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LIGHTING
The lights don’t need to be on
By David Lewis from Schneider Electric
T
he UK is no longer a facilities. In this market, there is
nine-till-five society. In demand for retrofit solutions
addition to British that are easy for a contractor to
employees having the install.
longest hours in
Europe, many businesses have Energy efficiency
embraced flexible working as a There are three ways to affect
way to meet the needs of the the energy efficiency of lighting.
business and help staff achieve The first is to use voltage
a better work/life balance. regulation technology, which
Coupled with this, shopping reduces the voltage supply to
hours have been extended so the lamp. The second option is
that some retailers are open to have control command
around the clock. These components, which offer direct
activities have influenced the control of individual lights or a
occupation of our buildings and group of lamps. The final choice
subsequently increased is to have an integrated system,
demand for lighting. which provides full control of
Seen as a major energy user, the building environment at the
lighting can account for up to touch of a button via automated
40% of a building’s total programming.
electricity consumption. As no As with the first option,
organisation is exempt from the devices such as Schneider
pressure to reduce the amount Electric’s Lubio work by
of energy their premises uses, lowering the operating voltage
consideration must be given to to the light fitting. The
the power usage of the component allows the operating consider the three core areas of major factor when it comes to provide an ideal solution for programmes, it’s important to
technologies used in its voltage of the lighting to be a strategy – time schedule, lighting in offices, so using classrooms, conference rooms constantly measure and review
operation. This must include adjusted so the optimum light occupancy base and light motion sensors which will only and lobbies, where the space so that ongoing improvements
lighting where more energy level is provided, at the same intensity. This means taking into power lighting when the room is isn’t always being used and the can be made. Contractors and
efficient equipment such as low time as achieving maximum account the time of day the in use, will produce instance quality of natural light varies. consultants are well placed
voltage lighting and dimming energy efficiency. Reducing the space is occupied and the energy savings. Occupancy This will allow the user to being aware of the ever
controls, can make significant levels of electricity also results frequency or amount of time sensing will detect the presence control their own environment emerging technologies, can
differences to a company’s in the longer life of people spend in an area. or absence of people within the depending on the daylight maintain and improve their
bottom line. consumables, such as lamps, As part of making parameters of the sensor and conditions. lighting efficiency through
Reducing the energy and this can save significant improvements, an organisation will turn lights on and off Where a building has several integrated energy efficient
consumption of the UK’s amounts of money on the should also look at encouraging accordingly. This solution is control strategies, using an design. Schneider Electric’s
commercial buildings is not just maintenance of commercial behavioural changes among most suited to areas of a integrated system is the ideal Clipsal C-Bus control system,
about making sure the latest properties. staff and visitors, so they take building where usage is option, which provides lighting for example, can accommodate
energy saving technologies are The second option of control responsibility for making sure unpredictable, such as meeting control for all areas in one multiple lighting controls and
used in new developments. command products are discreet lights are turned off when rooms and private offices. The location. The convenience of offers the flexibility to re-
With the number of new builds devices that can be used as vacating a room. At the same use of these sensors, having these in one place can programme lighting groups to
diminishing because of the single units or as multiple time, there are solutions that commonly known as presence reduce maintenance and set-up accommodate any future
current economic climate, solutions to create mini also reduce the onus on detectors, in a private office, costs. changes to the building, such as
consultants and contractors can systems. But when it comes to employees to remember to turn could save a significant amount new office structures,
focus on helping businesses using lighting devices to their off lighting when it’s not of its yearly energy usage. Natural light partitions, or new open plan
improve the energy optimum efficiency, it’s needed. For spaces where use is In addition, the weather and desk configurations. This type
performance of existing important that businesses For example, occupancy is a much more regulated and subsequently amount of natural of technology is most
predictable, scheduled lighting light can have an impact on the appropriate for new builds to
controls can be used to turn lighting level within a building deliver an energy management
lights on and off at set periods. and on other factors like the solution, or when the building is
Time delay switches can be temperature, ventilation, air being refurbished.
programmed to whatever conditioning and insulation. For Whether an organisation
setting is required, for as little organisations that are uses its premises 24-hours-a-
as two minutes or as much as committed to lowering their day or within standard working
two hours. There is also the energy usage and being more hours, all types of businesses
option to integrate a manual efficient, having multiple can benefit from assessing the
override device should systems to manage all these way it uses lighting and the
illumination be required outside variables doesn’t really make technologies employed. As
of the scheduled time. sense. Instead using a platform lighting accounts for a
Going beyond just switching that integrates lighting controls, significant proportion of a
lights on and off, a daylight which can be linked into the business’ energy costs, utilising
harvesting control strategy heating, ventilation and air solutions that lower these
reduces power to the lights or conditioning systems and outgoings, while improving
turns them off completely, monitor power usage, can the company’s energy
depending on the level of provide complete control over a efficiency, will help deliver a
natural light. Photosensors building, therefore delivering healthier bottom line and
linked to dimmer devices will greater energy efficiency. reduce its impact on the
vary the lighting output and As with all energy efficiency environment.
28 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JULY 2009
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.bsee.co.uk
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