General Lighting Recommendations

Design Guidelines for Energy Efficient Lighting Systems

Thank you for your interest in energy efficiency! According

to the US Department of Energy, 51% of the energy used in
commercial buildings is consumed by lighting systems. The
guidelines presented in this document have been organized
to support building designers and owners selecting efficient
lighting technologies and practices. This document provides
both general technology recommendations as well as
example specifications that can be copied and pasted into
project specifications. These recommendations are based
on those of the Illumination Engineering Society of North
America (IESNA), the Consortium for Energy Efficiency
(CEE) and other non-profit third-party industry groups that
promote cost-effective energy efficiency in lighting. The
most current IESNA Handbook should be consulted for more
specific design recommendations.

Through your electric utility’s energy efficiency programs,

CLEAResult helps building owners, architects and engineers
evaluate the benefits of energy efficiency. Building owners
are encouraged to assess and address their energy use
through a variety of program-related services, including
energy performance benchmarking, energy master
planning, technical assistance and even public relations
support. This document offers objective, third-party
recommendations on best practices in the areas of energy
usage and energy efficiency. These services are provided
free of charge through your electric utility and are not
intended to substitute for the services of paid
professionals.

UNLEASHING THE VALUE OF ENERGY

 General Lighting Recommendations

LIGHT QUALITY CONCERNS

Color Rendering Index (CRI)
CRI is a quantitative measure of a light source’s ability to reproduce colors of various objects in
comparison to an ideal or natural light source. Simply put, it determines how “true” colors
appear. Higher CRI lamps can better reproduce the visible light spectrum and can potentially
reduce needed footcandle levels. Product specifications for any lamp will list the CRI of that
lamp. With natural light having a CRI of 100, we recommend a CRI greater than 80.

Note: Lamp sources of different color temperatures can all have a CRI greater than 80. Color
temperature is a measure of the color of a light source in degrees Kelvin. Lower color
temperatures (~3000K) are more golden while higher color temperatures (~6000K) have more
of a blue tint. Choice of color temperature depends on individual preferences, but we
recommend that all light sources in a facility utilize the same color temperature.

Illumination Levels
IESNA provides detailed horizontal and vertical illumination level recommendations for
thousands of specific space types in their Handbook. These light levels are most commonly
expressed in “footcandles” (fc). Lighting designers should reference the IESNA Handbook as
the authority for maximum and minimum footcandle levels in each applicable space type. This
ensures appropriate light levels will be maintained while also minimizing energy consumption
of the lighting system.

Many existing facilities have much higher than recommended footcandle levels, and this
problem is amplified when combined with the visual discomfort of “glare”. This is often
dramatically experienced when working on computers. Glare from overhead lights can actually
make it difficult to read most computer screens or monitors since those devices are already
backlit. In cases where higher light levels are needed or desired for a specific task or usage type,
appropriate illumination is better achieved by moving the light source closer to the task or
through supplementary task lighting, as opposed to simply increasing the light output from an
overhead fixture.

IESNA recommends the following light levels for various tasks:

RECOMMENDED LIGHT LEVELS
Orientation and Simple Tasks These tasks occur in public spaces where reading and visual inspection
are only occasionally performed. Visual performance is largely unimportant.
Public Spaces 3 fc
Simple Orientation for Short Visits 5 fc
Working Spaces for Simple Visual Tasks 10 fc
Common Visual Tasks Visual performance is important for these. Higher light levels are recommended
for visual tasks involving low contrast or small size.
Tasks with High Contrast and Large Size 30 fc
Tasks with High Contrast and Small Size 50 fc
Tasks with Low Contrast and Large Size 50 fc
Tasks with Low Contrast and Small Size 100 fc
Special Visual Tasks These tasks are very specialized, including those with very small or very low
contrast critical elements. Visual performance is of critical importance. Recommended illuminance
levels should be achieved with supplementary task lighting.
Critical Visual Tasks 300 - 1000 fc

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Lighting Power Density (LPD)

LPD is the power used by luminaires (including lamps, ballasts, transformers and control
devices) per unit area of a building in watts per square foot. For new construction buildings,
local building codes dictate the maximum allowed LPD. Energy efficiency incentives for new
construction lighting are paid based on comparing the project’s actual LPD with the code
requirement.

