Lighting Systems Assessment Guide
Comprehensive methodology for evaluating interior and exterior lighting systems, controls, energy efficiency, and code compliance for commercial facilities.
Lighting Assessment Overview
Lighting typically represents 15-25% of a commercial building's energy consumption and directly impacts safety, security, productivity, and occupant comfort. A comprehensive assessment identifies deficiencies, code compliance issues, and upgrade opportunities with strong ROI.
Energy Use
15-25%
of total building energy
LED Savings
40-70%
typical energy reduction
Productivity
3-5%
improvement with quality lighting
Exterior Lighting Systems
Parking Lot Lighting
Poles: 25-30 years; Fixtures: 15-20 yearsPurpose: Safety, security, wayfinding
Standards: IES RP-20: 1-5 fc maintained
Building-Mounted Lighting
15-20 yearsPurpose: Security, accent, safety
Standards: Varies by application
Pathway & Landscape
10-20 yearsPurpose: Pedestrian safety, aesthetics
Standards: IES: 0.5-2 fc for walkways
Loading Dock & Service
15-20 yearsPurpose: Work task, safety, security
Standards: IES: 10-20 fc for loading areas
Emergency & Exit
Batteries: 5-7 years; Fixtures: 15-20 yearsPurpose: Life safety, code compliance
Standards: IBC/NFPA: 1 fc min along egress
Interior Lighting
General/Ambient
Applications: Offices, Corridors, Common areas
Standards: 30-50 fc typical office
Task Lighting
Applications: Workstations, Manufacturing, Inspection areas
Standards: 50-100+ fc depending on task
Warehouse/Industrial
Applications: Storage, Distribution, Manufacturing
Standards: 20-50 fc general; 50-100 fc for detailed work
Retail/Display
Applications: Sales floors, Merchandise display, Storefronts
Standards: 50-100+ fc; high CRI required
Lighting Technologies
LED
100-200 lm/W50,000-100,000 hoursEnergy efficient, Long life, Dimmable, Instant on, Low heat
Higher upfront cost, Driver failures, Color shift over time
Current standard for new installations
Fluorescent (T8/T5)
70-100 lm/W20,000-30,000 hoursProven technology, Good efficiency, Low cost
Mercury content, Ballast replacement, Dimming limitations, Cold start issues
Being phased out; retrofit to LED recommended
HID (Metal Halide/HPS)
50-100 lm/W10,000-24,000 hoursHigh output, Good for high bays, Lower upfront cost
Long restrike, Poor color (HPS), Energy inefficient, Maintenance intensive
Legacy technology; replace with LED
Induction
60-90 lm/W60,000-100,000 hoursLong life, Instant restrike, Good in cold
Limited availability, Specialized ballasts, Being replaced by LED
Niche applications only
Controls & Automation
Occupancy/Vacancy Sensors
20-60% savingsApplications: Offices, restrooms, warehouses, stairwells
Daylight Harvesting
15-40% savingsApplications: Perimeter offices, skylighted areas, atriums
Time-Based Scheduling
10-30% savingsApplications: All areas with predictable occupancy
Networked/Smart Lighting
40-70% savingsApplications: Offices, warehouses, campuses
Demand Response
Utility incentives + peak reduction savingsApplications: Large facilities, utility programs
Code Compliance
| Code/Standard | Requirement | Application |
|---|---|---|
| IECC/ASHRAE 90.1 | Lighting power density limits | New construction, major renovations |
| IBC/IFC | Emergency lighting & exit signs | All occupied buildings |
| NFPA 101 | Means of egress illumination | Life safety compliance |
| ADA | Accessible lighting controls | Public accommodations |
| OSHA | Workplace illumination levels | Employee safety |
| Dark Sky/Local | Light pollution limits | Exterior lighting |
Energy Assessment
LED Retrofit ROI
- • Typical payback: 1-4 years
- • Energy savings: 40-70%
- • Maintenance savings: 50-75%
- • Utility rebates often available
Assessment Metrics
- • Lighting Power Density (W/SF)
- • Operating hours analysis
- • Lamp/fixture inventory
- • Controls effectiveness
Assessment Checklist
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