Sustainable lighting
Due to the massive increase in energy costs and the final phase-out
of linear fluorescent lamps on 24 August 2023, it is essential to take
a close look at lighting solutions. Increased energy prices do not have
to mean ‘lights out’. Switching instead of switching off is the way to go.
Retrofitting and sensor technology play a major role here.
When fluorescent lamps are converted to LED luminaires, running
costs can be noticeably reduced and energy consumption sustainably
lowered. Lighting control and clever, considered lighting design open
up additional savings potential.
Government requirements ensure that important sustainabili-
ty goals are met both in lighting technology and in the building
process. Lighting designers are bound by specifications of appli-
cation standards such as DIN EN 12464-1 for the lighting of indoor
workplaces. The requirements were significantly expanded in the
current 2021-12 edition. For example, the minimum illuminance val-
ue for the visual task area in classrooms has increased from 300
lux to 500 – 1000 lux. Energy-efficient LED luminaires provide the
required increased illuminance without additional consumption.
Lighting requirements
Sustainable buildings
Certification of buildings according to sustainability criteria has
arrived in practice. The DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nach-
haltiges Bauen, German Sustainable Building Council) has become
established. Buildings have already been certified according to
the DGNB system in over 30 countries. In Austria, it is the ÖGNI
(Österreichische Gesellschaft für Nachhaltige Immobilien, Austrian
Sustainable Building Council). Internationally, the the U.S. Green
Building Council’s LEED certificate (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) is leading.
Today, the focus goes beyond resource conservation and cost
efficiency to include user comfort and health promotion, which
the WELL Building Standard supports. Modern lighting technol-
ogy makes a valuable contribution to sustainable management.
High-quality lighting that uses efficient light sources and intelligent
technology is an important criterion for successful certification, in
addition to the spatial effect.
Framework
Did you know …
of energy is consumed during use*
90 %
of energy costs in a fashion store
are for lighting
46 %
of energy costs in an office can be saved by
using sensors
45 %
of the total building energy consumption in
the non-residential sector is accounted for
by lighting (70 % is accounted for by heating)
19 %
*Overall energy assessment of lighting systems
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