Replace or Retrofit Lighting

Print This Page

The Story

Ernie Jensen, utility manager at TELUS, had a problem. The lighting system in the company's 30-year-old Burnaby head office was inefficient and costly to operate. On the other hand, the layout of the lighting system was still adequate, the luminaires (lighting fixtures) themselves were in good condition and were fitted with premium low-glare lenses.

The dilemma: upgrade the existing lighting system, put in an entirely new system or leave it alone?

With the assistance of property managers Warrington Property Group Inc., lighting contractor Quantum Lighting and BC Hydro, in the winter of 2003, TELUS determined that the most cost-effective solution would be to retrofit the lighting system to make it more energy-efficient. 11,000 luminaires containing two T12 fluorescent lamps and magnetic ballasts were reconfigured with single T8 lamps, electronic ballasts and reflectors. As well, incandescent lamps in smaller rooms were replaced with compact fluorescents.

As a result, the electricity consumption of each luminaire has been reduced by 63% , reducing the buildings electrical costs by 8%. In addition, the building's air conditioning load has been reduced, maintenance costs reduced and the improved office conditions should increase employee satisfaction and productivity.

This retrofit shows that a 30-year old lighting system can be economically updated to the same energy performance standard as most new office lighting systems, that is, of 0.9 watts per square foot.

Lighting costs add up

TELUS's experience underscores the importance of effective – and cost-effective – lighting. Lighting typically represents 40 to 60% of electricity costs for office buildings, 50 to 70% for common areas in condominiums and apartment buildings and 80% for warehouses.

Because lighting accounts for such a high proportion of building energy use, it can also present the greatest opportunity for savings. New technologies are available that provide good quality light at a fraction of the electricity cost of standard technologies. Since energy-efficient lighting products last longer, an upgrade can decrease maintenance costs as well. Reducing heat output from the lighting system can also lower air conditioning costs.

No matter what kind of building you manage, good lighting is essential. Without proper lighting, productivity, safety, security and overall aesthetics can be compromised. Good lighting design contributes to employee comfort and health, which in turn can result in greater productivity.

The question for property owners and managers is: when does it make sense to retrofit the existing system and when is it better to replace the entire system?

Retrofit vs. replacement

First, let's define "retrofit" and "replacement." A retrofit involves modifying the existing luminaire, usually by replacing inefficient lamps and ballasts with more-efficient ones, adding reflectors and removing unnecessary lamps. A replacement means replacing the entire luminaire with a new energy-efficient product.

It is less expensive to retrofit the existing luminaire than to replace it with a new one. As well, when you replace lighting fixtures, there may be additional costs for repairing ceilings, replacing tiles or patching and painting surfaces and adding seismic restraints. If the existing lighting layout is satisfactory and if the luminaires are in good shape, with good quality lenses and no parts that are cracked, yellowed or broken, it is generally preferable to retrofit.

However, there are circumstances in which it makes more sense to replace the lighting system –for example, if existing fixtures are in poor condition or extremely inefficient, if the lighting layout is inadequate, if extensive renovations or ceiling work are already planned or if new layouts are being designed to accommodate new tenants.

"Frequently, in office buildings, companies want to move to better quality fixtures in order to control glare for computer users," says Len Horvath, president of Quantum Lighting.

In these cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace the lighting, and the results, in terms of better light levels and lighting quality, will certainly be justified.

Costs and benefits

For a typical 2' X 4' luminaire that contains two T12 fluorescent lamps and a magnetic ballast, the cost to retrofit with T8 lamps and an electronic ballast will run about $55 per fixture, compared with $85 to $120 to replace it with a new unit.

Depending on the lighting load and the hours of operation, simple paybacks range from two to six years for retrofits, six to 10 years for replacements.

Get expert advice

Consult a lighting professional before embarking on a replacement or retrofit project. This will ensure that the resulting lighting level will meet Workers' Compensation Board standards and provide optimal comfort.

For more information contact BC Hydro's Power Smart Alliance. This is a network of qualified, independent contractors, engineers and energy experts who can help you implement energy management solutions. Alliance members can analyze your lighting needs and determine the best lighting options for your facility.

Incentive funding

BC Hydro's Power Smart Product Incentive Program has been specifically designed to help organizations reduce their energy costs and save money. The program provides financial incentives to business customers who replace existing inefficient lighting products with energy-efficient lighting technologies.

Find out more about the Power Smart Product Incentive Program or call 604 522 4713 in the Lower Mainland or 1 866 522 4713 elsewhere.