Why Lighting Efficiency is Important for Any Business

As with any business, the more money you spend, the less profit you see. Most businesses want to maximize their profits as it is crucial to grow and stay in business, and investing in methods that maximize the efficiency of your business is a smart decision.

Just about every business uses some form of lighting, which translates into a monthly expense, so finding out how to maximize lighting efficiency is a method that will increase profits immediately and over time.

Proper Placement of Lighting

Lighting placement has such a huge emphasis on how lighting is used within a building or outdoor space, and this is because improper placement can lead to needing too many lights or not getting enough light altogether. Getting a professional assessment is an ideal way to fix this problem.

Long-Lasting Lighting

Having to worry about lights going out every week or month can be troublesome and disruptive to your business, which makes long-lasting lights an excellent solution to this potential problem. Investing in LED lighting is an intelligent choice based on the fact that LED lights are able to last over 50,000 hours.

It is best to avoid a situation where you may lose potential business because of non-working lights or reduce the efficiency of your operation because you need to spend so much time replacing lights.

Minimize Energy Costs

Minimizing business expenses is one way to increase profits, along with bringing in more business. However, you are in complete control when it comes to making changes to your business, and this means you can communicate with lighting professionals to get energy-efficient lighting.

Take Advantage of Section 179d Tax Deductions to Upgrade Your Lighting System

To encourage energy efficiency among commercial property owners, the IRS started offering Section 179d tax deductions in 2005. The credit has recently been extended through 2015. You may claim a one-time credit of up to $1.80 per square foot for certain upgrades in your building to conform to the government’s standard for energy efficiency. You must receive certification from an independent third-party energy organization indicating that your property meets the standards.

Commercial buildings constructed or retrofitted prior to December 31, 2005 do not qualify for the credit. Additionally, the building you own must be at least 20,000 square feet to apply for the credit. The IRS provides a credit of up to .60 per square foot for lighting, HVAC, and building envelope improvements. Our company, Relumination, can help your building meet energy efficiency standards and qualify for the lighting portion of the 179d tax deduction.

Our Approach Helps You Realize Tax and Energy Savings

We complete a comprehensive needs analysis the first time you meet with a representative from Relumination. This involves an on-site audit of your building to determine issues with your current lighting system. When we present you with the findings, we seek your input on changes you would like to make to improve worker safety, secure your building, or save on energy costs. If you are interested in sustainability, we work with you to create a plan that meets the requirements of the 179d tax credit.

Next, we provide you with projected energy savings so you can actually see your return on investment. This step helps most business owners get past their hesitancy about making the initial investment in lighting upgrades. In addition to providing you with cost and savings estimates, we research local and federal rebates or credits you may be entitled to besides the 179d tax credit.

LED Lighting is the New Player in Athletics

Metal halide lights have been the standard lighting in the sports world since the 1960’s.  Now, however, sports teams are switching to LED Lighting to illuminate their sports venues.

As the cost of LED lights moves lower compared to halogen lights, the choice to use LED’s becomes more straightforward.  Besides consuming 54% less electricity, the LED light runs much cooler than the halogen.  The LED comes without any annoying hums, nor that troublesome element, mercury.

Since stadium and area management require high quality lighting, LED lighting had not captured their attention until recently.  However, innovations in LED lighting and the television set (HDTV), is successfully addressing light quality concerns. Furthermore, as of this year, the LED cost premium has just about disappeared.

For universities and professional sports, the installation of led lighting brings extra benefits. The longer life of led lights, (3x as long) and less need for maintenance will lead to more cost savings.

The conversion to LED lighting is occurring across a range of sport arenas:

Boston University’s tennis and track center converted to LED lighting as part of its sustainability mission and for financial reasons.  Despite the increase in the amount of light, they will save enough electricity to power 70 homes for a year. Lighting in the seven zones of the facility is controlled remotely, communication is wireless and the unnecessary lighting is eliminated.

Outdoor tennis courts with focused led lighting can eliminate complaints of light pollution by neighbors.

At NRG Stadium, home of the Houston Texans and University of Phoenix Cardinals football teams, LEDs were installed prior to this year’s football season.

In addition to enhancing the light quality for the fans attending the games, the broadcasting crew from Fox Broadcasting termed it the best of the stadium’s they have experienced.  One further plus -there should be no interruption in February’s Super Bowl game caused by a lighting outage.

At the Staples Center in LA, LED lighting installed this summer will shine on the games played by NBA Clippers and Lakers, the WNBA Galaxy and the NHL Kings.   Housing these basketball and hockey games will cost $280,000 less per year.

At the Syracuse War Memorial Arena built in 1951 and home to the AHL Crunch, the switch to LED lighting has increased the amount of light hitting the ice arena to 217 foot -candles (previously 105) and saved the venue $40,000 annually.

As well as reducing energy demand by 85%, the Crunch have benefited from the versatility of the lights.  They can be programmed to highlight players and provide special effects such as changing color of the lighting to match the players’ uniforms.

