The short answer
In England, Approved Document L Volume 2 (2021, with 2023 amendments) asks for new general lighting to average at least 95 luminaire lumens per circuit-watt, or to use the LENI method. New 2026 editions raise the general lighting figure to more than 105 from 24 March 2027 in England and 4 March 2027 in Wales.
Current figures by nation
| Nation | Document | General lighting |
|---|---|---|
| England | Approved Document L Vol. 2 (2021, 2023 amendments) | 95 luminaire lm/circuit-W, or LENI |
| Wales | Approved Document L Vol. 2 (2022) | 95 luminaire lm/circuit-W, or LENI |
| Scotland | Non-domestic technical handbook, Section 6 (Standard 6.5) | 95 luminaire lm/circuit-W, or LENI |
| Northern Ireland | Technical Booklet F2 (June 2022) | NI's own figures, which differ from England's |
Display lighting has separate routes, such as 80 light-source lumens per circuit-watt in England.
What changes in 2027
The 2026 editions for England and Wales raise general lighting to more than 105 luminaire lumens per circuit-watt and display lighting to more than 95 light-source lumens per circuit-watt, subject to transitional provisions. In England, work on higher-risk buildings has a later date of 24 September 2027.
What it means for your project
Most quality LED fittings comfortably exceed these figures, but cheap fittings and some decorative products do not. We check efficacy at design stage and give you the evidence building control asks for.
Questions
Does Part L apply to a like-for-like lighting swap?
Replacing lighting in existing buildings can be controlled work in some circumstances. Check with building control, and in any case choose fittings that meet the current figures.
Related services
Fit-out and new-build lighting
First and second fix lighting for fit-outs, refurbishments and new units.
Commercial lighting design
Lux calculations, layouts and specifications for any commercial space.
LED lighting upgrades
Swap fluorescent, halogen and metal halide fittings for efficient LED.
Office lighting
Glare-free LED lighting for desks, meeting rooms and receptions.
Last reviewed 9 November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or engineering advice for a specific site.