Lighting Automation Now Used in Majority of New Construction and Renovation Projects

Electrical engineers, facilities managers, and architects are using lighting automation systems in new construction and renovation projects to save energy, comply with state and national codes, and obtain utility rebates and incentives. A recent market research study based on phone interviews with more than 150 construction professionals, performed by Ducker Research, and funded by The Watt Stopper found that more than half of all commercial new construction and retrofit projects completed over the past two years feature automated lighting controls. The education market, particularly colleges, universities, and other higher education facilities, has the highest adoption rate for automated controls (Table above). Respondents identified building automation systems, lighting control panels, occupancy sensors, and daylighting systems as the most effective control technologies, and standard protocols and low-cost electronic dimming ballasts as the technological advances that will have the most significant effect on lighting control applications. The study was made available as part of the California Energy Commission's $5.2 million research and development program, which is designed to create new lighting technology and energy-efficient products. The Lighting Controls Association is offering the study free of charge on its Web site at www.aboutlightingcontrols.org as part of its white paper series.