Pub. 8 2018 Issue 3

19 unoccupied room. Wall-mounted sensors typically cover much larger areas than ceil- ing-mounted models. Integrating multiple sensors may be necessary to cover the entire area. Each sensor has controls to adjust the time interval before lights are turned off — typically ranging from 1 to 15 minutes. Occupancy or vacancy sensors may not be a good fit for every part of your facility. Start by identifying spaces that are unoc- cupied on a regular basis, such as execu- tive offices, copy rooms, restrooms and conference rooms. Selection of appropriate spaces requires an accurate understanding of how they’re used. Some controls can also help create a more productive work environment for your employees. Programmable controls can be paired with lights with color-tuning ability to allow a higher color temperature in the morning and a lower temperature in the afternoon to better match people’s circadian rhythms. Utilizing a networked lighting system can save your facility even more — up to 70% in lighting electric costs. Network- ing lights together allows the fixtures to communicate with each other and with a central controller, and provides additional benefits such as remote sensing, emergen- cy control, tracking, and reporting. CONSIDERATIONS FOR EXTERIOR LIGHTING CONTROLS Exterior lighting is important for secu- rity as well as enhancing the appearance of your facility. While lighting patterns for parking lots and other outdoor spaces may seem simple, creating a design mak- ing the best use of that lighting can be complicated. The ultimate goal is to op- timize light levels and distribution while minimizing energy use. Careful planning and collaboration are necessary to achieve those objectives. Brightest isn’t always the best. Insufficient light can compromise safety. As a result, designs often focus on light output. While light levels are important, poor distribution can create too much lighting in some areas and dark patches in others. “The conventional wisdom is that more light is better, but from a security standpoint, too much of the wrong kind of light, aimed in the wrong direction, can cause glare” says Eric Richman, Senior Research Engineer at the U.S. Department of Energy. “Moreover, security camera functionality depends on various lighting factors including uniformity, contrast, light color and intensity. No one type of lighting will be best in all situations.” Foot-candles measure the amount of light in a space. A study conducted by the LightingResearchCenter found individuals felt safe and secure at one foot-candle; any- thingmore didn’t improve their impressions. Covering for safety and security. Good lighting design integrates the most effective light sources with appropri- ate height and location for the best cover- age. The Illuminating Engineering Society outlines the most important considerations for effective safety and security lighting: • Horizontal illuminance – the standard for assessing effective lighting because many tasks are horizontal in nature. • Vertical illuminance – critical for secu- rity issues because identifying objects and their movement is best done by viewing their vertical surfaces. • Uniformity – important for avoiding dark areas and enhancing the effective- ness of security cameras. • Glare – light aimed in the wrong direc- tion can cause glare, reducing visibility. To optimize savings and security, it’s im- portant to incorporate these design elements into an energy-efficient lighting strategy. Strategies for energy savings. So, how do you maintain a safe, secure environment while minimizing lighting costs? Effective strategies include the following: • Reduced wattage lamps – consider in- stalling lower wattage lamps and fixtures in areas with excess light. Typically, one to three foot-candles of illumination at ground level is adequate for security. A simple, inexpensive light meter can be used to measure light levels around your facility. • Energy-efficient upgrades – LEDs are an effective replacement option for conven- tional lamps, offering increased energy efficiency, improved durability and a longer rated life. LEDs provide excellent color quality, helping you save energy by reducing the amount of light output required. For security purposes, LEDs provide more uniform distribution and whiter light for better contrast. • Controls – occupancy sensors and timers can save energy without compromising safety or security. Occupancy sensors ac- tivate all or some lights in an area when pedestrians or vehicles approach. Timers can switch lights on and off, or dim them, according to a set schedule. LEDs, with their instant start and dimming capabili- ties, are a good fit for lighting controls. SAVE WITH INCENTIVES FROM AMEREN ILLINOIS Integrating LED technology with a well-designed lighting control system will significantly reduce your lighting costs, while improving comfort, safety and security in your facility. Ameren Il- linois offers generous cash incentives for a variety of lighting projects, including new construction lighting, interior and exterior LED lighting, and integrated lighting controls. To learn more about lighting incentives available through Ameren Illinois or to request a free en- ergy consultation, visit AmerenIllinois- Savings.com/Lighting.  Integrating LED technology with a well-designed lighting control system will significantly reduce your lighting costs, while improving comfort, safety and security in your facility.