This section of the handbook gives an insight to the activities and visual tasks found in the various lighting application segments and gives advise on the important points to consider. It recommends the most appropriate lighting design techniques and suitable lighting solutions. The list of application segments is not exhaustive but the main types covered include the lighting of indoor and outdoor industry, offices, education buildings, super and hypermarkets, roads, amenity areas, architectural elements and healthcare premises. For each case the lighting techniques employed should start by considering a holistic approach to design and should include PEC – performance, efficiency and comfort - attributes and fulfilment. This means addressing all the lighting design parameters and balancing the requirements and constraints to yield the best possible solution. In the holistic framework the key elements for consideration are visual function, visual amenity, architectural integration, energy efficiency, installation costs and maintenance. The individual elements may not carry equal weight, but they all need consideration separately and combined with each other. PEC extends this consideration to include the changing human factors and environmental challenges.

By fulfilling PEC we ensure that quality lighting will be provided that gives effective light for visual performance, with high operating energy efficiency, be sustainable and kind to the environment, and give people comfort, stimulation and total satisfaction. It is well proven that good lighting is essential to mankind, without this the human activity will be seriously impaired and valuable energy and resource will be wasted. It is also important to recognise that this lighting not only illuminates the task but will also contribute to the quality of the visual environment and wellbeing of the people.

Much of the success of a lighting installation depends on making the right decisions at the design stage, selecting the right equipment and providing adequate instructions on how to operate, manage and service the scheme through it’s life. In the section “Specific Techniques” guidance is given on techniques that are applicable to several application segments. These include, lighting for display screen equipment, lighting for education, emergency lighting, road and amenity lighting, controlling obtrusive light, lighting for crime prevention, lighting for health, lighting controls, lighting maintenance and tunnel lighting. The consideration of these form an integral part of the design process to yield the most appropriate lighting solution.