Channel News: 7.15.2010

Green + Lighting

Energy use cut by 50%-plus – that’s the story from Sony Supply Chain Solutions Singapore, as briefed here, via a lighting retrofit.

Lighting efficiency roundup – a 1,200-word GreenerBuildings staff-written article provides a comprehensive look at the basics of lighting and energy efficiency. It includes a neat graphic (see below), a link to a downloadable podcast on the subject, and much more. A slice:

            All the components of a lighting system must work in concert -- "If you're taking out a T8 lamp driven by a T8 ballast, make sure a T8 lamp goes back in," Watson said -- and the lighting design must take into account the building envelope and windows, he said. Similarly, a window retrofit should take into account building orientation and available natural light.

Lighting retrofit math – an article written for Buildings by Craig DiLouie notes that “the average lighting upgrade generates a payback of 2.2 years and a 45% return on investment.” Source: Energy Cost Savings Council. And the New Buildings Institute claims that occupancy sensors can produce an energy savings of 35% to 45% in offices and 25% in classrooms.

Total lighting management – Barry Kay of Kay & Sons, which describes itself as “a pioneering installer of leading-edge technology,” wrote for ArchitechWeb.com about the need for “intelligence & control” in a building using natural lighting. From his piece:

            Intelligent fluorescent ballasts use environmental sensors and personal control components to provide adaptive, efficient lighting control. This works three ways: 1) it turns lights off when a space is empty, 2) turns lights down when daylight is available, and 3) gives users complete control of the lighting around them.

Upgrades & calculations – how much does a lighting upgrade reduce air pollution? An articleby Susan Bloom, posted to ArchitechWeb.com, goes through the mathematics and provides case-study examples for a retail store and a commercial building.