[ Focus: Training ]
Get the specification right An LED solution can provide fantastic energy savings of anything up to 95 per cent in some cases; but it can be totally inappropriate for other applications, regardless of energy savings made. It is crucial to understand a light source in order to get it right – preferably, first time. A new lighting scheme should provide an
upgrade to the existing lighting in an area or property, but if unsuitable energy efficient products have been used, it will appear as a downgrading. This outcome can easily be avoided by understanding the key principles when buying lamps, in order to identify suitable luminaires with minimal energy waste, and by successfully lighting the application, not the space.
When designing a lighting scheme, some take
the view of, if in doubt, just install more. However, in the majority of cases, this approach would indicate a problem with the lighting product selected, generally indicating that it is poor in its performance of delivering light. Such products are said to have a low LOR (lighting output ratio), a term used to describe how much light produced by the lamps actually gets emitted from the light fitting. A low LOR of about 50 per cent is evidence of a poor performing luminaire, as this is a clear indicator of inefficiency and wasted energy. A luminaire with an LOR of 75 per cent or more can be considered as acceptable. Don’t forget – energy costs money.
Energy efficient and effective Fundamentally, there are three main things to consider when creating a lighting specification in order to achieve a design that is both energy efficient and provides effective lighting: the lamp type, the luminaire, and the application’s effectiveness.
A distance learning solution
In conjunction with London South Bank University (LSBU), Lighting Enterprises has launched a new distance learning course in Energy Efficient and Effective lighting, which is certificated by the CPD Institute (CPDI). This course is designed to enhance the understanding of lighting and
components of lighting, providing information on all required criteria and how it links with energy efficiency and effectiveness. Because it is studied via distance learning, it enables candidates to proceed at their own pace and fit study in with busy schedules. The knowledge covered by the course is a must for anyone wishing to gain a comprehensive understanding of all forms of lighting, and the ability to apply that knowledge in a professional approach.
£100 off for ECA and ELECSA members Lighting Enterprises Consultancy is offering ECA and ELECSA members an exclusive rate on the distance learning course. The standard course fee is £1,500, but ECA and ELECSA registered members can purchase the course for £1,400. Candidates can enrol and start the course at any time. To register your interest in the course or to preview the course handbook,
visit
www.lightingenterprises.org or, alternatively, email
kristina@lightingenterprises.org
LED lighting can provide an upgrade to existing lighting schemes
For example, when considering the lamp type,
The principle is to ‘light the application’ – not just the space
even if it’s the most efficient lamp available on the market, if it is used within a luminaire with only a 50 per cent LOR, as soon as you flip the switch to turn the lights on, you are wasting energy. The principle is to light the application – not just the space. It’s a simple theory, but what most people forget, or do not understand, is that while energy efficiency may often be the main aim, the lighting also needs to be effective in order to be successful.
Lighting controls Lighting controls – Once the scheme has been designed, by commissioning lighting controls, you can provide a further potential energy saving of around 30 per cent on top of the efficiencies achieved in the design. Lighting controls such as occupancy sensors,
daylight controls and dimmers offer the opportunity to vary the operation times and intensity of lighting based on the occupancy conditions of the property or building, providing a management system that will schedule lighting changes according to usage patterns. On refurbishment projects, wireless controls can avoid disruption and expense. For commercial properties, lighting controls are classed as an energy saving investment under the government’s Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme, which enables businesses to claim 100 per cent first year capital allowances.
The colour factor Lighting is not all about illumination – it is also about colour. There are two things that the contractor may be able to relate to straight away: n Colour appearance (in Kelvin) – This is the colour of white, commonly known as warm white or cool white; and
March 2013 ECA Today 59
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