A New High Performance Lighting Program Model: Outperforming Energy Codes while Mandating Premium Efficiency and Quality

Dan Birleanu, Brian McCowan, and Gary Epstein, Energy & Resource Solutions
Tom Butler, NSTAR Electric
Tom Coughlin, National Grid

Keywords

Abstract

Traditionally, the focus of new construction lighting programs has been on the promotion of energy efficient technologies. These programs typically require premium efficiency lamps and ballasts, while some also promote premium efficiency lighting fixtures. More recently, programs administered by National Grid, NSTAR, Public Service of New Hampshire and Efficiency Maine have added lighting quality criteria for some measures, addressing such areas as uniformity, glare, color rendering, etc. An ongoing problem with programs of this type is that it is possible that projects use more energy than energy codes or standard practice dictate. The paper will demonstrate that energy codes are not well enforced and that some projects qualify for incentives while not meeting energy code provisions. In such cases, the goal of promoting efficient technologies is met, but the overriding goal of energy conservation is not.

This paper focuses on new programs that offer incentives for lighting projects that outperform code requirements on a lighting power density (LPD) or watts per square foot basis. Unfortunately, these programs may provide incentives for projects that utilize outdated, inefficient technologies or achieve low LPDs by under-lighting spaces or “massaging” the calculation process.

This paper will chronicle the development of a hybrid “Performance Lighting” program adopted by efficiency programs in the New England states for 2006. This innovative program requires that the LPD outperform energy code requirements by at least 25%, while maintaining lighting efficiency and quality (IES recommended lighting levels; premium efficiency illumination equipment; glare, color rendering, uniformity management). In the future, case studies of actual projects will be used to demonstrate successes and failures of earlier program models, while newly installed projects will be studied to assess the effectiveness of the performance programs. (Note: the first projects under the 2006 program are now being installed; case studies will be included in the ACEEE presentation.)