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Sustainable Design - "Green Lighting"
“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:
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.
Controls put quality lighting when and where you need it
Stan Pomeranz - Member Illumination Engineering
Society of North America
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