One of the most overlooked energy-saving tools in the work place is the light switch. Lighting accounts for 30-50 percent of a building’s energy use, or about 17 percent of total annual U.S. electricity consumption.
Simply turning off unneeded lights can reduce direct lighting energy consumption up to 45 percent. Reducing lighting electricity usage reduces your energy cost and lessens the environmental impacts associated with electricity generation.
- In this report, we discuss one approach to reducing office lighting energy consumption: Occupancy sensors. These are inexpensive and effective devices that can quickly and easily be installed on a wall or ceiling. A list of features to look for when you shop for these devices is included. We have gathered information from the major sensor manufacturers and identified a number of devices that satisfy these criteria. We also explore other options for turning off unused lights and other equipment.
- Occupancy or motion sensors are devices that turn lights and other equipment on or off in response to the presence (or absence) of people in a defined area. Some sensors also control lighting based on the amount of daylight available in their coverage area. Most available sensors are designed to function independently or in parallel with other sensors for large areas. Originally developed for use with security systems, occupancy sensors have been refined and enhanced to control lighting and HVAC in commercial and residential spaces.
To read Green Seal’s environmental rating of 18 occupancy sensors, and information about available types of sensor products, download their Choose Green Report!