15 Jul 2026

WTI's Commitment to Sustainability Through Intelligent Lighting

Sustainable Lighting with Daylight-Dependent DALI Presence Sensors: As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, the WTI has invested in a state-of-the-art intelligent lighting system based on DALI-2 technology with daylight-dependent presence sensors.

This installation reflects the Institute's ambition to be at the forefront of sustainable building technologies within the University of Bern.

The new lighting system has been designed to minimize energy consumption while providing a high-quality and comfortable working environment for researchers, staff, and students. The system ensures that lighting is only used when people are present and automatically adjusts the light output according to the amount of available natural daylight. On bright days, the luminaires dim automatically or remain switched off entirely, while on darker days they increase their output only as needed. By automatically adapting artificial lighting to occupancy and the available natural daylight, the system significantly reduces unnecessary electricity use and associated carbon emissions.

This intelligent lighting strategy significantly reduces electricity usage, lowers operating costs, and extends the service life of the LED luminaires by minimizing operating hours. Reduced energy demand also leads to a substantial decrease in CO₂ emissions, making the system an environmentally responsible choice throughout its entire lifecycle.

Through this initiative, the WTI demonstrates that advanced building technologies can play a vital role in reducing the environmental impact of research facilities without compromising functionality or user comfort. The project serves as an example of how innovation, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship can be successfully integrated into modern university infrastructure, reinforcing the University of Bern's commitment to sustainable development and responsible resource management.

At WTI, sustainability is more than a commitment—it's a guiding principle. Our investment in sustainable infrastructure reflects our dedication to reducing environmental impact and creating smarter, more energy-efficient facilities for the future.

— Karin Rosenberg, Head of Adminstration