This is the second article in our Lighting Control Systems Series, designed to take you from initial education to implementation. If you missed the first article in our Lighting Control System series, you can find it here: Introduction to Lighting Control Systems. You can also read the third article in our Lighting Control System series: Commercial Lighting Control Strategies.

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Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights are one of the most highly recommended light sources for commercial buildings. Incorporating commercial lighting controls into the use of LED lights offers a host of benefits that can enhance your building while saving you money in the end. Below, our experts here at Action Services Group help to point out the major benefits of commercial lighting controls and provide several examples that go beyond your standard LED light use.

Benefits of Commercial Lighting Controls

There are several benefits of commercial lighting controls. Perhaps three of the most important, however, include improved energy efficiency and responsible power use, increased security and safety, and responsive controls.

Energy Efficiency & Responsible Power Use

According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), lighting in a commercial building accounts for roughly 40% of energy consumption. Of this energy consumption, the DOE also reports that almost 30% of that is used to light areas that are unoccupied. For those companies who strive to demonstrate environmentally practices, this is in direct conflict with green practices. For those who are simply looking to eliminate or minimize unnecessary financial impacts, this is an area that can not only decrease wasted energy but also reduce power consumption across the board. Elements of a quality and comprehensive commercial lighting control system reduce energy waste and increases efficiency. For example, many commercial lighting control systems utilize motion detectors, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) scanners, and similar types of equipment to automatically turn lights on and off based on occupancy.

Increased Security & Safety

Lighting is a known deterrent when it comes to crime. Sensitivity controls, for example, can help to detect potential prowlers at night, turning exterior floodlights on and illuminating the entire area. This eliminates the anonymity of a crime performed in the dark and is known to send a potential burglar running. Some commercial lighting controls may also trigger alarms that can audibly alert security to a suspected crime. Adequate lighting is also important to the safety of those on your property. As trip and falls are the leading causes of workplace injuries, ensuring occupied spaces are illuminated is essential to preventing injuries and costly lawsuits.

Responsive Control

One of the best benefits of LED lighting controls, however, is the ability to access your system from virtually anywhere. Most commercial lighting control systems can be integrated with your smartphone, tablet or laptop – allowing you to monitor, update and adjust schedules for your lighting from wherever you may be. Because of this, if you sublet commercial spaces to tenants, it also allows you to provide them with controls as well. Not every company works the same standards hours; allowing this type of responsive controls means your tenants can adjust their space’s lighting to suit their hours and operational needs as well. That being said, many quality commercial lighting control systems allow you to retain final controls through override options.

Examples of LED Lighting Controls

There are plenty of examples of how LED lighting controls can enhance your commercial building beyond providing simple interior and exterior lights. Let’s take a look at several of the most popular commercial lighting trends that go beyond the traditional use of LEDs.

Infrastructure LED Illumination

Many commercial structures are built of heavy, solid materials, such as concrete. LEDs allow you to enhance these structures visually while retaining the benefits of commercial lighting control. Because LEDs are available in a wide array of colors, this means that you can easily switch colors in support of local events or holidays, increase the safety of the surrounding area, and much more. Features like this rely heavily on timers, automated on-off functions, and color controls.

Self-Adjusting Interior Mood Lighting Controls

Interior lighting is essential to any brick and mortar company. However, an effective LED lighting control system allows you to do more than just time lighting patterns and detect motion. For example, if you own a restaurant, you may want your lights to dim slightly as night sets in to create a more romantic or intimate atmosphere for your patrons. Some LED commercial lighting control systems include daylight sensors that can brighten or dim lights depending on your preference. Because they automatically detect the ambient light filtering into a space, they can adjust the lights accordingly.

Illuminated Branding

Another benefit of LED lighting controls includes easy exterior display effects and façade marketing strategies. Interior versions include integrated displays that can highlight branding and increase morale amongst employees. Both types of LED lighting, however, typically include controls that sense daylighting, work off programmed schedules, and convey images. From artistic messages that scroll to creating stunning graphics, LEDs can help illuminate your spaces while enhancing your brand recognition.

Intelligent Lighting Controls with Action Services Group

Our experts here at Action Services Group understand how commercial lighting controls can benefit your company. Furthermore, we understand how every business is unique and requires options that fit their requirements. From dimmer controls and occupancy sensors to photosensor controls and more – our experts are here to help you find the commercial lighting control system that works best for you. If you want to learn more about the benefits of commercial lighting control, contact Action Services Group at 610-558-9773, email [email protected] or schedule a call.