Title: Lighting Maintenance Requirements
Course: WGF 107 DEVELOPMENT > Section: Content

Title | Lighting Maintenance Requirements
Image |
Content
Lighting operation and maintenance practices vary widely. It is almost impossible to come up with a set of specific O&M practices that exactly fit all operations or buildings. However, before embarking on any modifications or upgrade, the PHA should conduct a lighting audit.

Audits are essential because a systems approach is preferable to a piecemeal approach and can yield better results. A systematic approach helps to identify and take advantage of easy efficiency measures offering very short payback periods, depending on the age and type of lighting equipment in service. Energy service companies, architecture and engineering firms, or utilities can conduct

audits. They can also be done by qualified internal staff or maintenance engineers. The PHA should:

• Conduct a preliminary energy audit of lighting usage in all the buildings, as well as the outdoor spaces (at a minimum, focus on the public spaces). The audit should note the number and type of fixtures in use, their light sources

(and lamp type/model/wattage), the light levels in various areas, how long the fixtures are on per day (and variations during weekends), and what controls are in use. A good lighting auditor can also note the placement and light distribution of fixtures and suggest changes if needed.

• Use the audit as a baseline, if one is not available, to monitor building energy use. An audit also helps to identify the types and quantity of devices not connected to any control systems, and whether or not they should be.

• Use the results from the audit to assess the savings potential of various efficiency measures so that they can be properly considered before implementation.
Attributions | Image courtesy of Sustainable Facilities Tool – U.S. General Services Administration Content courtesy of Green Seal (Building O&M Manual – Chapter 4)