Lighting energy efficiency

No matter how efficient lamps are, energy is wasted if lights are on when they don't need to be. There are different types of control that allow you to maintain correct lighting levels while keeping your energy usage as low as possible.

Zoning lighting

Zoning lighting can be used in large workspaces which need different levels of lighting. Creating separate, independently controlled zones means that you can switch off or dim lights in certain areas and increase it in others. For example you could switch off lights near windows to take advantage of natural daylight, but keep them on further into the room.

Installing zoning controls can be appropriate where there are:

• variations in occupancy levels
• individual workstations which need brighter light
• different levels of daylight provision

Install and use occupancy sensors

Occupancy sensors switch off lights automatically when a space isn't being used and can reduce lighting costs by up to 30 per cent.

Install and use daylight sensors

Daylight sensors - or photocells - switch off or dim artificial lighting when there's enough daylight. They are particularly useful for external lights, and can pay back their costs within a year. You can combine them with time switches to make even greater savings.

Install and use timing controls

Installing a seven-day timer can help to create a specific lighting pattern for your premises. You can use timers to set lights to come on at different times of the day throughout the week, saving energy that would otherwise be wasted in lighting unoccupied areas. Some timers have multiple on and off switch times for added flexibility.

Time delay controls are also useful in certain situations - for example to switch off lights in cupboards and storerooms automatically.