Guide To Lighting - BCO - British Council for Offices Guide To Lighting - BCO - British Council for Offices

Guide To
Lighting

The BCO Guide to Lighting has been written by leading lighting professionals practising in the office sector and provides guidance on how to specify good office lighting.

The world of lighting is currently going through some dramatic changes as there is a drive to reduce carbon emissions and lamp technology is evolving and changing at a fast pace.

The main message is to use daylight effectively and use artificial lighting only where and when it is needed. This also helps us to reduce the amount of energy consumed by lighting, which is further helped by the new technology available in lighting.

This guide is split into three sections: the first focuses on daylight and energy use; the second looks at the science and principles behind the lighting practice; and the third gives examples and specific guidance for shell and core, Category A and Category B lighting solutions.

The guide complements the BCO Guide to Specification.

“Good lighting is essential in an office. Few of us work well in poor light and it
can have a big impact on productivity in the workplace.”
Richard Kauntze, former chief executive,
British Council for Offices

Publication Date25 Sep 2013
TitleBCO Guide to Lighting
Member Cost£69.00

Publication Date25 Sep 2013
TitleBCO Guide to Lighting
Non Member Cost £99.00

Find the right membership level for you and your business.

Join us today

Latest news

October 07, 2026
By BCO Media

BCO Awards winners showcase the social and economic power of successful design

The annual BCO Awards were presented in front of an audience of around 1,000 senior figures from across the office sector.
Read more
October 01, 2026
By BCO Media

New technical note on Building Safety Act released for BCO members

The Building Safety Act has changed how building projects are designed, delivered and regulated but what does that mean for office development?
Read more
September 29, 2026
By BCO Media

BCO Ideas Competition: Meet the judges

What this year's judges will be looking for at the finale on 22 October.
Read more