The table below lists the current maximum allowed LPD for various building
types according to International Energy Conservation Code 2009 (IECC 2009),
along with maximum LPD levels we recommend.

RECOMMENDED LIGHTING POWER DENSITIES

IECC 2009 Recommended LPD
Facility Type
Allowed LPD (30% Savings)
Automotive Facility 0.90 0.63
Convention Center 1.20 0.84
Courthouse 1.20 0.84
Dining: Bar/Lounge/Leisure 1.30 0.91
Dining: Cafeteria 1.40 0.98
Dining: Family 1.60 1.12
Dormitory 1.00 0.70
Exercise Center 1.00 0.70
Gymnasium 1.10 0.77
Health Care - Clinic 1.00 0.70
Hospital 1.20 0.84
Hotel 1.00 0.70
Library 1.30 0.91
Manufacturing 1.30 0.91
Motel 1.00 0.70
Motion Picture 1.20 0.84
Multi-Family 0.70 0.49
Museum 1.10 0.77
Office 1.00 0.70
Parking Garage 0.30 0.21
Penitentiary 1.00 0.70
Performing Arts 1.60 1.12
Police/Fire Stations 1.00 0.70
Post Office 1.10 0.77
Religious Buildings 1.30 0.91
Retail 1.50 1.05
School/University 1.20 0.84
Sports Arena 1.10 0.77
Town Hall 1.10 0.77
Transportation 1.00 0.70
Warehouse 0.80 0.56
Workshop 1.40 0.98

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LIGHTING CONTROLS
Lighting controls reduce energy use from lighting by dimming or turning off luminaires in day
lit or unoccupied spaces. Lighting controls include dimming controls, daylight controls and
occupancy controls. Multiple controls may be appropriate for a single building space. We
recommend installing lighting controls wherever appropriate. See the table below
for a more detailed description of each control type.

LIGHTING CONTROL TYPES

Dimming controls lower light levels in order to
Dimming Controls reduce the energy consumed. Dimming can be
continuous or involve step controls.
Daylight controls dim or turn off lights when
Daylight Controls ambient light is sufficient. Daylight sensors
can be indoor or outdoor.
Occupancy controls sense occupancy or
vacancy in order to turn lights on or off.
Occupancy Controls There are two main types: infrared and ultra-
sonic. Controls that use both technologies are
the most reliable.

LIGHTING TECHNOLOGIES
Lighting technologies have various ranges of efficacies (light output per watt input), with
incandescent lamps being the least efficacious lighting technology. LED efficacies are improving
every year. See the graph below for a comparison of efficacies of different lighting technologies.
For indoor lighting, both high- and low-bay, we recommend high performance
fluorescent fixtures and ENERGY STAR or DesignLights qualified LED fixtures.

ENERGY STAR and DesignLights LED Fixtures

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LEDs are quickly becoming the premier lighting technology and have the potential to save
significant energy and maintenance costs. We recommend that any LED fixture
purchased be qualified under ENERGY STAR or DesignLights Consortium
programs. These two industry groups rate the best and most reliable LED products on the
market. This is the easiest way to choose an LED product that will not fade out or change color
before its time. For more information, see the following websites:

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=manuf_res.pt_lighting
http://www.designlights.org/solidstate.about.QualifiedProductsList_Publicv2.php
http://www.lightingfacts.com/

High Performance T8 Fixtures

For most indoor new construction and retrofit applications, we recommend high
performance T8 lamp and ballast systems. High performance T8s provide increased
light output along with longer lamp life and lumen maintenance at the same wattage as
traditional T8s. Improvements to traditional T8s include enhanced rare Earth phosphors,
improved gas fill compositions and more robust cathodes, enabling superb color quality (CRI
≥80) at any color temperature. Premium-efficiency ballasts save energy compared to standard
ballasts. The Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) is a non-profit industry group that
qualifies high-performance T8 and reduced-wattage T8 lamp and ballast systems. For more
information, visit the following website: http://library.cee1.org/content/commercial-lighting-
qualifying-products-lists

