In the quest for greater efficiency, an under-utilized tool could be the answer to maximum savings

It is a simple equation: LEDs + networked lighting control (NLCs) systems = maximum energy savings.  

According to the DesignLights Consortium^® (DLC), incorporating NLCs at the time of LED installation can increase efficiency by an average of 47%, a significant increase that further boosts the efficacy gains achieved by the LED light sources. 

Statistics from the U.S. Department of Energy state that 874 million units of LEDs were installed in 2016, while less than 0.1% of all U.S. lighting systems¹ were equipped with connected lighting controls. 

So, why aren’t more commercial and industrial buildings tapping into this energy-saving formula? Unlocking the full potential of LEDs requires controls technology, and the benefits for occupants and building managers and owners extend way beyond controlled lighting and energy savings. These networked sensors and controls integrate with LED luminaires to achieve maximum comfort and energy efficiency. They also turn simple luminaires into smart data collection points that can monitor and modulate HVAC and optimize building maintenance. From on-off and dimming functionalities, to daylight harvesting, to occupancy sensing, the applications and benefits of controlled luminaires are many and non-negligible.

In addition to post-installation savings, significant benefits can be reaped at the time of installation by taking advantage of the more than 6,500 rebate programs available in the U.S. for DLC-qualified products. Many of these rebates can reduce upfront project costs by 20% to 25%. The slow adoption of connected lighting controls can have a large impact on energy savings. It is critically important to incorporate smart technology into building lighting systems to fully benefit from the potential savings now, positively affect the environment, and future-proof buildings.  

Learn more about connected lighting by visiting https://www.focalpointlights.com/connectedsolutions.   

^{1 https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2017/08/f36/led-adoption-report…}