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Lighting

What's the cost of lighting up your business?
Lighting case study
Lighting tips  

What's the cost of lighting up your business?

Although lighting is often overlooked, it can be responsible for a large proportion of your total energy costs. There are many ways to reduce lighting costs and improve the effectiveness of your lighting system.

The good news is that many improvements in lighting efficiency can also improve lighting effectiveness. So take good look at your lighting and not only can you reduce costs, but also improve your workplace. As an added bonus, more efficient lighting can mean less maintenance, lower replacement costs and a reduced heat load for your air conditioning.

Lighting case study

Supermarket finds a brighter way

One of a chain of supermarkets located in a local suburban shopping centre installed a new lighting system that improved lighting levels and saved around 50% on lighting energy costs.

Project description

The supermarket has approximately 2,500 square metres of open plan retail space consisting of display shelving and refrigeration.

Before the modifications, the lighting was made up of twin 58 watt open batten fittings running end to end, spaced 2.8 metres apart. The supermarket's objective was to reduce energy costs, but retain the same light output and quality from existing fittings.

To achieve this objective, high efficiency 3M specular reflectors and Wotan triphosphor lamps were used. Over 554 light fittings were converted from twin 58 watt to single 58 watt lamps. While the amount of electricity needed to light the store reduced by 50%, light levels within the store increased by between 20% to 25% and the colour definition and clarity improved by about 40%. Also, because of the lower heat output from lighting, air conditioning operating costs were reduced.

Based on results from their quarterly survey, the supermarket saved more than $22,000 per annum. It was predicted that the initial payback period would be 13 months. Remaining supermarkets in the chain had the new lighting system installed and are enjoying the same benefits.

The supermarket's management was extremely pleased with the result. Not only did they save money but the lower-cost system made their stores appear brighter and more colourful, and improved the look of merchandising displays.

This case demonstrates that it is possible, in many retail situations where fluorescent lights are used, to improve the quality and quantity of light produced even when the number of lamps are reduced.

Summary

Note: Whilst care has been taken in the preparation of this material, it is intended to provide a general idea about what can be achieved in a particular situation. Quantitative indicators may vary with time and changing circumstances. Each situation is different, requiring its own evaluation; and therefore the results given above should not be taken as being directly transferable to other circumstances. Names and addresses have been withheld for privacy reasons.

Lighting tips

Reduce unnecessary operation of lighting systems

Remember to switch lights off when not needed, and dim lights when bright lighting is not required. Or you could install an automatic switching system.

Use appropriate lamps and ensure proper placement of luminaires.

Using the most efficient lamp and luminaire (light fitting) for a particular lighting task can make a big difference. There are a large range of lamp types and luminaires available and these vary greatly in efficiency and effectiveness. Selecting the right lamp and luminaire type can save energy costs and reduce ongoing maintenance and replacement costs – while improving the effectiveness of your lighting.

Supply the right amount of light

Different tasks require different amounts of light – for example, you need more light to read than you do to walk down a corridor. But buildings are often lit with the same intensity throughout, even though only relatively small areas may need that level of lighting. This just wastes energy and money. So arrange appropriate lighting levels for specific tasks.

Use natural light when available

Daylight is free. So why not use indirect sunlight through windows or skylights and cut back on the amount of artificial lighting needed during the day.

Ensure lamps are properly maintained

If lighting systems are not regularly cleaned and relamped, the quality of light will decline.

Lighten up

Lighter coloured walls, ceilings and furnishings reflect more light to working areas. Which means you’ll need less lighting to brighten the room. Conversely, darker colours need more light to prevent the walls and ceilings appearing gloomy.

Further information

Find out how to reduce your energy costs, by contacting Synergy's Energy Consultants. Just email us at  energyreview@synergyenergy.com.au or call 1300 859 333.

For more information on energy efficiency in your business visit the Sustainable Energy Development Office at http://www1.sedo.energy.wa.gov.au