How to Minimize Your Business's Electricity Costs With Smart Lighting

Introduction

Reducing electricity costs is an effective way for businesses to increase profits. Lighting accounts for a significant portion of electricity usage in commercial buildings, so implementing energy-efficient lighting strategies can lead to major cost savings. In this article, I will discuss several methods businesses can use to minimize electricity costs through smart lighting choices.

Conduct an Audit of Existing Lighting

The first step is performing a lighting audit to understand where, when, why, and how much electricity your lighting uses.

• Examine all lighting fixtures and bulbs throughout your facility and record details like fixture type, bulb type, wattage, and usage patterns.

• Use a light meter to measure light levels and determine if any areas are over-lit.

• Interview employees about lighting needs and issues.

• Review electricity bills to analyze lighting costs over time.

Conducting a detailed lighting audit provides the information needed to identify the most impactful areas to target for efficiency improvements.

Upgrade to LED Lighting

Replacing traditional lighting with LED technology dramatically reduces electricity consumption.

• LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

• They also emit very little heat, which further decreases air conditioning costs.

• The upfront cost of LEDs is higher, but the long-term energy savings usually offset the initial investment in less than 2 years.

• Prioritize upgrading lights that are used most frequently, like overhead ceiling lights.

Transitioning to LEDs in both the front and back of house areas of your business is one of the most effective ways to cut electricity costs.

Install Occupancy Sensors

Occupancy sensors automatically turn lights on and off based on detected motion in a space.

• They prevent lights from being left on in unoccupied areas like offices, restrooms, hallways, and storage rooms.

• Savings of 10-20% on lighting electricity costs are typical with occupancy sensors.

• Look for small wireless versions that can be affordably added to existing fixtures.

Regularly remind staff to turn off lights when leaving offices or other spaces as well. Combining occupancy sensors and staff training maximizes savings.

Use Daylighting and Task Lighting

Daylighting refers to using natural light from windows, skylights, and other openings as the main light source.

• Proper daylighting design can provide ideal light levels for office work and significantly reduce the need for artificial lighting during daytime hours.

• To avoid glare, opt for diffuse daylighting strategies like light shelves, translucent window panels, and north-facing clerestory windows.

Task lighting like desk lamps can supplement daylighting. Allow employees to adjust task lighting to meet their personal needs rather than lighting the whole space uniformly.

## Use Zone Lighting and Dimming

Divide large open areas into separately controlled lighting zones based on usage. Retail stores, for example, can turn off lighting in stockroom zones when not needed.

Dimmable lighting systems with advanced controls let you finely tune light levels by area, task, and time of day. Dimmable LEDs maintain energy savings at all brightness levels.

Proper zoning and dimming tailors lighting to occupancy patterns and tasks, eliminating waste from over-lit spaces.

Monitor Lighting with an Energy Management System

An energy management system (EMS) connects all your lighting controls into a centralized monitoring network.

• EMS allows remote control, scheduling, zonal tuning, and real-time tracking of lighting electricity use.

• Data analytics help identify additional efficiency opportunities.

• Advanced EMS can integrate lighting with HVAC, plug loads, and other systems for system-wide optimization.

While requiring an upfront cost, a lighting EMS provides the data and control needed for maximum, ongoing savings.

Conclusion

Smart lighting strategies like LED bulbs, sensors, daylighting, and lighting controls are proven ways for businesses to reduce electricity costs. Conduct a lighting audit to identify your best opportunities to improve efficiency. Prioritize upgrades that provide the fastest payback based on expected energy savings. With smart lighting choices, your business can maintain excellent visibility while minimizing electricity bills.