TechDecisions has featured many case studies where a new facility has gone all-out with solar arrays, geothermal heating and cooling, as well as some pretty sophisticated energy management systems. Ah—I almost lost you there. This is not about being green and spending a lot of time and money to get there.
This is about the really easy, inexpensive devices and adjustments you can make right now and start saving money immediately.
Many companies such as Lutron offer wireless and easily retrofittable options for lighting control, occupancy/vacancy sensors, wireless daylight harvesting sensors and personal local manual dimming controls. Some integrate with the HVAC system to ensure all of the energy systems are working together for the highest level of efficiency.
Energy cost savings through lighting control is only one of the areas that can be easily managed. How about having the ability to cut power to non-critical devices throughout your facility that have been left on for long durations with a simple power cord?
The bottom-line most definitely makes this an easy decision; however, what is important to understand is that some of these technologies have evolved to also make a positive difference in productivity of a buildings occupants. Correct lighting levels and the type of lighting help to increase attention spans, reduce headaches and eyestrain, and has been linked to fewer missed days.
Honestly, I feel like renting a bus, and rather than continually espousing these concepts, go facility-to-facility and just install these devices myself and make some simple adjustments. But instead, you can be the hero and save your facility 60 percent and upwards in energy costs. This is a no-brainer. Don’t make me come out there.
Check out the slideshow for some examples of how some facilities are using occupancy/vacancy sensors, LED lighting, daylight harvesting techniques and more.
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