PART 1: When Did the Bulb Get So Complicated?
According to the 2016 IQ Energy Report, accuracy, experience, and truth are paramount when it comes to lighting, which is why the report looked at the people who work with lighting daily. They are the experts when it comes to finding out truth from advertising fluff, such as “best in class” and “industry standards.” We listened to these people, asked them for their insights, and captured their voices, and now we offer you an “insider’s look” at what is happening in the field of commercial LED lighting in 2016.
During the report’s research, it became readily apparent that a disconnect exists between varying levels of organizational management: how they handle and perceive lighting issues and decisions around installations represents major sources of conflict. In a number of areas, people from mid-level management and upperlevel management view the problems and benefits of LEDs from disjointed perspectives. The divisions manifested in the areas of research, compliance, regulation, project management, and business forecasting.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”5763″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Key Findings:
TRUST IS A MAJOR FACTOR
“All organizations, regardless of size or management level, want their lighting needs primarily serviced by one trusted partner.”
INTERNAL BARRIERS
43% of survey respondents felt that getting a sign-off from senior management was a major hurdle.
LIGHTING PROJECTS INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY AND JOB SATISIFACTION
“Research has shown that good lighting can increase happiness levels via cortisol production, boost energy levels, decrease operational error, and even reduce mortality by preventing the onset of delirium.”
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]FEATURES AFFECT PROJECT ROI
“When it came to integration, occupancy sensors were the number one essential feature.”
“Dimming controls, viewed positively by a majority, is still an area where marketers can do more to highlight their benefits, seeing how increasing the initial investment for these can actually increase return on investment (ROI).”
When given the option of how much light to use, people tend to not use the light at full output. One of Rodney Heller’s projects, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, highlights this effect: Heller switched out 500 watts of fluorescent lighting and installed LED lights with a kelvin range from 2700 to 6500 and dimming from 0 to100. The occupants were most comfortable when the light was at 5,600 kelvin and dimmed down to 20%. So not only did they report greater satisfaction in terms of personal comfort because of the LED lighting, they also managed to decrease their energy usage by 96%. We believe that it would be advantageous to allow future customers or people who will be receiving LED lighting to sample dimming features. Features such as color and brightness control may seem like extra features, but, if implemented properly, can lead to very significant overall gains from both energy and behavioral standpoints.
Stayed tuned for our Part 2… where we uncover more findings in the 2016 IQ Energy Report[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider size=”125″][/vc_column][/mk_page_section]
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