And, let’s not leave out the most popular sport in the world.  Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge soccer stadium redid their lighting system this August in order to comply with the new lighting standards of the English Premier League.  Their LED floodlights improved visibility for all participants – referees, players, in-house fans and those sitting at home watching on TV. The lighting reduced the flicker that was experienced when watching replays on HD TVs.

Bring Your Store Into The Light With LED Retail Store Lighting

Have you ever thought about how lighting makes an impact on your store? The lighting in your store has a big job to do because it is needed to show off all of the products you have in your store. The lighting also provides a big part of your store’s design. The places where you use your retail lighting and why you are using that lighting can be the big difference in your store design being successful or your store design being incomplete.

Savings

There are a number of benefits of using LED lighting in your retail store, such as a reduction in maintenance and repair costs and energy savings. If your retail store is independently owned, you are probably paying for all of your expenses. When you implement LED lighting, you will see a decrease in the amount of energy that is being used. This will result in an increase in the amount of money you will save. LED lighting will produce a low amount of heat or no heat at all; this will allow you to not have to use your air conditioning units to cool the store because of the heat from the lighting.

Aesthetics

You may wonder how a change of lighting will affect the look of your store. LED lighting will save energy, reduce maintenance costs, and save you money, but that does not mean you will sacrifice the look and feel of your store. LED lighting will give your retail store a better output than your previous lights. The lighting will also do a better job of making your merchandise stand out and look more appealing to customers. When you have LED lighting in your store, you have the ability to be more imaginative and creative with your store design. You will be able to place emphasis on every product in every location in your establishment.

Whatever LED lighting plans you want to use for your store, you will immediately begin to see the benefits, and your customers will too.

Your Warehouse & Distribution Center Can Maximize On The Benefits Of Better Lighting

When it comes to keeping your warehouse or distribution center in good condition, it most certainly will not be an easy task to accomplish.  These types of operations can take a significant amount of energy and time, especially when it is compared to other types of businesses. If someone has a small clothing store or another business of that nature, it can be managed more productively in a small amount of time. Distribution centers and warehouses have more space to cover, so it will take more time to manage it effectively. 

Lighting is always a key aspect to consider in any kind of business, no matter what kind of building it is in. Effective lighting is not just something god to have, but effective and proper warehouse & distribution center lighting is basically a legal requirement. Your employees have to pack and unpack things from boxes. They will also have to load those boxes onto vehicles, so it is highly important that your warehouse and center have enough lighting. That allows everyone to see when he or she is working throughout the warehouse. 

Some warehouses and distribution centers may still use the traditional lighting methods, but many businesses are deciding to switch to LED lighting, which is not only a cash saver, but it is also an energy saver that does not require a high level of maintenance. LED lighting gives your business operations the lighting that it needs to ensure everyone remains safe in the warehouse and/or distribution center. 

When your warehouse is well lit, everyone will be wide-awake because of the lighting. You will not have to worry about any darkness. If your warehouse is not properly lit, your employees may have no idea where things are or where they are supposed to be. However, when they can see everything and they know where they are going in the well-lit warehouse, they will be more productive and efficient in their work. There will be a smaller change of preventable accidents occurring because the better lighting will improve the safety of the warehouse. 

Save Money and Score Loyal Business with LED Hotel Lighting

While businesses with normal hours are able to enjoy many hours where lighting is not used, hotels are quite different because they require sufficient lighting at all times. Since there is such an emphasis on lighting, it makes sense for hotels to plan a considerable amount to provide the best lighting possible.

In order to get the best hotel lighting, you should be looking to save money while also impressing guests to the point where they come back in the future for additional stays.

Make Guests Feel Comfortable

From guest rooms to breakfast areas, you need to make your guests feel comfortable with lighting. It is not hardwood floors or high quality pictures on the wall that will accomplish this, it is simple and effective lighting placement that allows guests to do what they want to do without a problem.

Focus on Walkway Lighting

After making guests feel comfortable, you cannot forego the importance of walkway lighting that makes everyone feel safe when they are walking through hallways of the hotel building. It is having a seamless check-in experience that can create loyal customers out of first-timers.

Help Guests Feel Safe Outside

When people first arrive to your hotel, you must make them feel welcome from the get-go. If you have a designated area for future guests to park their vehicle, you need to provide enough lighting for them to get their documents out of their vehicle without having to fumble around. It is also important to make all guests feel safe when they are heading to the parking lot, pool, or their guestroom.

LED Lighting is the Way to Go

With so much lighting that is required to keep a hotel running, you really need to invest in the most efficient lighting type possible, which is LED lighting. It is a long-lasting and inexpensive option for lighting, and making the switch will provide you with years of significant savings.

Improve Your Restaurant with Proper Restaurant Lighting

A restaurant cannot solely rely on the quality of the food to remain in business. It is necessary to impress in other aspects, which means details such as seating, employees, and lighting that need to be top-notch. Excellent lighting can create a desired ambiance, which can help your restaurant succeed.

