E N E R G Y S A V I N G T H R O U G H L I G H T I N G I N B U I L D I N G S

Within buildings energy is used in
many different ways. One of the
biggest single users can be lighting,
accounting for up to 50% of the total
energy consumed. In terms of cost, the
lighting bill can exceed the heating bill.
It is essential that all buildings have
well designed lighting systems.
Lighting is an integral part of the
internal environment allowing
occupants to work effectively and in
comfort, ensuring safety and
enhancing the appearance of the
whole building. The challenge,
therefore, is to maximise the efficiency
of the lighting while minimising the
energy consumed.
Using modern technology and design
methods, there are numerous ways in
which energy consumption can be
effectively reduced. A series of
maxibrochures recently prepared by
the OPET BRECSU describe a range
of options open to designers and
managers. The first of these
publications, entitled "Energy Efficient
Lighting in Buildings", has proved very
popular throughout the European
Community and beyond.
This publication is now being
complemented by new maxibrochures
which give more detail on the
techniques available for three distinct
building types - offices, schools and
factories. In each document, methods
of achieving energy savings through
interrelated measures are described:
greater use of daylight by effective
design, more efficient lamps (such as
compact fluorescents), more efficient
ballast controls, (including high
frequency systems) and better
designed, including improved
reflectors and diffusers.
The brochures also describe a method
for assessing the most appropriate
and economically justified combination
of measures for any particular
situation. The application of the various
techniques is illustrated by a series of
case studies which summarise the
energy savings achieved in practice.
These case studies have been
compiled from across the European
Community in co-operation between
BRECSU and numerous other OPETs.