Office Design
Install a Control Mechanism to Minimize Lighting Use Near Windows
What Is It?
A room or office with sunlight coming through the windows may not need all its lights on at 100% power throughout the day. Using a ballast or other control mechanisms to moderate lighting near windows allows artificial lights and sunlight to be used together in the most efficient way possible. A ballast enables light dimming that responds to actual demand. Light sensors are another effective option: they detect ambient light in the area and dim lights through the ballast as necessary.
Benefits
Lighting control mechanisms save energy and can lower electric bills. Actual savings can vary depending on the amount of natural sunlight in the region, the type of windows a building has, the building’s typical occupancy schedule, and other factors such as electricity rates and light sensor settings.
Financing Options, Incentives, and Rebates
- MMCIIP
- Columbia Gas
- Concord Municipal Light Plant
- Reading Municipal Light Department
- Western Massachusetts Electric
- Local Rebate Program: Cape Light Compact
NEWS
- “New lighting controls for energy savings” Electronics News, December 2010
resources
- ENERGY STAR: Reducing Supplemental Loads (Fig. 7.4)
- US Department of Energy: How to Select Lighting Controls For Offices and Public Buildings
- Lighting Controls Association
- Lowes: Automated Lighting
