Efficient lighting solutions are changing at a rapid pace, and there are many opportunities to improve both building efficiency and worker satisfaction. Here are three solutions to consider:
- Relight offices and warehouse spaces
- Consider replacing existing lighting with new LED systems
- Incorporate lighting controls
Relight Solutions
For offices, new relight systems offer reduced energy consumption, often 50 percent lower than the lighting currently installed. With these systems, the lighting quality is improved by providing better glare control and lighting uniformity on tasks and walls. A relight kit can be installed without removing the old lighting reflectors — you simply insert a new fixture reflector and select from several diffusers including lensed “baskets” or louvers, both with superior glare control.
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| The lighting in an office building conference room is notably improved by a relight solution. |
Because the old fixture housing is not being removed, there are no disposal issues to be concerned about. Relighting helps revitalize the appearance of offices, improve lighting quality, reduce energy and maintenance costs and minimize disruptions to business during the upgrade. These systems can also qualify for federal tax deductions — up to $0.60/square foot of renovated space.
Warehouse spaces also present a real opportunity to improve your bottom line. Linear highbay lighting uses fluorescent T5 lamps and often provides better uniformity and color than metal halide lighting systems. Look for linear highbays that include good thermal management if your warehouse space is unconditioned. This type of lighting can reduce energy costs by as much as 59 percent compared to a 400 watt metal halide highbay — nearly $3400 saving per year for every 10,000sf ($0.10/kwh and 5000 annual operating hours). The savings are even greater when controls are incorporated. These systems also qualify for federal tax deductions.
LED Options
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LED, or solid state lighting, is the new trend for many lighting solutions. LED lighting is evolving rapidly and the costs are becoming more justified for many businesses. Recessed downlights using LED sources now use about 27 percent less energy than a comparable compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) and they can be easily dimmed. The LEDs last about four times longer than a CFL, minimizing maintenance costs. Beyond that, there is no mercury in an LED lamp, which means no special disposal requirements. Some LED downlights are designed to fit right into an existing downlight housing with an incandescent socket, making the changeover extremely fast and easy. LEDs can also replace the task lights in office cubicles, and even outdoor site lighting now offers LED solutions. There is a wide range of quality in LED lighting, here are some things to look for:
- Quality optical control — poorly controlled LEDs can be very bright
- Thermal management — the LED driver can produce a significant amount of heat and fail prematurely if the heat is not properly dissipated
- Color — look for LED products that have a color temperature between 3000 and 4100K. This will provide a warm white color; color temperature over 4100K will appear bluish.
- Testing — products should be testing to the IES LM-79 and LM-80 standards
- Products that carry the Department of Energy “Lighting Facts” label
Claim Control
Don’t forget the lighting controls. Even the most energy efficient lighting will consume too much energy if it is left on when it is not needed. Vacancy sensors detect when an area is unoccupied based on motion and/or sound, and will not come back on until they are manually turned on. This is a great control solution in private offices, conference rooms and rest rooms. Occupancy sensors used in warehouse aisles often reduce energy by more than 50 percent.
Many lighting systems now offer digital lighting solutions, with the controls integrated directly into the light fixture. This reduces the need to commission the controls and makes the installation much simpler. Make sure to incorporate dimming controls anywhere you have daylight integration. The return on investment for controls is very attractive, and makes the functionality of your building more attractive to clients.
Take a look at the world of new opportunities for lighting. You can improve your bottom line with reduced operating expenses, fewer maintenance issues and more satisfied clients.
About the Author
Cheryl English is the vice president of Industry and Government Relations for Acuity Brands Lighting. She is responsible for energy and sustainability programs, industry activities and government relations. She can be reached at Cheryl.English@acuitybrands.com
