Reducing a building’s dependence on traditional energy grids and enhancing sustainability are crucial goals for commercial and industrial spaces. Lighting is a key area where energy efficiency improvements can be readily implemented. With a myriad of design strategies available, lighting controls for energy efficiency can harness natural light, regulate artificial illumination, and power lighting sources in innovative ways. These methods allow buildings to benefit from cutting-edge technology and creative approaches from architects and designers.

Lighting plays a significant role in interior design, accounting for about 15 percent of the world’s electric energy consumption. In the U.S., lighting is one of the largest electricity consumers in commercial buildings, constituting up to 50 percent of their energy bills and about 17 percent of the overall energy usage in these facilities. As architects strive to reduce this significant energy consumption, there is a push to develop even more efficient and adaptive lighting controls and tools.

The U.S. Department of Energy reports that the widespread adoption of LEDs could cut the nation’s energy use by 8.5 percent of the total amount generated in 2019. This reduction is equivalent to the annual energy output of 44 large power plants and translates to more than $30 billion in savings. This demonstrates the significant impact that lighting controls for energy efficiency can have on energy goals.

Navigating Lighting Options with Expert Guidance

Whether you are working on new construction or retrofitting an existing building, a variety of lighting controls can meet a client’s design, sustainability, and budgetary requirements. With continuous innovations in lighting technology, it can be challenging to remain informed and strategic about implementing these new systems. Collaborating with energy experts, such as those from local utility partners, can provide valuable insights and assistance. These experts can help with project-specific product selection, offer technical assistance, and guide financial incentives and financing options. They also often provide instant discounts at select electrical supply distributors for commercial electric customers who install qualified products promptly.

Action Services Group is a national provider and installer of commercial lighting control systems. When speaking with one of our lighting experts, you can gain knowledgeable advice on the types of lighting controls that best suit the needs of your facility meanwhile reaching your energy and lighting goals. Click here to learn more about our services or you can view our lighting controls education page.

Innovations in Lighting Controls

While replacing light bulbs is the first step toward energy efficiency, today’s solutions extend far beyond simple bulb swaps. Modern lighting controls are highly efficient, resilient, and adaptable, making them a staple for architects and designers. Networked lighting, for instance, can reduce energy usage by an average of 49 percent, according to the DesignLights Consortium (DLC) and the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. Timed scheduling offers a 24 percent average lighting energy savings, and occupancy sensors can reduce energy use by up to 68 percent.

Natural Lighting Controls for Additional Savings

Advanced lighting solutions like daylight harvesting adjust interior lighting based on the natural light entering a space, while dynamic glass made from electrochromic materials can control window tinting to meet current lighting needs. These technologies help manage glare, color rendition, and energy use, optimizing heat transfer and lessening the load on a building’s HVAC system. This not only reduces overall energy bills but also enhances the comfort and functionality of a space.

As smart lighting controls become increasingly common, businesses can expect more convenient and efficient lighting solutions. Architects and designers must stay abreast of these ever-evolving technologies to deliver sustainable and energy-efficient designs that align with the planet’s and their clients’ financial goals.

Click here to read the full article, originally published December 26, 2023 by Architect Magazine.