Lighting Controls: Opportunities for Energy Savings

Part 1: Lighting Will Be a Priority When Modernizing Facilities

Part 2: Lighting Controls Maximize Energy Savings

Part 3: Automatic Shutoff Includes Occupancy Sensors, Load-Scheduling Devices

Part 4: Dimming Electronic Ballasts Are a Cost-Effective Solution

Part 5: Combining Lighting-Control Strategies Can Generate Savings

Part 6: PRODUCT FOCUS: Lighting Controls

A Special Report Provided by the Lighting Controls Association

Combining Lighting-Control Strategies Can Generate Savings

By Craig DiLouie - April 2009

Combining various approaches to lighting controls also can yield synergies. Such a strategy can be as simple as adding occupancy-sensor control to a bi-level switching scheme to produce higher energy savings than are possible using either strategy alone. Integration can be as ambitious as replacing lighting fixtures with new fixtures that combine occupancy sensing, daylighting control and personal dimming.

Some new systems are Web-enabled.

“Web-enabled lighting control is a popular feature because it allows a facility manager to monitor, maintain and support lighting control systems in remote buildings, such as large school districts or large retail chains,” says Schneider Electric’s Hickerson.

Other systems use digital architectures.

“Some newer systems are now available for the retrofit market that utilize digital architectures and addressable fixture control, providing the ultimate in energy savings,” says Encelium Technologies’ Parker.

Once exclusively the domain of large new-construction projects, total-building lighting control now is available for existing buildings in affordable packages, enabling managers to achieve paybacks of three years or less.

Says Leviton’s Freshman, “Planning is key. Understand what products are available and how much savings can be expected. Use qualified, professional lighting consultants that can tailor the system that will work the best for an application.”

Craig DiLouie is principal of ZING Communications Inc. — www.zinginc.com — and education director for the Lighting Controls Association, www.aboutlightingcontrols.org. He specializes in the lighting and electrical fields.

Spotlight: Lighting Controls Association

The Lighting Controls Association (LCA) was founded 10 years ago to educate the public about the benefits, technology, design and application of advanced lighting controls and controllable ballasts in new and existing buildings.

Since then, LCA has developed a significant array of educational resources on its Web site, www.aboutlightingcontrols.org. These resources include a monthly whitepaper on lighting and control efficiency, a newsletter, a comprehensive online series of educational courses called Education Express, and tools such as an upcoming generic commissioning specification. Later this year, LCA will offer a course on upgrading existing buildings with lighting controls.

The Lighting Controls Association, administered by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, includes Cooper Controls, DELTA Controls, Encelium Technologies, Hubbell Building Automation, HUNT Dimming, Leviton Manufacturing, Lithonia Lighting, Lightolier Controls, Lightronics, Lutron Electronics, OSRAM Sylvania, Philips Lighting Electronics, PLC-Multipoint, Sensor Switch, Square D, Watt Stopper/Legrand, Tridonic and Universal Lighting Technologies.

— Craig DiLouie