Spas create a rich sensory experience for customers, connecting them more closely with their bodies and with their environment. Lighting is considered one of the most important aspects of building and interior design, while also playing a key role in creating appropriate ambiance within a spa. Lighting also provides opportunities to further green spa strategies in energy, equipment, and waste.

Maximizing natural lighting can reduce energy use by 50%. Light from windows and skylights is free energy, after all. Outside views and quality daylighting also enhance people’s performance, mood, and health. Stimulation from the light and changing variability during the day is good for the body’s biological and chronological systems (light changing from day to evening). Daylighting design includes using interior windows to reach interior spaces, minimizing glare, and operable blinds.

Sustainable lighting practices must balance natural lighting settings with the demand for additional mood lighting and artificial light in areas where natural lighting is not available or appropriate. The use of CFLs, LEDs, and other energy-efficient bulbs should be prioritized, and proper disposal policies should be established and enforced.

Additionally, control over lighting systems can add to the efficiency of the overall systems. Daylight and occupancy sensors can minimize energy use and extend the life-span of lighting equipment.