EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio --- Nov. 14, 2013 --- (NYSE:GE) --- Building owners and operators are becoming increasingly aware of the impact lighting can have on energy costs and the way it can contribute to savings. But the best lighting technology for each application must first be identified before maximum savings can be achieved.
To help explain the importance of such an assessment, experts with GE Lighting have identified five reasons why building owners and operators should seek a professional lighting audit to help achieve an ideal office lighting design and maximize energy efficiency.
Energy and cost savings await
According to the Building Operating Managers Association, utility expenses have grown 9 cents per square foot during the last 14 years. A lighting audit can compare energy usage rates and explore more efficient alternatives to a property's existing technologies, indoors and out.
Also, in addition to energy savings, rebates on LED lighting help reduce initial costs. While requirements vary based on local programs, many lighting professionals are willing to work closely with building owners to help identify eligibility and discover these additional savings.
Stricter efficiency standards
According to the Environmental Protection Agency's National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency, energy consumption in buildings accounts for two-thirds of the total electricity demand in the United States. To address and reduce this demand, federal, state and local governments have established codes requiring more energy-efficient practices in both existing buildings and new construction. A professional lighting audit takes into account all applicable regulations.
Good lighting makes a great impression
The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America recommends a 30-50 foot-candle (fc) range for ambient (general) office lighting, yet many workspaces are lit to 60 fc. Over-lighting can mean higher energy costs for companies.
The California Lighting Technology Center and the California Energy Commission PIER Program found that utilizing low energy-consumption, LED-based localized task lighting as the primary layer of light resulted in a 50-percent savings in office lighting energy usage and user satisfaction---evidencing the extent to which a simple lighting design change can make a significant difference.
Maintenance costs
Replacing current lamps with long-life energy-efficient lamps can lead to considerable maintenance savings, particularly in areas with difficult-to-access lamps. A professional lighting audit can help identify where installing new fixtures or re-lamping may reduce maintenance costs over time.
Environmental sensitivity is here to stay
Practices aimed at improving a company's environmental performance are commonly becoming part of the culture of companies. Efficient, well-designed lighting is an important piece of this picture, and a professional lighting audit can help a company achieve its goals for greater energy efficiency.
For more information about lighting audits for commercial office space, visit www.gelighting.com/office.
About GE Lighting
GE Lighting invents with the vigor of its founder Thomas Edison to develop energy-efficient solutions that change the way people light their world in commercial, industrial, municipal and residential settings. The business employs about 14,000 people in more than 100 countries, and sells products under the Reveal® and Energy Smart® consumer brands, and Evolve™, GTx™, Immersion™, Infusion™, Lumination™, Albeo™ and Tetra® commercial brands, all trademarks of GE. General Electric (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter to build a world that works better. For more information, visit www.gelighting.com.
50 Years of LED Innovation
Oct. 9, 1962, GE scientist Dr. Nick Holonyak, Jr., invented the first practical visible-spectrum light-emitting diode (LED). In the 50 years since, GE has been on the forefront of LED innovation. The company has released inspired LED products for both residential and commercial settings, from the first ENERGY STAR®-qualified A19-shaped LED bulb to LED street lighting that illuminates cityscapes the world over.
Christopher Augustine
GE Lighting
[email protected]
216-266-3477