Non-profit lighting education organization cites LEED recognition as catalyst for energy-efficient design
In a recently released statement, the National Lighting Bureau (NLB) cautions designers to consider lighting’s interrelationships with other building systems when considering earning credit for the overall energy consumption and lighting standards established by LEED. The bureau reports that in cases of poor lighting quality, which may cause employees to struggle with their tasks and have to work overtime, other energized building systems, such as heating, HVAC, and elevators, may be used more. For outdoor lighting, extra security patrols may be needed, causing additional gasoline consumption.
According to the bureau, designers that plan lighting systems that meet or exceed ASHRAE.IESNA 90.1-1999 or the local energy code, whichever is more efficient, have completed the first step in accounting for lighting’s energy-affective nature. The NLB also encourages designers to use controls and daylighting in their plans.
