Lighting Controls
An essential component of every energy efficient lighting system
Lighting typically accounts for up to 40 percent of the energy used in commercial buildings. Lighting controls make it possible to eliminate energy waste through better control of how and when lights are used without affecting employee productivity. A combination of daylighting, occupancy sensors, scheduling timers and dimmer controls can reduce unnecessary use of lighting by 20 to 90 percent.
Daylighting
Daylighting design is the science of balancing and augmenting natural daylight with electric lighting. By measuring the distribution of natural light in building workspaces, designers define light zones within buildings that are automatically controlled with daylighting controls. This is an effective way to maximize potential energy savings by leveraging natural daylight when it is available.
Fact Check
Quality, glare-free lighting not only reduces energy usage and expense, it improves employee comfort, safety and productivity.
Occupancy Sensors
Occupancy sensors use passive infrared and/or ultrasonic sensing technology to provide cost-effective lighting control that switch or dim lights based on human occupancy. Sensors are a simple yet effective way to make buildings more energy efficient.
Fact Check
Occupancy sensors are most effective in areas with irregular or light employee usage patterns and can reduce wasted energy by 35-45%.
Scheduling Timers
Lighting controls provide an automated way to turn on, off or dim lights at specified times of the day. Scheduled lighting events can apply to lights for a building, floor or other specific lighting zones such as entrances, hallways, cafeterias and office space.
Fact Check
Timers are most effective in work areas with predictable usage patterns.
Dimmers
Dimmers are used to adjust lighting output with the dual benefit of providing optimized lighting for employees while using the least amount of energy necessary. Dimmers can adjust lighting over a continuous or stepped range depending on the technology and lighting systems installed.
Fact Check
Dimmers can reduce up to 60% of the energy used per lighting fixture while still offering an appropriate amount of light.