Efficient Lighting Design and Office Worker Productivity

Carol Jones and Kelly Gordon, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Keywords

Abstract

Energy efficiency advocates have long known the importance of ancillary or non-energy benefits in achieving market transformation. Energy efficiency measures must meet a range of needs and business objectives to have an enduring impact. New research presents an exciting value proposition for commercial office buildings. A recent in-depth study of lighting quality and office worker productivity shows that realistic changes in lighting can measurably increase worker comfort, motivation, persistence and vigilance. The research points to two profound market opportunities that deserve serious attention by the energy efficiency community.

The first paradigm shift is from standard direct-only troffers to task-ambient lighting. Energy savings result from an optimized lighting layout with lower ambient light levels in the room, the use of task lighting where needed, and more efficient components (for example, T5 linear fluorescent lamps and high performance T8 lamp-ballast systems).

The second paradigm shift is to workstation-specific personal control using “intelligent”2 technologies. Dramatic energy savings result from fewer fixtures overall, occupancy sensors tuned to individual workstations, daylight dimming at the perimeter, peak load demand response, and personal control by the user.

This paper provides an overview of the research findings that will be used as the basis for changing customer buying behaviors and a recipe for success for lighting solutions that will yield both energy savings and non-energy benefits. The lighting energy savings of these new systems compared to strategies of the past is analyzed, along with a recommended market penetration strategy using market research and the dynamics of the construction market.