Color rendering is a crucial measure of lighting quality which must be considered in every lighting application. Color rendering is measured on an index from 0-100, with natural daylight and incandescent lighting both equal to 100. Objects and people viewed under lamps with a high color rendering index (CRI) appear more true to life. In addition, high CRI light sources tend to produce a higher perceived level of light, which helps make them more energy effective.
High color rendering products are strongly recommended for applications where it is important that the people and objects viewed appear as realistic and natural as possible. For example, high color rendering index lamps make merchandise more appealing in retail settings, food more appetizing in restaurants, and people generally look better, healthier and more natural. In office lighting applications, high color rendering lamps have been tied to increased worker productivity, and reduced absenteeism and error rates.
