and colour temperature of the artificial lighting, while monitoring environmental conditions to create a comfortable environment for building occupants.

The more sophistication, more functions, and more intelligence we can add to a lighting control system, the greater the energy savings that are possible.

A further requirement is suitable software that is intuitive and user-friendly, and straightforward controls and user interfaces that building occupants will be able to understand and use. Here, DALI’s role is to standardise the functionality of input devices such as switches, sliders and push-button devices.”