Introducing Personalized Environmental Control Systems for Daylighting and Lighting

Paper in proceeding, 2025

Buildings are striving to be both energy-efficient and occupant-centered. Personalized systems for lighting and dynamic fenestration systems, e.g., switchable glazing, are emerging as a key solution. These systems, called Personalized Environmental Control Systems (PECS), allow individuals to adjust their immediate environment without impacting others. While PECS initially focused on temperature and air quality, this study explores the potential for the luminous environment, introducing the concept of Visual PECS.

Daylighting and lighting controls build on a long history of personalized systems and methods, from prehistoric torches to adjustable desk lamps. They allow for individual control over (day)light spectrum and intensity, catering to personal needs and promoting circadian health and cellular processes (i.e., photobiomodulation). Additionally, they can reduce glare and improve visual comfort, leading to increased productivity and well-being. Despite this long history, studies formulating “personalized environmental control systems” (PECS) in the daylighting and lighting domain are rare. In this paper. we present preliminary results from a comprehensive review, where 31 papers were identified from an initial pool of 5,238. The findings highlighted two key benefits. First, semi-automated PECS offer the highest energy savings, highlighting the importance of understanding the relationship between users and automation. Secondly, PECS provides improved occupant experience since the ability to control their environment empowers occupants, leading to increased comfort and productivity. Overall, PECS have the potential to facilitate individual control over lighting and visual parameters, ultimately enhancing visual comfort and satisfaction as well as beyond-visual well-being. Our research builds upon the ongoing work of IEA EBC - Annex 87, which investigates the energy and environmental benefits of PECS.