Light Design 101

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Lighting alone can account for a significant energy use in your home (see our design tool to know how important lighting is in your home) and is the highest energy guzzler in an office building. Deploying advanced lighting controls coupled with high efficiency lighting fixtures can result in lighting energy savings of over 30%.

Efficient lighting design strategies :

1) High Efficiency Lights: Replace existing incandescent bulbs with the more efficient LED lamps and CFL lamps. LEDs are more efficient options, and are available in a number of colors and fixture options. To learn more click here. 

2) Optimum Light Design: High illumination levels (high light intensity or bright light) can be discomforting and damaging to the eyes and also consume unnecessary electricity. Buy the right intensity light fixtures, and use dimmers for spaces with varying light needs. Dimmers ensure that there is an appropriate illumination levels befitting the time, need and occasion. See our post on advanced light controls.

High illumination levels can be discomforting and damaging to the eyes

3) Use lights only when needed: Occupancy Sensors ensure that lights are switched off when the space is not being used, and the lights are switched off even if someone forgot to switch them off when leaving the space/room. See our pick of the best occupancy light sensors in the market today.

4) Daylighting: Natural light should be used whenever and wherever possible. It is also a healthier option. You can use window shades to cut off the direct sun, while still getting the diffused light for lighting the space. North facing windows do not get direct sun, and are ideal for daylighting. Intelligent daylighting can also be used as a source for passive solar heating. See our post on daylighting.

Check out our pick of top 5 LED lights, and top 5 light sensors.

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