Hi mbetke,
Octane works in units of metres. The use of physical units is crucial in Octane (like in all unbiased render engine); for example, window panes should have thickness so that they can properly absorb light as it travels through the glass.
If the thickness were specified as 1.2m instead of 1.2cm the glass would appear black, as all the light has been absorbed in travelling through it; then you'll ween need to increase power but this will be not consistent with reality (e.g.
100000 Watt light bulb).
Regards
Paride