Lighting today is no longer just about visibility — it’s about creating intelligent, sustainable, and human-centric spaces. This principle is central to the EN-12464-1 Lighting Norm, which defines lighting requirements for indoor workplaces across sectors such as offices, healthcare, retail, hospitality, education, and more.

At EVIO, we are committed to helping our clients implement smarter lighting strategies that align with the highest global standards, supporting the design of spaces that are efficient, comfortable, and future-ready.

What is EN-12464-1?

Introduced in 2002 and updated over time, the EN-12464-1 standard outlines how indoor environments should be illuminated to enhance both visual performance and occupant well-being.
The latest revision places stronger emphasis on user needs, non-visual biological effects of lighting, and adaptable, efficient lighting design.

Key focus areas include:

• Maintaining appropriate illuminance levels throughout a building’s lifecycle
• Managing glare, flicker, and stroboscopic effects more effectively
• Enhancing the role of lighting controls and dynamic lighting solutions
• Prioritizing flexibility to accommodate various tasks and individual preferences

These updates ensure that lighting not only meets functional needs but also promotes health, safety, and productivity.

Maintained Illuminance: A Critical Focus

A major concept reinforced in the standard is maintained illuminance — ensuring that even as lighting systems age, spaces remain properly lit.
This approach accounts for factors like equipment ageing, dirt accumulation, and real-world usage patterns, helping designers create lighting schemes that are reliable and resilient over time.

Proper planning of maintained illuminance supports both energy efficiency and occupant experience, making it a core consideration for any modern building project.

Lighting Control and Smart Building Solutions

The EN-12464-1 revision highlights the critical role of lighting control systems in creating responsive, energy-efficient environments.
Advanced controls allow lighting to adapt based on occupancy, daylight availability, time of day, and personal needs — aligning perfectly with today’s demand for intelligent, people-centric buildings.

At EVIO, we work with Helvar, a global leader in lighting control and automation solutions, to bring cutting-edge technologies to our projects — delivering flexible, future-proof lighting systems that meet both regulatory requirements and evolving user expectations.

To explore a detailed perspective on the EN-12464-1 lighting norm and its practical application through smart lighting strategies, you can download Helvar’s comprehensive white paper here.