Circadian Lighting Takes Center Stage at LEDucation 2025: A Conversation with Adam Lilien
At LEDucation 2025, Randy Reid, Editor of EdisonReport, sat down with Adam Lilien of Circadian Lighting Advisers to discuss his new venture and the future of circadian lighting technology.
A New Chapter in Circadian Lighting
Lilien, a longtime expert in circadian lighting, shared how his latest company builds upon his previous role at UL, where he served as a subject matter expert for six years. Recently, he was awarded a patent for a device designed to verify circadian lighting conditions in a given space. Initially envisioned as a robotic tool, the technology is now evolving to function directly on an iPhone, making it widely accessible.
“We anticipated this shift in technology five to ten years ago,” Lilien explained. “But the future is already here. A company is working with Apple to integrate similar capabilities, and now my focus is on managing the patents to ensure that everyone can verify their circadian lighting environments effectively.”
Circadian Lighting Advisers: A Global Effort
Though no longer with UL, Lilien is spearheading Circadian Lighting Advisers, working with partners in the UK and Asia to expand the reach of circadian lighting solutions. Interest is already growing in North America, particularly due to the exposure gained from attending Education 2025.
“This show has been a game-changer,” Lilien noted. “Many booths here claim to offer health or circadian lighting solutions, but when I ask about manufacturer rep management or how many projects are lost to value engineering, the answer is often that over 90% of projects don’t make it through. That signals a gap in understanding that needs to be addressed.”
Overcoming Industry Challenges
The conversation turned to why circadian lighting isn’t more widely discussed. Lilien pointed to the impact of COVID-19 in reshaping the conversation around health in the built environment. At UL, he pushed for clear, science-backed terminology—using terms like alertness, depression, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer—to emphasize the real health implications of lighting design.
He also highlighted a potential business model for integrating circadian lighting into commercial leases. “Building owners could include circadian lighting as a feature in their leases, giving tenants the opportunity to offer scientifically backed lighting to their employees and clients. That’s a tangible benefit.”
A Promising Future
Despite industry hurdles, Lilien remains optimistic that wider adoption of circadian lighting is on the horizon, especially with tools like his upcoming app that will make verification simple and accessible.
Reid concluded the discussion with encouragement: “It’s a tough challenge, but if anyone can make it happen, it’s you.”
Lilien’s response? “It’s a good challenge—and one that’s worth taking on.”