Planning for an LED Lighting Upgrade: What Facility Managers Need to Know ... This is one of the reasons that LED lighti
Practical information for commercial lighting system projects.
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Planning for an LED Lighting Upgrade: What Facility Managers Need to Know When facility managers are considering a lighting system renovation in a commercial office building, quality of light is as important as quantity of light. Both aspects bring value to occupants and the building owner. For example, if light levels are sufficient but directed only downward, a “cave effect” can result. Consider the impact of this poor lighting on a function as basic as face-to-face conversations and meetings. Clearly reading facial expressions and general comfort enhance collaboration that is so important to the business. While the primary goals of a lighting system renovation may be to achieve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs, both can be reached without sacrificing lighting quality that positively affect worker satisfaction and productivity. This is one of the reasons that LED lighting systems have gained in popularity—they provide both cost and quality advantages. The following guidelines will help you plan and evaluate an LED lighting renovation project to ensure it brings the highest value based on the business objectives it’s designed to achieve. Get Started By Evaluating Existing Lighting Approach your LED lighting upgrade project by evaluating your current lighting system using the following steps: • • • • • • •
Take an inventory of your existing lighting including fixture inventory, number of luminaires, lamp types, input wattage, number of lamps per fixture Annual cost of planned and unplanned maintenance for the existing lighting system Understand the amount of energy used today based on the cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) and the hours of operations of the building Has the use of space changed since the existing system was installed? How so? Are you satisfied with the existing light levels and light distribution? Are any spaces too dim or too bright? Are there areas where lighting remains on, even when not needed? What changes have been requested by occupants of the spaces? What complaints have you heard about the lighting?
Determine the Purpose for New LED Lighting With this information in hand, you’ll be able to set goals for the lighting system renovation that align with business and occupant objectives. The purpose for an upgrade can vary so it’s important to determine goals for the LED lighting upgrade prior to the lighting redesign. What are the main reasons you are upgrading the lighting system? What do you want to achieve? •
Energy efficiency o Meeting code requirements o Load shedding
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o Automatic turn on/off with occupancy sensors o Use of daylighting and dimming through controls Reduced cost of operations Reduced cost of maintenance More appealing work environment to raise morale and productivity o Providing occupants with more individual control in their workspace o Use of daylighting and dimming through controls o Improved control over lighting zones for future-proofing to enable rezoning for changes in office layout or company reorganization Better ambience in common areas, such as reception and conference rooms
3 Considerations that Affect Project Specifications Next, consider the factors that will apply to project specifications and vendor selection: Financial: Lighting systems can be a phased renovation project, done in stages, or a full renovation done all at once. Sometimes it’s prudent to select areas that will deliver the greatest ROI opportunity first and then systematically address other areas of the building. This is especially true if your existing system includes outdated T12 or T8 fluorescent parabolics, troffers, or strips; or incandescent emergency or downlighting fixtures. Also keep in mind that a phased renovation plan may require repeat visits from electrical contractors, potentially increasing the incremental cost of lighting installation. Taking this into consideration ahead of time and planning accordingly can reduce total project costs. Product Quality: Each type of fixture distributes light differently (ambient, task, or accent), so a 1-to-1 fixture swap rarely produces the ideal luminance during a renovation. Don’t assume that if you have 100 fixtures now, for example, that you’ll need 100 LED fixtures to replicate the quality of light produced by your new system. Functional light levels are impacted by a variety of factors including fixture placement, obstructions, and wall colors. No two lighting redesign plans will be the same, even if the projects are the same square footage. A well-designed LED layout will account for changes in light distribution to ensure that lighting will be a source of efficiency, as well as beautiful and controlled illumination. Choosing an experienced lighting partner and manufacturer will help you to achieve the desired outcomes without missteps. Compatibility: When you’re planning your renovation project, it’s a good time to think about future needs and opportunities for the space to ensure the lighting system you choose can be easily upgraded when the time comes. This could include adding networked lighting controls or integrating your lighting system
with a building automation system (BAS) that encompasses lighting, HVAC, and other systems in a centralized approach. Organizations and teams change frequently so it’s best to look for a flexible lighting system. Lighting controls, particularly wireless controls integrated into the fixtures, can make it easy to re-configure and re-zone areas as functional needs change. In Conclusion Taking the time to understand the nature and characteristics of an LED lighting system in relation to your existing lighting system will allow you to make the best choices when working with a contractor or lighting designer on the renovation. By doing thoughtful planning today, you’ll also future-proof your lighting for tomorrow’s changes in organization needs and upgrades in technology.
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