Lighting contributes approximately 15 to 25 % to business energy use and operating costs. The ever-increasing energy prices certainly have helped to highlight the need for businesses to reduce their costs of lighting. Energy use associated with lighting systems can be reduced by up to 82% if energy efficient lighting practices are adopted. Efficient lighting systems not only reduce energy consumption but improve the working environment, increase safety and enhance staff well-being.
The NSW government released a report in July last year designed to help choose the right lighting, to make better decisions regarding lighting upgrades through outlining the technical specifications and to present a business case for various lighting options.
The report addresses:
• general information – measuring light, common types of lighting, light emitting diodes (LED) as an emerging technology, lamp disposal and recycling and developing a business case
• interior lighting – upgrade options for lighting in common commercial, industrial and institutional facilities, such as offices, manufacturing plants, warehouses, schools, libraries and hospitals
• exterior and road lighting – upgrade options for floodlighting as well as major and minor road lighting
• emergency and exit lighting – energy reduction strategies associated with emergency and exit lighting products
• lighting control – potential for saving energy with occupancy sensors, daylight linking, central switching, zone resetting, manual switching, timers and voltage reduction
• voltage reduction and optimisation – energy saving technology, particularly in older sites where major lighting infrastructure changes may be difficult
• energy efficient lighting technical details – technical specifications for each lighting upgrade option including illuminance, maintenance, safety and background calculations
• Energy Savings Certificates – calculating the number of Energy Savings Certificates (ESC) and how to apply for them.
The report was published in July 2012.