COMPARISON OF TYPICAL INDOOR FIXTURES

Lumen System
Lumens/ Rated System
Typical 2x4 Fixture Type Maint - CRI Lumen
Lamp Life (hrs) Wattage
enance Output
ENERGY STAR LED 2x4 Troffer N/A ≥70% ≥80 ≥25000 50 3,600
2-Lamp High Performance T8 (F32T8) 3,100 95% ≥80 ≥24000 54 6,200
2-Lamp Reduced Wattage T8 (F25T8) 2,400 95% ≥80 ≥24000 48 4,300
2-Lamp Standard T8 (F32T8) 2,850 90% 75 20,000 58 5,700
2-Lamp Standard T12 (F34T12) 2,482 88% 60 20,000 72 4,964

An important thing to consider when choosing a T8 lamp and ballast system is the ballast factor
(BF). This factor is a measure of the lumen output of a ballast relative to a reference ballast.
High, low and normal ballast factors are all available as premium ballasts for every type of T8
lamp. This way, you can modify the power input and light output of a T8 fixture by changing the
ballast factor in new designs and retrofits. The following chart gives a few examples for a high-
performance T8 system.

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BALLAST FACTOR COMPARISON

Typical 2-Lamp High Initial Lamp Ballast Factor Mean Fixture System Mean Lumens
Performance T8 System Lumens (BF) Lumens Wattage per Watt

Low Ballast Factor 3,100 0.77 4543 48 94.6

Normal Ballast Factor 3,100 0.87 5133 53 96.8
High Ballast Factor 3,100 1.00 5900 62 95.2
Very High Ballast Factor 3,100 1.18 6962 73 95.4

OUTDOOR LIGHTING
Because LED lamps tend to provide directional light in a more even spread than other
technologies, we recommend ENERGY STAR or DesignLights qualified LED fixtures
for outdoor illumination. The directional quality of LEDs means that outdoor areas can be
adequately lit using less light output and therefore less energy. In addition, LED fixtures can last
up to ten years and require far lest maintenance than conventional outdoor lighting. In areas
where maintenance is a challenge (such as pole lights) the reduced maintenance for the LED
fixtures helps balance the up-front cost of the LEDs. Make sure that the LED product is rated for
high temperatures if the fixture is to be installed in a warm climate.

EXAMPLE LIGHTING
EXAMPLE LIGHTING SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS

NEW CONSTRUCTION AND RETROFITS

A. Average lighting levels and measurements must comply with the most current
Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) recommended practices.
B. Final light levels must meet the requirements of the end user and meet the satisfaction of
all approving authorities having jurisdiction for specific applications.
C. The Engineer, Contractor or Supplier must confirm that the lighting levels will meet the
illumination range stated in this document, or most current IESNA recommendations,
for the applicable space type.
D. Retrofit designs should consider the recommended practice of:
a. Reducing the number of lamps in the retrofit fixture.
b. Reducing the number of fixtures in a room or space.
c. Conversions from 2-lamp, 8’ T12 high output lamps to 2-lamp, 4’ high-
performance (or “super”) T8 lamps with low ballast factor ballasts.
d. Uniform lamp and ballast types to facilitate a consistent and economical
equipment stock.

I. LINEAR FLUORESCENT T8 LIGHTING SYSTEMS

A. FOUR-FT LAMPS
a. For all possible fluorescent lighting applications, 4-ft high-performance T8
fixtures to be chosen for maximum efficiency. T8 lamps and ballasts to meet the
Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) High Performance criteria

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(www.cee1.org). High-performance lamps to be chosen as one of the following

wattage levels: 32W, 28W, or 25W.
b. 32W lamps to be CEE-Qualifying High-Performance 4-ft T8 lamps installed in
conjunction with CEE-Qualifying High-Performance ballasts. A qualifying 32W
lamp is rated at ≥ 3,100 initial lumens, ≥ 80 CRI, ≥ 24,000-hour life (at 3 hours
per start), and ≥ 94% lumen maintenance.
c. 28W lamps to be CEE-Qualifying Reduced-Wattage 4-ft T8 lamps, installed in
conjunction with CEE-Qualifying Reduced-Wattage ballasts. A qualifying 28W
lamp is rated at ≥ 2,585 initial lumens, ≥ 80 CRI, ≥ 20,000-hour life (at 3 hours
per start), and ≥ 94% lumen maintenance.
d. 25W lamps to be CEE-Qualifying Reduced-Wattage 4-ft T8 lamps, installed in
conjunction with CEE-Qualifying Reduced-Wattage ballasts. A qualifying 25W
lamp is rated at ≥ 2,400 initial lumens, ≥ 80 CRI, ≥ 20,000-hour life (at 3 hours
per start), and ≥ 94% lumen maintenance.
e. Ballasts for all 4-ft T8 fluorescent lighting to be CEE-Qualifying High
Performance and/or Reduced-Wattage Ballasts (www.cee1.org).

