Upgrade Your Lighting System

Affordability

If changing your entire system is not possible, consider a partial retrofit to replace the most inefficient equipment and the features that are easily upgraded or will offer the most impact. You may also apply the first set of upgrades to the rooms that are occupied most often. Stagger upgrades to spread out expenses.

Cost savings

Energy efficient lighting technologies are now priced comparably with standard systems. A full upgrade will require an initial investment of time and money, but the energy savings and increased comfort will bring long-term benefits. Many business lighting upgrades qualify for rebates under the Power Smart Product Incentive Program – ensure you research the options and complete an application before starting work. Review our case studies to understand energy costs by business.

Environmental considerations

Consider the lifecycle costs and impacts of the equipment you purchase. When buying lighting equipment, choose quality products that will last, research the materials and manufacture of products before you buy. Identify the ones with the lowest cradle to grave impacts. Find organizations that will recycle materials from your old equipment.

What you need to know

• Develop a lighting plan than includes future needs, energy reduction targets, a budget for initial investment and the shortcomings and inefficiencies of your current lighting system. Include any existing equipment or practices (such as using controls to turn off unnecessary lights) that could be integrated into the new system. Consider hiring a lighting expert to quantify financial, energy and greenhouse savings from lighting upgrades.
• Evaluate multiple options to see how they measure up to your needs and resources. Assess whether you need to replace or retrofit. Assess whether each system will: enhance the performance and well-being of staff and customers, adapt easily to different needs, use all sources of energy and sunlight effectively, operate the lighting as a whole system to maximize efficiency and effectiveness, coordinate light use with your heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) system; minimize product lifecycle and other environmental impacts. Look to BC Hydro Power Smart's Product Incentive Program, our e.Catalog, and federal and provincial incentive programs to help make upgrades more affordable.
• Give employees an opportunity to provide suggestions. Appropriate, efficient and adequate light use increases comfort, security and productivity in the workplace. In many operations, such as retail, property under management, or a restaurant, clients and customers will also benefit and your profitability is likely to reflect the improvements. (Browse more business success stories.)
• Request a trial installation before the final full-scale upgrade.
• Contact Power Smart about our Power Smart Alliance program to find out if your business qualifies to join. The Power Smart Alliance is a network of independent contractors and engineers that can help you select, install and maintain all your facility's energy related systems: from commercial and industrial lighting, to heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and controls.
• Read more about various lighting technologies you might incorporate in a redesign or retrofit:
  • Compact Fluorescent Lamps
  • Daylighting Controls
  • Exit Signs
  • Fluorescent Ballasts
  • Full-size Fluorescent Lamps
  • HID Lamps
  • HID vs. Fluorescent for High-bay Lighting
  • Indirect Lighting
  • Lighting Controls
  • Occupancy Sensors
  • Personal Dimming Controls
  • Power Reducers
  • Remote-Source Lighting
• Read more about special offers and programs:
  • High Bay Lighting Initiative
  • Industrial Lighting Redesign
  • Industrial Lighting Retrofit

FAQ

How do I know if my business would benefit from a full lighting system retrofit?
Energy auditors or lighting contractors can conduct lighting efficiency audits for small businesses. An assessment will give you a good idea of your current energy use and the most effective upgrades for the situation. They can also direct you to incentives to help offset some of the costs. BC Hydro and LiveSmart BC have incentive programs for small businesses. See our Conduct a Lighting Assessment tip and our local resources section for more information.

How long until I see the cost benefits of a full lighting retrofit?
As soon as you replace old technology with energy efficient options, you’ll use less electricity. Ensuring lights are consistently turned off and upgrading to new technologies that use less electricity can add up to big savings. Lighting retrofits will pay for themselves over time in reduced energy bills – incentives help reduce the payback period. Conducting an audit before choosing a new system will ensure you have the information in hand to know your cost benefit situation.

How do I know how bright I should make the various areas of my facility?
WorkSafe BC (the Worker’s Compensation Board of BC) has recommended minimum lighting levels.