Indoor Lighting Facilities

Abstract

According to statistical documents regarding building construction floor space from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the construction floor space of all buildings was 115,490,000 m2, which was 26.6% less than the previous year and was the third year in a row for decline. Even for office space, there was a 20.0% decrease versus the previous year. In 2009, the rebuilding of historical buildings in major metropolitan areas continued, and efforts to reduce greenhouse gases also accelerated. The efficient use of office lighting was established through initial illuminance correction control using sensors, control for using daytime light, and control through motion sensors. Furthermore, in line with JIS standards revisions, lighting facilities that control discomfort glare have started to be implemented. Light emitting diode (LED) lighting is now being used in various types of facilities, including exhibition halls, multipurpose halls, conference rooms, and religious buildings. Even in art galleries, which demand high color rendering, LED lighting has started to be used for exhibits. In hospitals and retirement homes, there continues to be a strong consciousness of energy efficiency. The use of LEDs is increasing even for environmental lighting applications, and chandeliers and LED lightbulb downlights controlled by motion sensors have started to be employed. In 2009, the number of new theaters and halls constructed was very small. With a total number of six plus some small halls, it was the lowest number of new buildings in recent years. On the other hand, there is a feeling that all existing theaters and halls have gone ahead and performed renovations. Countrywide, forty-five facilities performed renovation work, which was a 50% increase over the previous year and was the highest number of renovations in recent years. In shops and business facilities, LED lighting has traditionally been often used as store fixture lighting and wall accent lighting. However, improvements in output and color rendering and the diversification of product types have progressed and full scale introduction into product presentation is now possible. In the accommodation, food and drink, and service industries, the use of LEDs as light sources is increasing in positions that require high color rendering, and renovations that emphasize energy efficiency are being introduced. Furthermore, LEDs are being employed for room lighting to provide modulated lighting that is suitable for when guests awaken. In the residential building industry, LED lighting fixtures are increasingly employed for high ceiling areas and underwater applications in order to utilize their greater control of the distribution of luminous intensity.