B. LAMPS (all other types) – Prior written approval must be obtained from the owner for
use/specification of any lamp type other than 4-ft. T8 as listed above.
a. 2’ lamps to be F17T8, nominal lamp of 17 watts or lower (high efficiency,
premium lamps)
b. 3’ lamps to be F25T8, nominal lamp of 25 watts or lower (high efficiency,
premium lamps)
c. Color Rendering Index (CRI) to be a minimum of 80. For color critical
applications, Color Rendering Index (CRI) to be a minimum of 86.
d. Minimum lamp life for all 2ft, 3ft and 4ft T8 lamps to be a minimum of 20,000
hours, @ 3 hours per start, but recommended to be 24,000 hours or more @ 12
hours per start regardless the type of electronic ballast

II. LINEAR FLUORESCENT T5 LIGHTING SYSTEMS

A. T5HO LAMPS - 49W T5HO lamps are preferred over 54W T5HO in most high bay
applications for increased energy savings with comparable lumen output.

B. T5 LAMPS (2’, 3’, 4’) – For standard applications such as classrooms, offices, hallways,
etc., T5 systems are generally not recommended. Rather, high-performance (or “super”)
T8 systems are recommended for the following reasons:
a. High-performance T8 lamps have a longer operating life than T5 lamps.
b. High-performance T8 systems are more energy-efficient than T5 systems.
c. High-performance T8 lamps have a lower purchase cost than T5 lamps, resulting
in lower maintenance costs.
d. High-performance T8 lamps are a more direct retrofit into existing T12 fixtures
than T5 lamps.

III. HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE LIGHTING

High intensity discharge (HID) lamps are rarely appropriate for indoor use due to their low CRI,
high energy usage and rated life expectancy. Because HID fixtures can be replaced by more-
efficient high bay fluorescent (HBF) fixtures, induction lamps or compact fluorescent lamps,
HID lamps should not be used for indoor lighting.

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IV. HIGH BAY FLUORESCENT LIGHTING

High bay fluorescent (HBF) fixtures are to be installed in areas with high ceilings such as
gymnasiums. The three primary types of HBF fixtures are as follows; refer to lamp criteria
above:
1. 6-lamp 4-ft T8 fixture (with ballast factor of ≥ 1.0) – typical 400W HID replacement
2. 4-lamp 4-ft T5HO fixture – typical 400W HID replacement
3. 6-lamp 4-ft T5HO fixture – typical 400W HID replacement, but with reduced fixtures
so that lighting-level requirements are met

V. LIGHTING LEVEL REQUIREMENTS LUMENS

Lighting to be designed such that illumination levels fall within a given range, according to the
space type. Average lighting levels are not to fall below the range’s lower limit and not to exceed
the range’s upper limit. This is to assure all spaces are adequately lit but are not over-lit. The
ranges apply to all working areas in a space, and should be sustained throughout lamp life. The
following footcandle (fc) ranges are derived primarily from IESNA recommended levels and
NCAA gymnasium lighting best practices.

Lighting Level Range

Space Type * (fc)
Classroom 30 – 50
Science Lab 50 – 70
Library 30 – 50
Office 30 – 50
Computer Lab 3 – 30
Corridor / Common Space 10 – 20
Gym (recreational)** 30 – 50
Gym (competition)** 50 – 100
Gym (NCAA broadcasting)** 100 – 150
Cafeteria 10 – 20
Kitchen 30 – 50
Pool 5 – 50
Parking Garage 10 – 20
Restroom 5 – 15
Mechanical Room 20 – 50

* IESNA recommended lighting levels to be used for other space-types not listed above.
** “Gym” refers only to the lighting levels on the actual court, not the adjacent general
circulation and seating. W

ATTS
VII. LIGHTING CONTROLS

A. INTERIOR – All interior spaces to be controlled via occupancy sensors; infrared,

ultrasonic, or dual technology as applicable to the space.
B. EXTERIOR – Exterior light fixtures to be controlled via photocell or time-clock for
energy conservation.

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