CRI and its Importance in Lighting Solutions

What is CRI? 

The CRI of a light fixture is generally a key factor when choosing a fixture, according to experts’ opinion. So what is CRI and why is it important in the lighting industry? Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a measure of how accurately a source of light can reproduce the colors of an illuminated object. The chart below shows a scale of 0-100 where light is measured based on how well it mimics a natural light source, such as the sun.

 

As shown in the chart below, a higher CRI value denotes a better color rendition in the light fixture or bulb. As described by Take 3 Lighting, sunlight and incandescent lights are generally regarded as “blackbody warriors”. This is because they have a perfect score of 100 and they’re considered to be the benchmark. Therefore, for most applications, lights with a CRI higher than 80 are considered to be excellent. However, a CRI greater than 90 is typically considered “High CRI” lights.

 

Color Rendering Index Scales

 

CRI in LED Lights

Recently, LED bulbs have grown in popularity mainly due to their energy-efficient qualities and bright light production. Compared to fluorescent lights, they usually produce a higher CRI score resulting in a brighter and a more natural looking room. When compared to fluorescent lights, LEDs have a more natural appearance since their CRI range generally from 65-90 while fluorescent lights are between 62-80 .

 

California Lighting Standards

The updated Title 24 lighting regulations in California  make lighting more energy efficient. JA8, which is the revised and extended  regulation, are for both residential and commercial buildings, whether they are new constructions or renovations. Lighting that meets JA8 standards is primarily composed of LED lamps that have been tested to meet higher efficiency standards and are authorized by California’s CEC (California Energy Commission). Under the color characteristics of JA8 it is stated that all light sources should have a CRI of 90 or higher. 

 

 

Importance of High CRI

The lighting of any space is usually not the primary concern when designing a space; however, it is equally important to other factors and plays a crucial role in the process. When choosing the lighting for any space, it is important to take into consideration the CRI because it has a major impact on the room’s colors and textures.

 

When it comes to commercial spaces where presentation, colors and aesthetics matter, high CRI plays a significant role in highlighting the products and letting them stand out. High CRI is essential, for example, in grocery stores to make food and produce look more appealing, in retail stores to make clothing look more attractive, in museums, hospitals, etc. Additionally, high CRI in lighting plays a significant role in safety since it results in increased visibility. The better people see safety signs and labels, the better and quicker they will respond and react. Furthermore, higher CRI ratings reduce stress, headaches, tension, depression, eye strain, and alleviate irritability, all of which boost productivity. In the long run, this improvement has a direct impact on a company’s profitability.

 

Furthermore, high CRI in residential spaces make a house look more lively by making its furnitures’ color, texture and design “pop” and look more rich and fascinating. A CRI of 80 and above can work great in certain areas. However, a CRI of 90 or higher is recommended for the most accurate display of colors and finishes.

Luxury mansion in Beverly Hills with architectural lighting

 

 

Light and Green Light Fixtures

At Light and Green, almost all our light fixtures have a high CRI of 90+ and are JA8 compliant. This makes them the perfect choice for high-end residential and commercial projects. Below are some of our best selling light fixtures that have a CRI of 90+ .

 

Harmony

Our Harmony downlights consist of solid plaster lighting solutions made from gypsum, a mineral found in abundance in the Earth’s crust. Harmony downlights are available in different shapes and sizes. These can either be round, square, or trumpet shaped. Additionally, their sizes range from 2,3,4 to 6 inches depending on whether they are adjustable or fixed.

 

Plaster light fixtures in different shapes

Harmony Plaster Downlights

 

More about our Adjustable Harmony Downlights

More about our Fixed Harmony Downlights 

 

Boost

Our Boost family consists of  innovative flangeless adjustable light fixtures with cost-effective powder-coated aluminum construction.  The unique gimbal design of Boost protects the plaster finishes from damage when removed for maintenance. Boost comes in 4 inches and in square shapes.

 

Aluminum light fixtures in different sizes

Boost Downlights in Black

More about our Boost

 

Knife-Edge

The Knife Edge invisible track light rail system is field cuttable and can be used with drywall, wood, or a combination of drywall and wood materials. The spot head lighting attachments for Knife Edge have a full range of mobility and are field changeable. This allows for placement adjustments throughout the rail system. Knife Edge also includes finishes for drop ceiling and soffit ceiling.

 

Track lighting with two different spot sizes

Knife-Edge Track Light System

 

More about our Knife-Edge

 

CRI in Summary

LEDs are now the preferred choice among all artificial lighting sources for those looking for the best color rendition. Therefore, many lighting manufacturers, like Light and Green, are choosing LEDs due to their energy efficiency and high CRIs. 

Having light fixtures with high CRI has so many advantages both in commercial and residential projects. At Light and Green, we make sure our light fixtures are JA8 compliant with a CRI of 90 and above. If you would like to know more about light fixtures and their respective CRIs, contact our sales team to help you out!

