August 24, 2023
The Untapped Potential of Networked Lighting Controls
As LEDs chart a course towards 90% commercial adoption, networked lighting controls are in less than 1% of all light fixtures
The DesignLights Consortium (DLC) has published the new report Future-Proofing Energy Efficiency with Networked Lighting Controls, emphasizing the pivotal role of integrating networked lighting controls (NLCs) with HVAC systems to foster energy savings.
As the lighting industry gears up to replace first-generation LEDs with new LED solutions, these findings potentially signal a timely window for realizing substantial savings. The report, targeted at regulators and energy efficiency programs, offers suggested action steps backed by this fresh data.
DLC’s Insights into Networked Lighting Controls:
Evolving Commercial Lighting Trends: Over the years, commercial lighting transitioned from incandescent sources to fluorescents and are now predominantly relying on LED technology. However, despite the recognized energy efficiency of LEDs, the full potential, especially when aligned with NLCs, remains untapped.
Are NLCs an Untapped Goldmine?: Integrating NLCs with LED initiatives can amplify energy savings by about 50% on average, even spiking to 70% for certain establishments. Yet, NLCs are present in less than 1% of all U.S. luminaires.
A Glance at the Future: By 2030, LEDs are projected to dominate approximately 88% of all commercial lighting systems. A mere 14% of these are anticipated to be interconnected, controlled configurations.
The Potential of NLC-HVAC Integration: A significant breakthrough, as highlighted by the DLC report, lies in the uncharted territory of integrating NLCs with HVAC and other building systems, unlocking energy-saving opportunities.
Economic Aspects & Findings:
NV5, a firm specializing in technology, consulting, and conformity assessment solutions, examined the financial aspects of NLC investments in Connecticut and Arizona. These states represent typical energy system characteristics and policies of the U.S. Northeast and Southwest, respectively. A couple of noteworthy findings published by DLC include:
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Leveraging lighting system-based occupancy sensors can drastically diminish HVAC energy consumption in unutilized areas.
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Integrating lighting controls with HVAC systems showcases an impressive Benefit/Cost Ratio (BCR), oscillating between 3:1 and 6:1.
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An optimistic projection pinpoints a slash in 2030 commercial building electric energy consumption by roughly 10% in Connecticut and 5% in Arizona. Moreover, coupling NLCs with HVAC systems could significantly curtail natural gas usage in both regions.
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In economic terms, Connecticut businesses stand to save a staggering $1.2 billion over six years, while Arizona's tally could hover around $217 million.
Charting the Way Forward:
The DLC report lays out explicit directives for energy regulators and efficiency programs:
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Propel lighting investments into the future by endorsing luminaires equipped with NLCs or those prepped for controls.
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Shift program metrics to extended timelines, capturing prolonged energy savings.
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Assign dedicated funds for the integration of NLCs with HVAC systems, particularly in expansive structures.
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Roll out initiatives supporting NLC-HVAC collaboration, integrating appropriate protocols and incentive structures.
In essence, as various regions througout the United States chase their 2030 electrification and decarbonization objectives, the report underscores the necessity to pivot from mere short-term energy gains.
The DLC contends that a recalibrated regulatory blueprint is imperative, one that either blends LED luminaires with existing NLC systems or sets up controls-ready fixtures primed for imminent NLC incorporation. The ultimate aim? A revamp of energy efficiency strategies, aligning them seamlessly with long-term strategic energy goals.
