Two meetings convened by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology set the tone: lighting is shifting from “illuminating” to “understanding circadian rhythms.”

On September 7 and 8, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology held two consecutive meetings, sending a strong and clear signal of upgrading for the lighting industry.

At a press conference hosted by the State Council Information Office, Vice Minister Xie Yuansheng pointed out that consumer spending is shifting from “buying more goods” to a comprehensive experience of “buying scenes, atmospheres, and emotions.” For the lighting industry, this means that traditional “functional lighting,” which focused on illuminance levels and durability, is stepping aside, while “scene-based lighting” that emphasizes healthy light environments, nighttime ambiance, and cultural immersion has become the new value benchmark—light is no longer merely a supporting fixture in a space, but one of the core elements for creating high-quality homes and stimulating nighttime cultural and tourism consumption.

The next day, at the 2026 National Consumer Goods Industry Symposium, more specific technical measures were outlined: launching a special initiative on “Artificial Intelligence + Three Products,” promoting cross-brand and cross-category interoperability in smart homes, and driving the consumer goods industry toward intelligence, green practices, and integration. Among these, the statement most relevant to every household reads: Smart lighting is breaking down single-brand barriers, integrating into whole-home ecosystems through cross-protocol connectivity, and creating healthy light environments tailored to human circadian rhythms.

The direction is clear, but for designers, the real challenges are only just beginning:

What does “tailored to human circadian rhythms” mean?
How are metrics like m-EDI and MDER calculated?
How can the CIE S 026 five-channel α‑opic photometric system and T/CBDA 91‑2026 “Indoor Space Healthy Lighting Design Standard” be translated into a practical design solution?

The answers to these questions are bringing lighting designers and interior designers onto the same playing field. In the implementation chain of healthy lighting, the former handles calculations and simulation validation, while the latter determines factors such as reflectance, surface materials, and daylighting conditions—elements that exert super‑linear effects on circadian outcomes. The blueprint illuminated by policy ultimately depends on both groups developing a common language across the entire “design–calculation–implementation” continuum.

From October 20 to 21, ahead of the opening of the 35th Ancient Town Lighting Fair, a two-day “Specialized Training Workshop on Healthy Lighting Design” will be held in Zhongshan. Hosted by the Global Light for Good Alliance (GLGA) · Hao Guang Consulting (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd. and organized by Ming Classroom · Wuxi Lide Era Technology Co., Ltd., the course covers seven major modules—concepts, metrics, design schemes, calculations, software, case studies, and standards—based on the T/CBDA 91‑2026 and CIE S 026/E:2018 standards. Day one focuses on concepts through to design proposals, while day two addresses calculations and compliance; certificates will be awarded upon successful completion of the final assessment.

Click here for workshop details

Several key details deserve attention in the course structure:

Lighting designers and interior designers will be grouped together in mixed teams, simulating real‑world project collaboration;
Participants will practice using GLGA’s healthy lighting calculation tools to perform spectral mixing, m-EDI scenario simulations, and generate full‑day circadian rhythm schedules;
Hands‑on sessions will also include spectrometer testing, along with in‑depth analysis of selected case studies such as aircraft cabins and medical spaces.

The instructor, Cheng Yu, serves as Secretary General of the Global Light for Good Alliance and WELL AP & WELL Global Light Concept Consultant, with 29 years of experience in the lighting industry. His pioneering lighting solutions have been applied to two national landmark projects—the Shenzhen Ping An Financial Center and China Zun—and he has contributed to drafting numerous industry standards, including the “Indoor Lighting Application Design Standard” and the “Indoor Healthy Lighting Design Standard.”

Upon completing the course and passing the final assessment, participants will receive the GLGA “Healthy Lighting Design Training Certificate,” which counts toward the GLGA Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit system and can serve as proof of training hours when applying for GLGA Healthy Lighting Design Level 1 (basic certification).

Key Information about the Workshop

• Dates: October 20–21, 2026

• Location: Building C, 3rd Floor, No. 10 Huoju Road, Huoju Industrial Park, Torch Development Zone, Zhongshan City

• Audience: Lighting designers, interior designers, architects, soft‑furnishing designers, and professionals working on smart home, real estate, and healthcare‑related projects

• Capacity: Small class size of around 20 participants; places confirmed on a first‑come, first‑served basis; registration closes on October 12

• Fee: 3,000 yuan per person, covering all course materials and hands‑on guidance, lecture notes and standard resource packs, access to calculation tools, final assessment and certificate, plus lunch and tea breaks over both days

• Contact: Teacher Qian, 18961886780 (WeChat ID same); email qianjing@cali-light.com