With many buildings already utilizing LED lighting, lighting controls have become one of the most effective ways to reduce energy bills and operating costs further. Innovations in technology have given lighting controls many more capabilities and have turned lighting control systems into a must-have for any building. Facility managers and property owners need to understand… The post Creating Smarter & More Energy Efficient Buildings: A Guide to Lighting Controls appeared first on FSG Electric & Lighting.

With many buildings already utilizing LED lighting, lighting controls have become one of the most effective ways to reduce energy bills and operating costs further.

Innovations in technology have given lighting controls many more capabilities and have turned lighting control systems into a must-have for any building.

Facility managers and property owners need to understand how lighting control systems work and how to implement them properly in order to get the maximum benefits.

What Are Lighting Controls?

Lighting controls are technologies and systems that manage how, when, and where light is used in a building. They help regulate lighting based on factors such as occupancy, daylight availability, schedule, and user preferences.

Lighting controls can work individually, or they can also be networked together as part of a centralized system.

Typical components of lighting control systems include:

• Occupancy sensors that detect motion and adjust lighting accordingly
• Daylight harvesting sensors that dim or switch off lights when enough natural light is available
• Time-based controls that follow predefined schedules
• Manual and automatic dimming controls
• Networked/SMART systems that allow centralized or cloud-based control of lighting across multiple zones or buildings.

By responding to real-time inputs and environmental conditions, smart lighting controls create more adaptive, energy-efficient spaces.

Types of Lighting Control Systems

Lighting control strategies can range from basic motion sensors to more complex wireless and networked systems tied into an entire building’s operations.

Occupancy Sensors

These simple control devices turn lights on or off based on the presence or absence of people in an area. They are very effective in areas with inconsistent use, such as restrooms, storage rooms, or conference areas.

Daylight Harvesting Controls

Daylight sensors monitor natural light levels and adjust the artificial lighting to maintain consistent illumination. These controls are ideal for areas with large windows or skylights, but also work well in parking lots and other exterior light fixtures..

Time-Based Scheduling

Lighting systems can be scheduled to follow business hours or cleaning shifts, reducing unnecessary after-hours energy use. Exterior lighting can be programmed to turn on at a certain time and then off at a certain time, allowing for easy scheduling.

Dimming Controls

Dimming capabilities allow lighting levels to be adjusted for task-specific needs or ambiance, helping to save energy and improve user comfort. Most commercial LED light fixtures support 0–10V dimming.

Wireless and Networked “SMART” Lighting Controls

Wireless systems offer users the ability to control their systems wirelessly and have the fixtures communicate over WiFi. Networked systems, whether wired or wireless, allow for centralized management and remote monitoring. These are often tied into IoT lighting solutions or Building Management Systems (BMS) for even greater efficiency.

Benefits of Lighting Controls

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, advanced lighting controls can reduce lighting energy use by 10% to 90% in commercial buildings, depending on the control technology and application.

That translates to many benefits for building owners and facility managers.

Energy and Cost Savings: Less energy use means lower utility bills. Over time, the savings from lighting controls can offset the initial investment, especially when combined with energy-efficient LED fixtures. Smarter lighting controls can also help measure system lifespan, allowing for planned maintenance instead of emergency repairs.

Improved Productivity and Comfort: Lighting controls can adapt to the needs of occupants. providing brighter light when tasks demand it, and reduced light for less demanding tasks, computer work or audio video presentations. Studies show that well-lit environments can boost mood, reduce eye strain, and improve concentration.

Sustainability and Regulatory Compliance: Utilizing lighting controls supports sustainability goals and helps facilities meet codes like ASHRAE 90.1, IECC, and local energy regulations. For organizations pursuing LEED or WELL certification, they also contribute valuable points to your certification.

Integration with IoT and Building Management Systems: When integrated into a broader BMS, lighting controls can interact with HVAC, security, and occupancy data. This unlocks new levels of insight and control across the building that can create additional cost savings.

Lighting Controls in Commercial Buildings

Lighting controls have the greatest impact in commercial environments where usage patterns vary throughout the day. They are particularly effective in:

• Office buildings
• Retail Stores
• Industrial facilities & Warehouses
• Classrooms and School Buildings
• Parking Lots & Garages

Key Strategies for Implementing Lighting Controls

Getting the most out of lighting controls requires more than just installing a few sensors. A strategic approach involves a carefully executed process.

1. Audit Existing Lighting Systems

Start with a comprehensive lighting audit to assess current usage, fixture types, and opportunities for control upgrades. Read our guide on how to conduct a lighting audit. You can have your in-house maintenance team do the audit or call a commercial lighting contractor to assist.

2. Choose the Right Control Strategy

Not every space requires the same solution. Work with a commercial lighting expert to design a lighting controls approach that best fits your building and business needs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.

3. Install and Commission the System

Whether you are using basic occupancy sensors or a full Smart system, ensuring the controls work with your lighting and other systems is key.

4. Maintenance and Monitoring

Over time, sensors may drift or become obstructed. Regular monitoring ensures systems perform as expected. Many advanced systems offer dashboards with real-time alerts and performance reports. After installation and system training personnel may change or forget features resulting in some features being abandoned or unused. Many electrical contractors offer maintenance plans to help keep your systems operating properly.

The Future of Lighting Controls

Lighting control technology is evolving quickly, with constant innovations making systems smarter and more responsive.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning now allow lighting to adapt based on occupant behavior, while predictive analytics uses historical data to anticipate needs and fine-tune energy use.

Cloud-based platforms make it possible to monitor and update systems remotely, and enhanced user interfaces give occupants more control through apps and touchless options.

As these capabilities mature, lighting is becoming an integral part of a broader smart building ecosystem where interconnected systems work together to improve efficiency, comfort, and sustainability.

Get Started With Lighting Controls

Lighting controls may not be a new technology, but advancements and innovations have made them more valuable to building owners.

As businesses seek smarter, more efficient ways to manage their facilities, lighting controls offer a practical and proven path forward.

FSG’s team of lighting experts helps businesses across the country implement lighting control strategies that align with their goals. From audits and design to installation and integration, our team provides turnkey solutions that make smart lighting simple.

Contact us to learn how we can help you bring lighting control to your next project.

The post Creating Smarter & More Energy Efficient Buildings: A Guide to Lighting Controls appeared first on FSG Electric & Lighting.

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