EASY Ways to Save Energy
The Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA) calculates that asset value increases by $2.50 for every square foot of commercial property that reduces its energy consumption by just 10 percent, and published 30 simple ways to accomplish this. Their recommendations for lighting include:
Lighting can represent as much as 30 percent of a building’s energy usage, so changes to lighting can mean significant energy savings.
RELAMP
Even if you just re-lamped your buildings 3 years ago, take a lighting survey again. Lighting continuously gets more efficient. Converting to more efficient lamps and ballasts saves
total building energy.
DE-LAMP and DISCONNECT UNUSED BALLASTS
Many buildings are just too bright. If de-lamping
opportunities exist, you may be able to go from 4 lamps in perimeter down to 2 lamps and from
4 lamps to 3 lamps in interior spaces. Also be sure to have unused ballasts identified and disconnected.
SEE IF ANYONE IS LEAVING LIGHTS ON
Periodically, stay at work late or drive past after hours to identify additional opportunities for energy savings. Pay attention to exterior lighting as well.
INSTALL OCCUPANCY SENSORS
Install occupancy sensors to automatically turn off lights when physical movement stops. This
strategy may be especially effective in spaces that are used infrequently, such as storerooms and conference rooms. Occupancy sensors work not just for lights but also for HVAC controls.
USE HIGH EFFICIENCY LED EXIT SIGNS
Replace inefficient exit signs with high efficiency LED exit signs. LED exit signs operate 24/7 and
have lower maintenance costs due to their extended life.
AELUX welcomes companies to contact any Aelux team member for a no-cost lighting audit that addresses each of the above issues and more! BOMA’s complete list of recommendations is posted here.
