Lighting is no longer considered separate from other building systems. With smart building technology becoming standard in commercial facilities, owners and managers are realizing integrating lighting controls into their other systems not only improves performance but also reduces energy costs.

Ready to learn more about smart lighting controls, here’s what you need to know.

Why Use Wireless Lighting Controls?

Smart lighting controls are transforming what your lighting system can do. Technologies like IoT sensors and machine learning capabilities make it easier to control your lighting.

The California Energy Commission found in 2020, lighting controls can lower energy usage by as much as 73%. The Department of Energy also reported employing lighting control strategies can reduce energy bills by an estimated 24 to 28%.

Smart lighting controls do more than reduce energy usage and costs, they can also improve building management by improving safety and occupant comfort.

Here’s a quick look at some of the common smart lighting controls.

 

Types of Smart Lighting Controls for Facilities Management

With the right lighting controls, you can improve building management.

Manual Lighting Controls

Manual controls allow users to physically adjust brightness levels. These controls are easy to install and operate but are not as efficient as advanced technologies. On average, your energy savings are around 31% using manual lighting controls.

Timers

Timers can help streamline facilities management by automatically turning the lights on and off at preset times. These smart lighting controls can also adjust brightness levels for additional energy savings by around 24%. These controls work best in large, open spaces that require optimal lighting throughout the day.

Occupancy Sensors

You can reduce energy costs by around 24% with occupancy sensors. The smart lighting control only turns the lights on when the room is occupied. This type of lighting control works best in offices, conference rooms, and other spaces that do not see regular use.

Task Lighting Controls

Building management includes ensuring employees have the right lighting for the task. Lighting controls that adjust brightness levels to personal preference or based on the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) recommendations. Using these controls in facilities management can produce savings of around 36%.

Demand Response Controls

Installing lighting controls that reduce power during peak electric usage hours can produce energy savings of around 25%. These smart lighting controls do not turn off the lights in spaces, only dim the illumination levels.

Daylight Response Controls

These types of smart light controls adjust brightness levels according to the amount of daylight coming into the space. The controls use light sensors to dim or brighten illumination levels. On average, most building owners and managers see energy savings of around 28%.

Color Tuning Controls

Color tuning lighting controls are often used to produce special effects. You often find these types of smart lighting controls in signage or to highlight a specific product or area. Color tuning sensors can also mimic circadian rhythms by blending natural and artificial light. Energy savings with these lighting controls average between 38 – 44%.

 

Wireless Lighting Controls in Building Management

Smart lighting controls are easier than ever to implement thanks to advanced analytics. However, one component of a smart lighting system you don’t want to ignore is wireless technology.

Wireless lighting controls are easier and more cost-effective to implement. The controls allow you to customize lighting strategies to meet specific goals and needs. However, since each device works differently, it’s crucial to understand how the lighting controls should work in the space.

Planning where to install each lighting control often comes down to how the space is used, along with its design. For example, will the lighting controls work with all fixtures or only a specific few? Do you want the controls by the light switch or in a fixture?

 

Let Us Help You Unify Your Facilities Management with Smart Lighting Controls

Integrating smart lighting controls into your system has multiple advantages. However, to see significant energy savings you need to have the right smart lighting controls in the best places.

Contact us today with your lighting questions or let us help you create a lighting system that benefits everyone. Call 610-558-9773, emailing [email protected], or schedule a call that fits your needs by clicking the button below.