Energy saving via lighting study at US National Laboratories

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to examine lighting systems at 77 laboratories located within one building to save energy and associated costs. Design/methodology/approach – Field measurements of illumination were conducted and compared to lighting standards and industry recommendations. Findings – For energy and cost saving, de-lamping all four-lamp luminaires down to two-lamp luminaires and installing occupancy sensors in all laboratories were recommended. Research limitations/implications – The research team’s project working hours and study period were limited. This study begins to fill the gap in the literature regarding lighting field studies. Practical implications – By carefully considering light level recommendations, industry standards and installation budgets, existing facilities can install appropriate retrofits to save energy and money without sacrificing illumination levels. Recommended retrofits are anticipated to significantly curtail annual federal energy consumption practices at the labs. Social implications – The retrofits recommended in this study will reduce US federal government’s energy-related expenditures and greenhouse gas emissions in support of the 2010 Presidential Mandate. The proposed occupancy sensors are anticipated to compensate for humans’ failure to manually control lighting. Originality/value – This field study adds value by documenting cost-effective methods to measure, record and manage laboratory lighting, and it calls for the implementation of social, economic and ecological interventions. The recommended retrofits will reduce US federal government’s energy-related expenditures and greenhouse gas emissions in support of the 2010 Presidential Mandate.