September 30, 2005—Researchers at the University of California Energy Institute (UCEI) have found that FMs can cut costs by dimming lights, and no one will notice—up to a point.
With rising energy costs putting consumption and efficiency firmly on the FM agenda, a recent detailed study focused on challenges in the workplace.
Commercial buildings consume about a third of all electricity produced in the US, and lighting is responsible for approximately 40% of that, the researchers say. Efficient controls proven to save up to 45% in electricity consumption are available, but in practice, these systems are poorly received and greatly under-used, resulting in a missed opportunity for significant energy savings, they add.
Trials looking at the needs of both FMs and building occupants found that lights can be dimmed by up to 30% before most people notice. The key factor is to carry out the dimming process slowly.
The institute suggests that lighting control systems should be tailored to achieve this. For more information on the study, visit the UCEI Web site.
