Efficient lighting… the case for condensed fluorescents

It may seem obvious, but sometimes the simplest solutions can make a big different in the short-term. Replacing lamps usually takes no special skills and yields immediate results.

For example, think about changing to 14 W condensed fluorescent lamps (CFL), which are four times more efficient and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent light bulbs.

More energy efficient lighting saves money. In the UK, for example, some 20 % of the electricity generated is used for lighting, and over 75 % of lighting installations are thought to be out of date.

Improvements can be made on many levels:

• Modern lighting technology (e.g. Are you using LEDs, OLEDs, metal halides, fluorescents?)
• Luminaires (e.g. Is the light well diffused?)
• Lighting controls (e.g. Do you have sensors installed for better lighting management?)
• Lighting design (e.g. Do you have unnecessary lights in a space?)

Tip

There are many low- and even no-cost options to help save money and improve your lighting system. They range from 'quick wins' to major overhauls.

Quick wins are a short-term fix. If the lighting is really out-dated and inefficient, the benefits of investing in a more comprehensive upgrade may be worth considering, as the energy savings are likely to offer a fast return on investment.

Consider the following options:
New construction project: Commissioning a completely new lighting installation, bear in mind the future operational costs of the installation.

Refurbishment: If you are planning to use some of the existing services (lighting and systems), consider the long-term benefits of going further and dealing with known constraints (e.g. ceiling height, room layout) for improved future gain.

Retrofit: Focusing on a full refit of just the lighting system bearing in mind the long- versus short-term benefits above.