Part 4 of a roundtable discussion featuring Tommy Nichols - Business Development Director - Healthcare at Acuity Brands. Originally featured in Healthcare Facilities Today - interview by Jeff Wardon, Jr., Assistant Editor.
Warden: Lighting is often one of the primary elements of a healthcare facility changed to address energy efficiency and sustainability. This is because lighting is kept on and running for a large portion of the day, thus consuming its fair share of energy. More energy efficient technologies have been introduced such as LEDs, lighting controls systems and daylight harvesting that can help cut energy consumption.
In this manufacturer roundtable, Healthcare Facilities Today speaks with lighting manufacturers about the latest developments that make lighting more energy-saving and sustainable.
What are the latest developments to make lighting more energy efficient and sustainable?
Nichols: The latest developments in energy-efficient and sustainable lighting focus on incorporating advanced technologies directly into light fixtures. Modern fixtures now feature embedded components such as occupancy sensors, photocells, and daylight harvesting technologies. These technologies provide the ability to automate lighting levels based on real-time conditions. For instance, lights can be dimmed during certain hours of the day or when natural light is sufficient. This ensures that artificial lighting is only used when needed, significantly reducing energy consumption.
Daylight harvesting is a key component of this innovation. It adjusts the artificial lighting depending on the amount of natural light available in a space, ensuring an optimal balance between natural and artificial lighting. This results in energy savings and a reduction in unnecessary power usage. Occupancy sensors also play a crucial role in energy efficiency by detecting whether a space is in use. In areas like stairwells and parking garages at healthcare facilities, which often have lighting running continuously, these sensors can dim lights by up to 50 percent when the area is unoccupied. When movement is detected, the lights return to full brightness, providing both energy savings and safety.
In addition to technological advancements, modern lighting systems comply with increasingly strict energy codes, particularly in sectors such as healthcare. These codes require lighting to meet both energy efficiency standards and the needs of the occupants. By integrating smart lighting systems that adjust to occupancy and light levels, facilities can reduce their carbon footprint while still ensuring safety and usability in spaces that require constant lighting.
