It is surprising. It’s almost baffling. The absence of lighting control from the growing numbers of water cooler conversations on the topic of green residential building is stumping many industry pundits. The fact is that, in the latest “Builder Technology Market Study,” part of the Consumer Electronics Association’s “2006 State of the Builder Survey,” lighting control was cited as the fastest growing technology offered by homebuilders. Most of the demand in that category, however, has centered on the lifestyle and aesthetic appeal of lighting control. Energy savings, historically, has been an afterthought, making them “feel good” about their purchase but not a primary consideration as part of the purchasing decision.
With the global conscience and focus on green changing rapidly around the world, there is strong evidence that suggests consideration of energy savings is growing among homebuyers. Here are five reasons why lighting control should be at the top of builders’ green offerings punch lists:
Tip #1: Lighting Control Is Green with Benefits
By definition, a lighting control system is an intelligent, programmable system with a user interface [i.e. keypads] and can, at a minimum, turn lights on and off, dim lights and provide an effective balance of natural and controlled light. Dimming alone can contribute to home energy savings. For example, dimming your lighting by 10 percent, which is virtually impossible to detect by the human eye, can reduce energy usage by 10 percent.
In regards to lighting control systems, studies show that they are estimated to reduce lighting energy requirements by 35 to 50 percent in most applications, with no reduction in productivity. At the same time, lighting control delivers valuable lifestyle benefits that include:
■ Convenience — Providing multiple functions with the press of a button.
■ Security — For example, integrating lighting with security system functions.
■ Ambiance — Creating moods through lightings scenes.
■ Aesthetics — For example, accent-lighting of a rooms interior and elimination of the wall clutter created by multiple switches
In many circles, the focus has been on CFLs [Compact Fluorescent Lamps] as the sole answer to lighting and energy savings. The caution here is that, in order to dim standard CFLs, specialized lighting fixtures are required. These fixtures are considerably more expensive than standard lighting fixtures. In addition, CFLs simply do not dim as well as standard incandescent bulbs and reports consistently indicate that consumers do not find their type of light “warm or pleasing.”
Furthermore, CFLs are not suitable for “instant on” applications or for use in three-position lamps, ceiling fans and many decorative fixtures. CFLs cannot be used with occupancy sensors, which continue to grow in popularity for their energy-saving benefits as well as their convenience. It should be noted, however, that CFLs can effectively be integrated into lighting design, but should be limited to simple on and off loads and geared more toward utility than aesthetics.
Tip #2: Dimming Extends Amp Life
Besides energy savings benefits, lighting control can also extend lamp life. If, for example, a light load is dimmed and set at 75 percent, lamp life is extended 8,000 hours. At 50 percent, lamp life is extended 40,000 hours. The residual benefits of extending lamp life include reduced frequency of replacing light bulbs, which can be especially attractive to a homeowner with tall, hard-to-reach ceilings, and reduced bulk received by area landfills.
Tip #3: Green by Design
Most lighting control systems support addons, like occupancy [motion] and light-level sensors. An occupancy sensor, or motion detector, is typically known as being part of a security system. However, it can also be used as part of a lighting control system.
If an occupancy sensor notices that someone has entered a room, for instance, it will trigger the room lights to turn on. When the room is vacated, the sensor will signal the system to turn the lights off. In a similar manner, light-level sensors respond to natural light and can automatically adjust controlled light levels and switch off certain light loads. These system add-ons monitor and maximize use of light loads, ultimately saving energy.
Some lighting control systems offer features beyond controlling lighting loads. Many systems can also control motorized drapes, shades and thermostats. Applied properly, this added functionality can significantly add to the energy benefits of a system.
Here are a few design and layout tips to consider in order to achieve an effective balance between green initiatives and energy savings and a comfortable lifestyle:
■ Spend time thinking out lighting loads and other loads that will be specified — a system is only as good as the design behind it. Start by focusing on locations, surfaces and items in the home you want to accent with lighting. Make sure the appropriate types of lighting fixtures are selected and mounted to maximize lighting efficiency and to achieve the optimum aesthetic effect.
■ If budget allows, include a lighting designer in the design phase of the project.
■ Use lighting control in gathering, entertaining and primary living areas and to control outdoor lighting. Suggested locations include the foyer, kitchen, living room, family room, bonus or home theater room, master bedroom and primary hallways.
■ Use occupancy sensors in less frequented areas. Suggested locations include closets, pantries and bathrooms.
■ Use light-level sensors in areas with a large presence of natural light. Suggested locations include those at large windows and along glass throughways.
■ Whenever and wherever possible, integrate shade, drape and HVAC control as part of scene settings established through system programming.
Tip #4: Controlled Lighting Is Programmed to Save
Since most lighting control systems have on-board time clock and logic functionality, systems can be custom programmed to follow a set schedule to automatically adjust lighting and/or turn it on and off at specific times each day.
Programming is often based on the lifestyle of the homeowner. Therefore, the lighting schedule will adjust with each home. In addition, many systems have longitude and latitude programming capabilities. These provide added functionality to adjust schedules to sunrise and sunset, based on the physical location of the home. Overall, effective system programming reduces the chance of unused, unnoticed loads that may, in turn, be left on for long periods of time, costing money and energy.
Tip #5: Green Dough
In addition to being the fastest growing technology offered by homebuilders, lighting control had the highest satisfaction and repeat rate in 2006 of any home technology, according to the Home Lighting Control Alliance. The controlled lighting category continues to grow exponentially, fueled by national energy mandates, influence of other countries that have embraced the technology, the growth of room control in the hotel sector, demand by a tech-savvy homebuyer and the fact that systems have become very affordable and reliable.
What this means to developers and installers is additional revenue opportunities. For quick reference, a common industry estimate is that a basic lighting control system installed sells for $5 to $7 a square foot, and margins are usually very attractive. In addition, those who are interested in installing a system in their home will, generally, add lighting fixtures to their base electrical package.
Other incentives include the recently launched government-sponsored LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] for Homes, a home rating system for assuring that homes are designed and built to be energy and resource efficient. LEED certification can result in tax breaks, government support and publicity for developers. The National Association of Home Builders also recently launched a green building certification program.
David Bruce is East region sales manager, installation systems and control at Square D/Clipsal and vice chair of the Home Lighting Control Alliance.