“Lighting accounts for 20 to 25 percent of the electricity used annually in
the United States. If energy-efficient lighting was used everywhere it was
profitable, the electricity required for lighting would be cut by 50 percent
and aggregate national electricity demand would be reduced by 10 percent.
Energy savings would exceed $12 billion a year while decreasing air
pollution by five percent. This would be equivalent to taking 15 million
cars off the road, resulting in less smog, acid rain and a slowing of global
climate change.” *
* EPA Green Lights Statement
Great lighting and Green lighting are compatible goals:
Good lighting takes some basic lighting design principals,
knowledge of the equipment and the confidence to put these principles into
practice. No one should have to settle for poor lighting to save money.
Basic lighting design principles include:
-
Layouts that balance task,
ambient and decorative (accent) lighting
-
Reflected light from walls
and ceiling expands illumination, reduces glare and enhance space.
-
Task light is essential for
best performance.
-
Light is reflected off
surfaces. By selecting surface colors and finishes carefully lighting
quality can be improved immensely.
-
Controlling daylight can
effect and enhance interior light quality.
-
Avoid glare in lighting by
shielding light sources, selecting appropriate fixtures and locating
them carefully.
Selection
of lamps and fixtures
All too often
people select inappropriate fixtures and install the wrong lamps. Recessed
fixture lighting can be a successful component of the lighting system. They
are specifically engineered for general illumination, wall washing and
accent lighting. Selecting the right fixtures, locating them for optimal
performance, installing the correct lamp is essential for them to perform
the way they were designed.
A variety of
lighting sources are available and should be evaluated for quality, energy
savings and longer life. Halogen is replacing conventional incandescent and
fluorescent is becoming an efficient and pleasing alternative. Full spectrum
lighting is defined as a light source that replicates natural sunlight. Over
the years, studies revealed that not only did this type of light allow
people to see colors more accurately, but they were also often able to see
details more clearly.
Lighting from
light emitting diodes (LEDs) are definitely in our future for general
illumination and the efficiency of this light source is generally accepted.
One of the most successful applications in my custom home designs is the
incorporation of indirect cove lighting. I have been using an incandescent
low voltage source. The results are excellent and people love the effect.
This solution utilized 40 watts per foot. I have a new application
incorporating LED technology that will accomplish results as good or better
utilizing only 2.2 watts per foot. This application has great promise for
kitchen counter lighting that is as effective as halogen without the heat
and in built in cabinetwork applications because of its size and ease of
use.
| Chart of Lighting Sources: |
Watts |
Lumens* |
Lamp life* |
Cost* |
|
Common incandescent lamp |
60 W |
690 |
1,000 |
$ .75 |
|
Halogen incandescent |
60 W |
900 |
3,000 |
$ 3.00 |
|
Compact fluorescent |
16 W |
900 |
10,000 |
$ 8.00 |
|
LED replacement ** |
7.5 W |
870 |
50,000 |
$100.00 |
|
*published
and or estimated values **estimate - product not currently available
|
Controls put quality lighting when and where you need it
Scene controls are a blueprint for successful quality
lighting. Since we use the same space for varying functions and at different
times of the day, being able to change the lighting pattern allows for
optimal lighting as our needs change. By utilizing such simple controls as
dimmers, motions sensors and timers additional savings can be gained without
sacrificing quality at little effort and initial cost. Control systems have
become simpler and less expensive. Radio frequency devices allow
transmitters to be built into fixtures or switches and added or changed
without special wiring. Programming is digital and can be done with wireless
controls by the user with relative ease.
Business facilities are well on their way to implementing
green lighting principals. In California, energy codes are causing
residential developers to use more efficient lighting and it is only a
matter of time before these standards are adopted nationally. The mood of
the population in America has evolved. Homeowners are more aware of good
lighting as a quality of life issue and energy saving has significant value.
Stan Pomeranz - Member Illumination
Engineering Society of North America
Associate - International Association of Lighting Designers
672 Fearrington Post, Pittsboro, NC 27312 Phone 919 542 5577 Fax
919 542 4965
Email:
stan@lighttechdesign.com Website
http//:www.lighttechdesign.com
