Why be energy efficient?
LED bulb, photo by Karl Baron on Wikimedia
Lighting can account for up to 40% of energy costs in commercial buildings and up to 7% of industrial energy use.1 There are many low-cost and no-cost measures that can be implemented to reduce these costs without adversely affecting working conditions.
Lighting energy savings of 75–90% can be achieved using daylighting and task lighting strategies and using the most efficient equipment.2 It is also a very visible way to demonstrate to staff that energy efficiency is a business priority and to encourage them to take an active role in reducing energy costs.
Opportunities
A good energy efficient lighting strategy relies on an integrated approach that includes the following elements:
Reduce demand for artificial lighting
There are several highly effective strategies to maximise the amount of natural lighting, referred to as ‘daylighting’ a building. Techniques...Optimise the use of existing lighting systems
Many lighting efficiency opportunities can be easily implemented with little or no capital or the need to redesign a lighting...Upgrade lighting systems
There are excellent opportunities for energy saving whenever upgrades or refurbishments are planned.[1. Sustainability Victoria (2009) Energy Efficiency Best Practice...
Key resources
- Energy Saver Technology Report: Energy efficient lighting 2012 (Opens in a new window)
- NSW Office of Environment and Heritage
- PDF 9.0 MB
- Website
This technology report outlines energy saving solutions to increase the efficiency of common types of lighting. Annual energy savings, capital costs and payback periods have been modelled and examples provided.
The report will help users understand the potential for energy efficient lighting at their site and provides guidance for making the most cost-effective energy efficient technology upgrades. Generic technical specifications are provided which will allow users to confidently approach lighting suppliers and contractors.
- Lighting Technology Overview: Bright ideas for more efficient illumination 2011
- UK Carbon Trust
This resource is one of the many ‘Technology overviews’ published by the UK Carbon Trust. It introduces the main energy saving opportunities for lighting and demonstrates how simple actions can save energy, cut costs, improve conditions and increase profit margins.
Note, this publication is free to access, but users must register first.
- Energy Efficiency Best Practice Guide: Lighting 2009 (Opens in a new window)
- Sustainability Victoria
- PDF 1.5 MB
- Website
This document is a step-by-step guide to improving energy efficiency in lighting systems and achieving best practice. By following this guide, you will be able to determine what changes can be made to reduce operating costs and improve the operation and performance of equipment.
- Lighting Fact Sheet 2010 (Opens in a new window)
- Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management
- PDF 189 KB
This fact sheet from Queensland’s ecoBiz program provides some tips to improve lighting systems in both office and industrial settings.
- Lighting efficiency in Queensland foundries - Benefits of correct lighting 2010 (Opens in a new window)
- Queensland Government
- PDF 241 KB
This guide produced by the Queensland Government discusses options to reduce the amount of energy consumed by lighting in an industrial setting. Strategies discussed include installing energy efficient lighting and control technology, making the most of natural lighting and reducing lighting to the minimum required by Australian Standards.
- AS/NZS 1680.2 Interior and workplace lighting 2008
The 1680.2 series of standards sets out recommendations for lighting and applications in various locations and activities, including circulation spaces and other general areas, office and screen-based tasks, educational and training facilities, industrial tasks and processes, hospital and medical tasks, and safe movement.
Note, payment is required to access these publications.
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