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Tools and resources for lighting retrofit projects

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Identify savings opportunities
Survey your building and identify savings opportunities by considering the following guidelines to efficient lighting:
1. Use efficient equipment. Standard upgrades include: replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs); retrofitting T12 fluorescent tubes with T8 and T5 tubes; and retrofitting magnetic ballasts (gears) with electronic ballasts (gears).
2. Control lighting. Only light areas that are occupied or truly need light.
3. Do not over light. More light is not necessarily better. Match light levels to needs.
4. Capture daylight when practical.
5. Respect the needs of occupants. Quality lighting is linked to productivity. Inform occupants of changes. Educate occupants that more efficient lighting is usually higher quality too.


Calculate your savings potential
The savings potential is determined by both the relative efficiency of new equipment and the hours of operation. Changing incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and replacing fluorescent lamps and ballasts with more efficient tubes and electronic ballasts are the most common upgrades.

CFLs
Standard Incandescent CFL Replacement % Load Savings
25 Watt 7 - 9 Watt 64 - 72%
40 Watt 11 - 13 Watt 67 - 73%
60 Watt 15 Watt 75%
75 Watt 18 - 20 Watt 73 - 81%
100 Watt 28 - 30 Watt 70 - 72%

Linear Fluorescent (4-foot)
Lamp Type Ballast Type System Wattage Savings Compared to 40W
T12 - 40W Magnetic 96 0%
T8 - 32W Electronic - (Rapid Start) 62 35%
T8 - 32W Electronic - (Instant Start) 58 40%

To examine the potential in more detail, download the eeBuildings Lighting Upgrade Analysis Tool Excel version. The tool will allow you to compare the cost of upgrading fixtures with the total cost of keeping old fixtures, including the often invisible cost of maintaining existing systems.


Start with a demonstration project
Completing a small-scale pilot retrofit offers building managers a chance to gain experience with new technologies, build relationships with lighting contractor/suppliers, educate occupants, and verify the savings potential without facing the cost of a large scale project. See the eeBuildings Guide to Lighting Demonstration Projects (72KB|PDF) for more information about choosing a space and planning a demonstration project.


Choose the right equipment
It is important to get the right equipment to suit your needs and your space. The best price may not be the best deal. Maintenance and reliability problems can overwhelm energy savings. Use quality equipment from reputable suppliers. In most cases, it should be possible to get a warranty on the equipment and installation.

See the eeBuildings Lighting Procurement Guide (91KB|PDF) for specifications for 32W linear fluorescent lamps and electronic ballasts.

In some countries, there are product certifications that indicate quality and energy savings, such as the ENERGY STAR Label in the US. Buying labeled products may remove some risk in procuring new equipment.



Additional benefits
In addition to the maintenance and energy savings that come from lighting upgrades, you may enjoy some or all of the following benefits:

  • Higher quality light (better color rendering, less flicker),

  • Longer equipment light,

  • Less cooling due to less heat from lighting (see Cooling Load Brief) (90KB|PDF) ,

  • Better power factor, and

  • Improved environmental image.


    • Communicate your accomplishments
    Communicate your energy and environmental savings to your employees, customers, and stakeholders. Contact us to learn about recognition opportunities.


    Additional articles and links (Lighting Resource Library)

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