Simulation-Based Human-Centric Lighting Design for Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings

This study develops and validates a simulation driven, human centric lighting framework for UK residential buildings that integrates circadian and biophilic design, daylight harvesting, and dynamic smart controls using DIALux Evo. A comparative quantitative design was adopted to evaluate traditional manual calculation versus simulation based optimisation across twenty lighting scenes in one bedroom flats, under identical spatial and environmental conditions and in compliance with EN 12464 1 and CIBSE LG standards. Performance was assessed using electrical energy consumption (kWh), average illuminance (lux), and luminous efficacy (lm/W), with statistical validation via paired t tests. The optimised design reduced mean energy consumption from 10.25 kWh to 8.68 kWh (t = 5.12, p = 1.2×10⁻⁵), increased mean illuminance from 94.36 lux to 116.93 lux (t = 7.095, p = 1.0×10⁻⁶), and improved luminous efficacy from 57.2–65.65 lm/W to 98.25–105.35 lm/W across living, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom areas. Although a minority of scenes showed neutral or adverse energy outcomes, the dominant trend evidences statistically significant reductions in demand and enhanced lighting quality. The contribution is a reproducible and standards aligned methodology that advances best practice for low carbon residential lighting, with actionable guidance for architects, engineers, and policymakers pursuing Net Zero targets and occupant well being.