Removing Non-Useful Energy Consumption
Outdoor Lighting on Photosensor or Timer
Outdoor lights that are left on 24/7 may only be needed at night. In this situation, the installation of a photo sensor or timer to control the operation of these fixtures typically decreases their electrical consumption.
High Efficiency Reflectors
Where appropriate, installing high efficiency lighting reflectors can increase lighting levels and may reduce the number of fixtures required. Without reflectors, some of the light that the bulb is emitting is diffused to a point where it is not useful.
Energy Efficiency Upgrades
LED Lighting
T8 is the current industry standard for fluorescent lighting, however conversion to LED (light emitting diode) lighting is a further advancement for businesses that have specific lighting uses. LEDs are increasingly being used for streetlighting, lighting displays and commercial signage. LED fixtures use less electricity than older style fixtures and are designed for an extended life and low cost operation. Unlike most lighting systems, the efficiency, performance and life expectancy of LED light fixtures increases in colder climates. LED lights also have the benefit of having a much longer bulb life, reducing associated material and labour costs in replacing bulbs.
For businesses that have a canopy or decorative string lighting that is typically turned on for the duration of the operating hours - LED canopy lighting fixtures may be a viable alternative.
If your parking lot exterior lighting is in the form of low pressure sodium bulbs, LED lighting can improve the quality of light produced.
In grocery or convenience stores, refrigerated case lighting could be retrofitted with LED light strips. LED lighting in this application has the added benefit of increasing the illumination of the product in the cases. LED lighting also gives off less heat than fluorescent fixtures, so energy savings can be found in reduced refrigeration compressor loads required to keep the cases at a set temperature.
Many exit signs use incandescent or fluorescent lighting. Converting these to LED (either by purchasing a lamp kit or a new unit) can be a quick and easy energy upgrade. LED exit lights use less energy and last longer than traditional exit lights.
Compact Fluorescent (CFL)
If your building still has incandescent lighting, you may want to consider replacement of these fixtures with compact fluorescents. Compact fluorescent lighting produces light more efficiently and can have a longer lamp life than an incandescent. CFLs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent lights. An increasing number of styles are now available, which makes them suitable for most uses.
Converting to CFLs can also reduce your maintenance budget and level of effort, since replacements are fewer.
Fluorescent Lighting
If you have older style T12 magnetic ballast or metal halide High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting systems, retrofitting to a fluorescent lighting system may be beneficial. Depending on the level of usage, making this change may result in noticeable electricity savings while maintaining or increasing light levels. Fluorescent lighting does not require the on/off cycle time of older model lighting systems. They use electronic ballasts, which weigh less, operate at lower temperature and at a lower noise level than traditional magnetic lighting systems.
The T8 fixture has an advantage over metal halide fixture, which requires an appropriate on/off cycle time. Installation of a T8 lighting system can be cost-effective – keeping more of the lighting shut off during low usage times removes non-useful energy consumption (Step 1).
T5 light fixtures are an energy efficient alternative for businesses that have high ceiling areas such as cold storage and hallways where metal halide fixtures are typically installed.
Occupancy Sensor
In some areas of a business lights are left on even though occupancy in these areas is intermittent. If this is a concern in your building, adding an occupancy sensor to control the lighting could reduce lighting consumption in these areas.
