ABSTRACT
The first step to reducing the operating carbon footprint of a building is to understand how the energy is being used. This may sound obvious, but many buildings were, or are, designed to pass the building regulations current at the time of construction, with no serious consideration given to reducing actual operating energy consumption. Empty buildings do not use much energy. It is the people in buildings that lead to energy use, so it is important to engage with the occupants and make it easy for them to save energy. The primary purpose of lighting in office buildings is to ensure that building occupants have enough light to perform their tasks well and without excessive eye strain. Good lighting, both daylighting and artificial, combined with views to the outside, can help to avoid errors, prevent premature fatigue and improve productivity.