Lighting Hacks to Enhance Your Office Environment

The first thing most people see when they enter your office is the lighting. It sets the tone for how clients perceive your business, so it’s important to have a good lighting plan. Therefore, be mindful of what you do with this space and how it can affect the look and feel of your company. This can range from making sure you have enough light to function in your space to adding accent lights to create a certain atmosphere.

Furthermore, the right lighting in your office can have a huge impact on productivity. A new study by Alan Hedge, a professor in the Department of Design and Environmental Analysis at Cornell University found that workers who work in day-lit office environments reported an 84% drop in symptoms of eyestrain headaches. The findings can detract from productivity which is why it’s important for employers to provide proper lighting conditions in their companies’ offices. This means that if you’re looking to get the most out of your employees and increase profits, then choosing the right lighting in your offices can work wonders!

 

To show how Rondo light fixture is installed in an office

Square Rondo Surface Mount Ceiling Light

 

Lighting Tips

Here are a few tips on how to improve your office’s lighting to create a productive and inviting atmosphere.

1. Use recessed lights:

One way to create a sleek space in the office is by using recessed lights. Recessed lighting provides supplemental lighting that highlights different areas of an office while also being discreet, eliminating distractions on the ceiling. LED recessed downlights can help with energy conservation because they use less power than other types of light fixtures. Recessed lights are available with multiple options such as shape, size and color.

Additionally, recessed downlights are a popular option for lighting because they provide flood lighting, delivering well-lit spaces. Recessed downlights are installed in the ceiling and provide less glare than other options like fluorescent or halogen lights. They also have the added benefit of not taking up floor space, so you can prepare more room to work with!

 

To show how recessed lights are installed in an office

Round Rondo Recessed Ceiling Light

 

2. LED Lights:

The use of LED lights has been steadily on the rise in recent years as more and more companies look for ways to cut their power bills. LEDs can last up to five times longer than conventional bulbs and they use half as much energy as fluorescent or incandescent lamps of comparable intensity. This leads to fewer replacements and lower costs over time. But how? The efficient diodes found in LED lights use less energy than incandescent bulbs. In addition, they help with creating an office that is brighter and more welcoming. This is especially important for productivity and meeting room needs. 

The purchase price of LED lights is higher than other types of light bulbs, which may seem like choosing LEDs would not make financial sense. However, due to the low cost of ownership, these savings quickly add up over time. In addition, it can be difficult to find a light bulb that doesn’t emit heat which is hard on the environment and your office space. With growing popularity in LED lights, they’re quickly becoming a requirement for most newly constructed buildings.

 

To show how LED lights are in a surface mounted light fixture

Soft Edge Square Rondo Surface Mount Ceiling Light

 

3. Lighting control system:

Since light helps set the mood and atmosphere for employees and customers alike, it’s no wonder that companies spend thousands on new lighting systems every year to boost their business. Lighting control systems can be used for a variety of different reasons. For example, they can be used to save energy and to create the right mood in an area. A lighting control system can turn any old office into a modern space with ambient light settings and customizable dimming choices. 

According to Transitions Optical Workplace Wellness Survey, employees have difficulty performing their best due to inadequate natural lighting and bright fluorescent lighting. The results showed that 80% of employees are taking steps to protect their eyes from digital eyestrain and fatigue, like dimming lights at work. Therefore, a lighting control system with dimming options can aid in combating this problem by decreasing the intensity of the lights when needed.

Product Suggestion

Among the many options for light fixtures, Rondos’ features make it an ideal choice for offices. Rondos’ lighting technology, precision of design and visual comfort can do wonders for your office spaces. But how?

 

  1. The LED Lighting Engine in Rondos is of the highest performance, with outstanding reliability. The 2700k to 6500K color temperature options and 90+ CRI makes them perfect for offices. 
  2. Rondos have a wider light spread and produce less glare. Direct reflections between surfaces can create glare, which leads to “visual noise”. Visual noise can be a big problem in offices and disturbs focus and concentration. Therefore, less reflective materials in your light fixture helps reduce glare without compromising on lighting quality. This is particularly true when designing new office space or installing replacement fixtures. The Rondos translucent acrylic diffuser not only helps in producing less glare, but also aids in uniform light distribution. Therefore, this makes them the perfect light fixture for offices.
  3. Rondo ceiling lights are available recessed, surface mounted, or pendant up to 48″ wide. Furthermore, they come in round, square and soft edged. Talk about options!

 

To show the round LED recessed Light fixtures and how it is installed

Round Rondo Recessed Ceiling Light

 

 

What’s Next?

Your office lights are arguably one of the most important design decisions. They affect both you and your employees’ physical wellbeing as well as mental state. These tips and product suggestions would help you make informed decisions when choosing new light fixtures for your office space. If after reading these tips or browsing through our suggestions you need additional assistance with lighting design for your work environment, we are happy to hear from you.

 

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