Our Human Energy

March 11, 2008

Our human energy is sustained and transformed by the light we live in.

Our moods, our interactions, our work, our environment, even our health, can be dramatically changed by the alteration of light.   This is the true power of light.   We can use it to create more energy than it consumes.

It’s documented evidence in design reports, health studies, building post occupancy evaluations and even the unacknowledged consumer’s opinion on a compact fluorescent bulb brings us candid proof.

Why then are none of our increasingly restrictive energy codes weighing the value of light in our lives against the carbon credits?

The consumer has no idea what compromises are being made to their lit environments.  At a rabid speed choice and quality are being traded for political gain and face saving alliance with the green movement.

Should a consumer be told that beginning 2012 they can’t use an inexpensive, simple, incandescent bulb to light their homes?   Is this really wise or appropriate? 

Human celebration with light  dates back to one of the first uses of fire by mankind to warm a dark cold night and possibly even before.    What is the impact when a midwinter retreat to a snowy Aspen lodge can only produce a LED fireplace?   One cannot ask what is the value of that light without asking what is the value of our experiences?  On one had we ask that our experiences and world be more organic, and on the other we require it to be more synthetic.

Light has the power to transform and refuel our human energy.   

That value of light needs to be part of our discussions and conscious choices about our consumption of resources or we risk wasting whatever energy we do spend regardless of the efficacy of the light source, the efficiency of the fixture or the stringency of the code based design decisions.

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