Lighting is one of the major opportunities for energy savings in the commercial sector. About one-quarter of the total energy consumption by commercial buildings is used for lighting.
With cost-effective energy-saving technologies readily available, it’s a question of educating end-users and developing effective program strategies.
CEE’s Commercial Lighting Committee convened at the Industry Partners Meeting last month in hopes of beginning the development of a long-term vision for efficiency programs. The goal was to examine trends in the industry, learn about current member program approaches and see what steps can be taken – by CEE members as well as industry – to accelerate the adoption of efficient commercial lighting.
“We want to look beyond specific lighting applications, and see what major energy-saving opportunities are developing,” said CEE Program Associate Susan Loucks. “If we can understand larger trends, we will be able to move proactively to develop specifications or other guidance.”
Seven manufacturers (plus Kyle Pitsor of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association) and 21 CEE members attended the session. Attendees presented their perspectives on upcoming changes in lighting technology, design and behavior, and explored possibilities for strategic partnerships.
During his presentation, Joe Howley of GE Lighting explained that a number of trends are making a big impact on manufacturers. For example, commercial new construction is in an upswing. Thus builders have incentives to look for energy-efficient lighting options for several reasons:
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Building codes are becoming more stringent
- Voluntary “green” building programs (ENERGY STAR®, LEED, etc.) are becoming more prevalent and popular.
- The Energy Policy Act of 2005 is providing tax
incentives for commercial building owners to upgrade their lighting systems.
Several manufacturers noted that, due to technological developments, there are more high-efficiency products in the market than ever before. Builders can choose from “premium” 32-Watt T8 systems, reduced-wattage T8 systems, T5s, ceramic metal halide systems and compact fluorescents. Major advances have also been made in developing energy-efficient ballasts and fixtures.
The increased pressure for lighting efficiency, as well as increased technological options, has sparked some innovation in member programs. Albert Chiu of PG&E explained how his company is partnering with local distributors to increase the stocking of high-efficiency lamps and ballasts.
One of the important components of this partnership is the education of sales representatives, who can then recommend higher-efficiency products, or “up sell,” to customers. Other programs offer incentives to the customer.
While these advances illustrate significant energy saving opportunities, the proliferation of program approaches and technologies also can create confusion for consumers. In 2007, CEE’s Commercial Lighting Committee will be addressing this issue, incorporating lessons and insights from this breakout session into their work.
“We’ll be thinking about how we influence behavior as well as technology, and how to provide consistent messages to consumers,” Loucks said. “We’ll be considering who needs to be involved and how.”
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