Business Energy Savings

Lighting

Lighting measures are the easiest and most cost-effective ways to save energy in commercial buildings. Lighting can account for up to 50% of a building’s electricity usage, so it’s a good place to start.

No costs/ low costs options

• If nobody is using the room, turn the light off.
• Use natural lighting wherever possible. During the day lighting of large spaces can be switched off or reduced. Remove objects that are blocking windows.
• Turn off lights when you're not using them. Put reminders next to light switches.
• Keep lamps, diffusers and fixtures clean. Dirt and dust can reduce light output by up to 30 percent.
• Look for ways to have direct light on work areas rather than over-lighting large areas.
• Adjust lighting levels to match different needs at different times i.e. before and after work. It may be possible to reduce the light you need for jobs like cleaning.
• Replace inefficient lights with fluorescent, metal halide or sodium light fittings.
• Paint interior walls and ceilings in light colours. They reflect light much better than dark colours.
• Use a light meter to identify areas that are over lit and under lit as that can be a safety concern.

some investment

• Replace fluorescent lamps in bulk, replacing them with New Generation Tri-Phosphor lamps, which give out more light.
• Install motion sensors on your outside lights and in areas that aren't used all the time i.e. meeting rooms, bathrooms, storage rooms etc.

Sources:

www.eecabusiness.govt.nz
www.meridianenergy.co.nz
www.contactenergy.co.nz
www.coloradoefficiencyguide.com