Learning about what you can do to improve lighting will ensure restaurant lighting is one of the main reasons you see your growth in your restaurant’s business.

Provide Just Enough Table Lighting

Excessive lighting can make an eating space look clinical, and this is something you want to avoid. It is best to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere, which can be accomplished with properly placed lighting, correct color temperature, and lighting fixtures that enhance illumination.

Make an Appealing Entrance

Whether you are going for a candlelit dinner look or a welcoming family restaurant feel, how you set up entrance lighting can have an enormous impact on the kind of response you get from others. It is vital to stay with the same plan and intentions throughout your restaurant to create a cohesive experience.

Sufficient Outdoor Lighting

Both the outside entrance and the outdoor seating need to be lit properly to ensure people feel safe when choosing your restaurant, along with when they choose to eat outside. It can be a little challenging to create perfect lighting for your outside customers, but professionals will be able to devise a plan.

Although lighting is just one of numerous important factors that determine the success of your restaurant, making some upgrades to lighting can be an excellent investment for overall improvements.

How a Lighting Audit Can Help You Save

auditIf you are interested in lowering your utility expenses, you may have heard about some of the ways that lighting rebates can help you become more energy efficient for less. However, did you know that a free lighting audit could help you maximize your efforts and save more?

Lighting Audits: What Are They? 

Generally a representative of your utility company will come out to perform a lighting audit. While they are free, you will need to schedule an appointment in advance.

During a lighting audit, an energy specialist will tour your facility and take notes on the current lighting setup.  The energy specialist will photograph your workplace, obtain information about light fixture placement and quantity, and ask what type of work is performed in different areas. He or she will also calculate stationary light wattage and quantity. Then, the specialist will come up with a specific and actionable plan to make your workplace more energy efficient.

These plans typically include:

  • A detailed plan showing the optimal lighting layout for your business
  • Calculations that show the return on investment your business will see if you make the changes
  • Financial information on the total cost of changes
  • Information on grants, rebates, and other ways that can help you make these changed for less money
  • “Next steps” that will help you commit to making these changes

If this sounds like a lot of work, don’t be alarmed. You’re having most of the work performed for you by a lighting expert, and you will receive a free list of actionable tips that allow you to jump-start your plan to achieve greater energy efficiency in the workplace.

 

How to Find Business Lighting Rebates

rebateHow to Find Business Lighting Rebates

Lighting costs can account for as much as 40 percent of business electric bills, which makes finding eco friendly lighting a high priority for business that are looking to reduce their energy expenses. Lighting rebates can help your business cut costs without spending a lot on light fixtures, so let’s learn how to find these rebates.

How to Find Business Lighting Rebates

DSIRE, the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency, offers a clearinghouse of rebates, grants, and initiatives for businesses as well as individuals. DSIRE allows you to sort by sectors, so you only see industrial or commercial savings opportunities. Start by searching DSIRE for potential rebates in your area to identify some ways to save on business lighting.

Don’t overlook your utility company. Many utilities offer a free lighting audit. This can be a great way to quickly learn what lights are hogging your energy and which lights only use a small amount of power. In a light audit, you’ll learn the optimal layout of lights to maximize visibility and save money, the estimates ROI of adding eco-friendly business lighting, proposed finances, and your next steps. If you want to change your business lighting but feel overwhelmed by the process of finding rebates and scheduling electric work, this can demystify the process for you. Your utility company may also have rebate information that they can provide to you free of charge.

Considerations

If you’re thinking you’ll be able to replace everything from the exit sign to the copy closet light with an energy-efficient bulb, think again. Not every type of lighting will be available at a rebate. The good news is, once you switch to energy-efficient fixtures, you will begin to see cost savings immediately!

 

School Lighting can Change the Way Students Learn

It appears that school lighting may affect not only the way students perform, but their health as well. We have long recognized the effect of natural sunlight on the human body to produce both physiological and psychological health. Research cited by“Academia.edu” indicates that artificial lighting can approximate the sun’s beneficial effects and stimulate student learning.

Two characteristics of light are noted in the study. One is the brightness, or intensity, and the other is the color temperature. Together, these aspects can alter our sleep patterns and quality, our blood pressure, heart rate variability and core temperature as well as regulating the amount of melatonin we produce. They also affect our mental alertness and the perception of how well we understand a subject we are studying. We have supposed that natural sunlight is superior to artificial lighting, but research shows that artificial lighting can have a positive effect on the speed with which we work and our accuracy.

How does all this play into choosing school lighting? First, it has been demonstrated that lighting which approximates natural sunlight can keep children healthier. That translates to less “sick days” out of the classroom. When the student is in class, proper lighting can keep her alert and help her be more attentive to teacher instruction. Lighting has also been shown to affect mood and behavior. Brighter light (over 500lux) seems to promote better moods and less aggressiveness.

Data from schools in the study also shows how a dynamic lighting system (one in which the lighting can be changed) can bring about relaxation in students after periods of enhanced learning. This could keep students from tiring too early and having dulled senses in the afternoon.