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Many commercial properties have their lighting systems and the controls separate from other systems within the building. At a time where smart technology is having a positive impact on how things are done, it makes no sense to continue using an old-fashioned method. Through the integration of smart building management systems that include lighting controls, facility managers and building owners are now more aware of how they can reduce energy costs and enhance building performance.

Strategies For Smart Lighting Control  

There are numerous smart technologies available such as IoT sensors as well as analytics that have the ability to offer machine learning, all of which can improve the capabilities of lighting systems.

It has been found that dimming lights during the daytime and reducing the use of lighting based on occupancy levels can reduce energy consumption by as much as 73%. A building management system that offers lighting control also offers additional benefits because they can improve safety and enhance comfort for occupants using the spaces within and so, it enables buildings to improve the way in which they function.

There Are Several Strategies Available 

Manual Controls 

The illumination levels can be controlled by users and although this is not an efficient way of operating lighting systems. However, advanced manual controls make it possible to adjust the level of lighting incrementally and that can translate into energy savings of as much as 31%.

Scheduling  

This is not a case of setting times for the lights to turn on and off. Through dimming lights on a schedule, it can lead to energy savings, especially in large areas that are occupied during certain times of the day. It is also a useful strategy for areas that require lighting for safety reasons.

Occupancy Control 

A vast amount of energy is wasted on areas that are illuminated when not in use. However, when a space is used and the lightning turns on automatically and then turns off when the space is no longer in use, this can result in a 24% energy saving. This is a great solution for offices, kitchens, meeting rooms and toilets.

Demand Usage 

There are peak times during the day when lighting is required and identifying these times can mean that lighting can be dimmed rather than turned off completely. This can lead to a 25% saving in energy consumption.

Daylight Reactive Lighting 

Some buildings have excellent levels of natural light and don’t require artificial lighting once the amount of natural light reaches a certain level. Using a system that reacts to daylight, once illumination reaches a certain threshold, the lights can be dimmed or turned off completely. This results in a 28% drop in energy consumption.

Wireless Control Of Intelligent Lighting Systems 

Lighting strategies can now be created and implemented with ease thanks to internet devices and analytics but the landscape has really been improved by the introduction of wireless technology.

Installation and integration costs are reduced when wireless lighting controls are installed as part of an automated building management system. There is no requirement for wiring and labour costs are reduced but more importantly, it provides a greater level of control. This allows lighting systems to be set up in a way that meets the needs of the building, the users and to help reduce energy consumption.

This will provide users with the scope to control the entire lighting system within a building remotely. So whether they are on-site or off-site, systems can be managed effectively and efficiently. Schedules can be set up and altered, lighting can be dimmed and users can be informed when lights have been on for certain periods of time.

Bringing together your lighting controls and your building management system will enable you to implement lighting strategies that meet your requirements. Every system can be customised to align with the way in which your building is used, ensuring that lighting is only used when required. Advanced automation is changing the landscape of energy consumption and how commercial properties operate and that is the reason why it makes sense to use a company like Sana Electrical as that will ensure your lighting system is set up to fit your exact needs.