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

Lighting Will Be a Priority When Modernizing Facilities

By Craig DiLouie
April 2009

Given the current economic conditions and the enactment of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act earlier this year, the public sector is very likely to spend more on construction and upgrades, while the private sector likely will spend less.

If history is a guide and if credit conditions improve, the economic downturn will prompt building owners and managers in the private sector to invest more resources in modernizing existing buildings than in constructing new facilities.

Lighting will be a top priority in these projects, and energy savings will be the driver. Managers involved in lighting system upgrades have many powerful incentives to investigate, from the Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction to utility rebates. New programs and tools also are available, such as the Commercial Lighting Solutions Web tool for retail buildings from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and free courses on lighting controls from the Lighting Controls Association.

By understanding the technology behind new lighting controls, managers will be more successful in specifying and implementing strategies that meet their organizations’ goals.

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