U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Federal Energy Management Program

New and Underutilized Technology: Low Ambient/Task Lighting

The following information outlines key deployment considerations for low ambient/task lighting within the Federal sector. This information spans:

• Benefits
• Application
• Key Factors for Deployment
• Ranking Criteria
• Resources

Benefits

The low ambient/task lighting strategy improves the visual environment by adding controllable task fixtures that provide light directly where needed for a given task, while reducing the overhead (ambient) light level. Occupancy sensors can also be incorporated into the system.

Application

Low ambient/task lighting is applicable in most building categories.

Key Factors for Deployment

Low ambient/task lighting is suitable for most office spaces, including both cubicle and private office space environments, and should be considered for deployment.

Ranking Criteria

Federal energy savings, cost-effectiveness, and probability of success are ranked 0-5 with 0 representing the lowest ranking and 5 representing the highest ranking. The weighted score is ranked 0-100 with 0 representing the lowest ranking and 100 representing the highest ranking.

Resources

The following resources are available:

• California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) Integrated Office Lighting System: Total systems approach to reducing energy consumption produced by office lighting.

• Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Large Office Low Ambient/Task Lighting Pilot Project: Report generated by PG&E's Emerging Technologies program on high efficiency lighting in large office settings.

• Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Small Office Low Ambient/Task Lighting Pilot Project: Report generated by PG&E's Emerging Technologies program on high efficiency lighting in small office settings.

• Navy Techval Program: Presentation covering Navy Technology Evaluation Update for the Federal Utility Partnership Working Group (FUPWG) meeting held November 18 to 19, 2009.

• CLTC Bi-Level Switching in Office Spaces: Report on the application and benefits of bi-level switching in office settings.