A significant amount of energy consumption in the UK is attributed to lighting in commercial buildings. So, replacing outdated, inefficient lighting such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) or traditional incandescent bulbs with a more energy-efficient solution is essential for building managers looking to reduce carbon emissions.
The switch to renewable energy has already reduced fossil fuel energy by the equivalent of 95 terawatt-hours between 2005 and 2019. And the energy savings from implementing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are predicted to equal the annual energy output of more than 92 1,000 megawatt power plants by 2035.
So, when combined with the right lighting controls system, facilities managers can use modern LED lights to create the ultimate energy-efficient lighting design.
Maximise efficiency, minimise energy waste
Around 40% of the energy buildings consume is for lighting. So, by fitting LED luminaires and implementing intelligent lighting controls, facilities managers can maximise efficiency, reduce the energy wasted and save money.
The building sector has embraced LED due to the clear advantages of improved efficiency and reduced energy and costs. Plus, LED lights run via a direct current, meaning that no warm-up time is required. The intensity of the light can be dimmed according to the user’s preference — enabling the flexibility that is integral to contemporary buildings.
LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs — and last 25 times longer. Traditional bulbs emit an enormous amount of energy as heat (up to 90% in incandescent bulbs), degrading the filament quickly and further contributing to energy waste compared to LEDs, which emit very little heat. LEDs also emanate light with precise aim, whereas CFL and incandescent bulbs must reflect light in the desired direction — meaning that more than half of the light may never even leave the fixture.
In the commercial and industrial sectors, LED technology can be used in a wide variety of settings. Thanks to their small size and ability to emit a range of colours, LEDs are suitable for tight spaces and task lighting. And due to the superior efficiency and directional nature of LEDs, they are the preferred choice of lighting in various outdoor areas, conference centres, office buildings, hotels and more.
LEDs and intelligent controls are lighting the way
According to recent findings, 30% of global energy consumption is attributed to the building sector. So, businesses and governments are cracking down on carbon emissions and embracing technology to keep energy consumption to a minimum.
Digitisation is ramping up across all industries, bringing smart building controls that help regulate and automate the energy use of core functions. For instance, intelligent lighting controls use technology to moderate energy consumption so that facilities managers can ensure a building’s lighting is operating with the minimal output possible.
The combination of LEDs and lighting controls grants facilities managers maximum control over lighting and energy costs, using sensors and software to ensure energy for lighting is used only when absolutely necessary. For example, presence and absence detection sensors ensure lights are never left on in vacant spaces, and daylight linking technology automatically dims LEDs in response to the changing intensity of daylight throughout the day.
According to The Carbon Trust, better lighting control can reduce operating fees by 30 to 50% — and significantly reduce carbon emissions at the same time. Therefore, LEDs and lighting controls will play a vital role in facilitating a greener outcome for the commercial buildings of the future.
The short-term cost of installing lighting control systems will be quickly restored by energy savings — and continue to save money long term. So, if you are looking to reduce your buildings’ carbon footprint, contact us today to learn about our state-of-the-art lighting control systems.