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Energy Efficient Lighting
Energy efficiency and energy conservation get easier every day through simple steps like changing incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL). The light quality is better today than ever before, and there's no more slow "glow up" or flickering. CFL bulbs can be used indoors and out, and now that there are dimmable and three-way bulbs, you can use them in most fixtures you have. Because they last up to ten times longer than conventional bulbs, you won't waste as much time changing bulbs. Switch to CFLs and save money, labor costs, and the environment.
Look generous but act miserly. When it comes to your hospitality venue's lighting, that is. You can act as if money is no object and that electricity is abundant by having all the lights in the house on during the evening and on dark days, but save money by using energy efficient lights. And new technology means they aren't the slow-to-light, green-tinted, humming bulbs of the past.
The lighting in your property serves many purposes, including welcoming guests at night, letting rooms and guest spaces be used comfortably on dark days and at night, and safety. About 20 percent of the electricity produced in the U.S. is used for commercial lighting. Since hospitality properties use lots of electricity for lighting, you will find great savings in energy conservation.
Another savings benefit that often goes unnoticed is the reduced labor cost. With energy efficient bulbs you won't have to change burned-out bulbs often, thus leaving your staff time for other tasks. So in addition to saving electricity you are saving time. Both add up to a nice savings.
There are several steps you can take to conserve your electric consumption. You can replace your incandescent bulbs for fluorescent or LED bulbs. You can install lighting controls so that lights are on only when needed, like when the room is occupied or when it's dark. Clean your light fixtures so the grease, dirt and dust that accumulate on bulbs and fixtures don't interfere with light output. Paint walls with a light colored paint because it reflects light better, reducing the need for lighting. Install surface-mount light fixtures rather than recessed lights because they are more energy efficient, taking advantage of the reflection off the ceiling. Use daylight as much as possible, with window coverings being opened and light tubes (the new approach to sky lights).
LED bulbs are becoming more available to the general public, thus more cost effective. They are great to use in your exit signs, outdoor lighting, and indoors. They consume very little electricity and emit a very bright light. Some of the rope lights you see use LED bulbs.
Fluorescent lighting -- both compact and traditional tubes -- uses 75 percent less electricity incandescent bulbs do, last 10 times longer, and produce an equivalent lumen output. And what change there has been in fluorescent bulbs! They now have better color rendition, along with choices in color output, than the original bulbs. With electronic ballasts they don't flicker and have the slow glow-up time of early bulbs. You can now buy dimmable and 3-way compact fluorescent bulbs. And of course they come in a variety of shapes to fit your different lighting fixtures. The choices are satisfying!
Energy efficient exterior lighting options include compact fluorescent, low- and high-pressure sodium lamps, metal halide, and tungsten halogen lamps. Photovoltaic lighting (sun-powered -- with a solar cell and battery) is another great option; it's easy to install, easy to maintain, and free to run. Photocells and timers are also good steps to take with your exterior lighting so that you don't have those lights on during the day unless it's cloudy.
Anticipate having lights on from dusk to dawn in some common area spaces and outside; maybe in other areas too. Have all the lights you use be energy efficient so that you are energy- and money-wise. You may spend a bit more initially for them, but you'll save in the short- and long-run. That's a great money-saving plan!
For more tips on how to save energy in your hospitality venue, see my article Green Certification: Focus Area 2 - Energy.
Posted by Kit Cassingham
