How to Maximize the Impact of Daylight Savings with Lighting Controls

Daylight Saving Time will begin at 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 8, 2020.
 
After the short, dark days of Winter, not only do extended daytime hours feel like a gift, they also provide an opportunity to reduce your lighting burn hours.
 
Here are two commonly used methods to maximize daylight savings with lighting controls, both helping to reduce your operational costs and increase your eco-efficiency:

• Daylight Harvesting
  Daylight harvesting is a lighting control which determines how much light a given area receives based on natural light detected. Studies have shown that when implemented correctly, daylight harvesting can generate an average of 28% in energy reduction. Daylight harvesting controls use a photosensor to detect natural light, which then send a signal to partially or completely reduce the light output.
  
  These photosensors can operate with natural or artificial light. Open-loop sensors placed near exterior points detect available natural light. However, buildings can also use closed-loop systems that have sensors within, detecting both natural and artificial light. Sensor inputs are then evaluated, and the switching or dimming system will then adjust the light level as needed.
   

• Time Scheduling
  Time scheduling allows time clocks to determine whether lights are on, off, or dimmed.  Schedules can be predetermined and preprogrammed to create appropriate light levels for when an area will be occupied or not. This is not a complex control, but it is highly effective for cost savings, energy reduction and providing certain level of convenience. As one of the most widely used forms of controls we see, and it applies to many applications such as parking lot lights, operating hours vs after hours schedules, retail lighting, etc.
  
  By implementing these simple solutions, you can reduce the amount of time your lights are on, while still retaining appropriate light levels. If you are currently operating timers and/or EMS systems, remember to adjust them to accommodate for daylight saving time starting at 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 8, 2020.

Also, don’t forget to change your clocks - we’re springing forward!

BEYOND DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

If you and your organization are looking for technical assistance and support to optimize your short-term and long-term savings, Illumetek has multiple Certified Lighting Controls Professionals (CLCP) on staff. We can provide helpful insight on the implementation of this technology within your facility or multi-site portfolio. Feel free to contact us here or reach out to hello@illumetek.com.