Intelligent lighting control systems are widely used in commercial and industrial buildings to help achieve significant energy savings by preventing energy waste (or to comply with building codes or energy conservation programs). The networked systems generally allow a single user to control a single light or group of lights from one central system. In more sophisticated systems, control software allows for “logic statements” (for example, if-this-than-that) and varying levels of automation, in order to increase the amount of intelligence that goes into lighting control.

Lighting control systems do not simply turn lights on or off at scheduled times.

They can also:

• Regulate light output
• Control temperature
• Redistribute through zoning
• Adjust for comfort
• Detect light required through sensors (motion, occupancy, and daylight harvesting)
• Activate commands during alarms (fire or HVAC)
• Adjust to demand management and peak-day pricing programs

Current US statistics indicate that lighting accounts for up to 20% of energy used in commercial and industrial markets and lighting control systems can reduce energy consumption from lighting by up to 70%.

Source: Daintree.net

Sounds great, right? The problem is that a fully-optimized system that utilizes advanced strategies is extremely complex, sometimes difficult to implement (compatibility with other building systems, for example), and expensive.

Many case studies indicate the return on investment (ROI) is, on average, between 3-5 years.  I’ve even seen a few underground parking lot case studies with a 10 year ROI! Modern wireless lighting control systems can certainly reduce installation/material costs, but is the payback time still reasonable?

Jim Himonas, a consultant to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Task Force on Energy Efficiency, suggests that most facility executives indicate that a payback of three years is used as a yardstick in decision-making. However, Himonas believes much more goes into determining the payback of a lighting control system than just investment costs and annual savings. He believes one must consider the life of the product, the tax depreciation rate, and the effective income tax rate. Furthermore, by installing an intelligent lighting system, the asset value of the building increases (especially important to those who rent space or anticipate selling the property) and studies indicate worker satisfaction also increases.

Is this a viable argument? Is the ROI for intelligent lighting control systems acceptable? We’d love to hear your experience.