Energy Performance of Interior Lighting Systems

Lighting represents a significant component of the energy spent in commercial and office buildings. It is well known that the use of advanced lighting controls can determine significative energy savings, but its quantification is not always clear. The authors suggest a methodology to quantify the energy performance of the lighting systems, taking into account the influence of the controls. The proposed tool can be used to optimize the design according to the proper characteristics of the room and of its use in order to choose the most appropriate solution among a great number of available solutions. The tool is suitable also during the energy management in order to verify and to monitor the system. The suggested indicators are classified in a performance scale in order to outline a certification procedure in energy classes for the lighting systems.