COMMERCIAL LIGHTING GUIDE

Understand the System Before You Evaluate the Upgrade.

You don't need to become a lighting expert. You need to know which questions can change the decision.

Decision Framework

  1. System
  2. Use
  3. Hours
  4. Conditions
  5. Controls
  6. Maintenance
  7. Economics
  8. Implementation
  9. Decision

Understand the Existing System

Identify what is installed, how it is configured, and which information is documented versus assumed.

Understand Use and Hours

  • Use

    Different spaces can support different activities and performance requirements.

  • Hours

    Runtime is what drives energy use, and it has to be established rather than assumed.

Understand Conditions

Any of these can change the modernization path.

  • Access
  • Environment
  • Existing infrastructure
  • Specialized spaces
  • Property requirements

Understand Controls

Lighting Controls

Understand Maintenance

Maintenance can matter.

Understand Economics

Use visible inputs, not hidden assumptions.

  • Fixture count
  • Wattage
  • Runtime
  • Electricity rate
  • Project cost
  • Potential incentive
Lighting Savings Calculator

kW and kWh

kW

Power at a point in time.

kWh

Energy used over time.

Lighting Quality

These characteristics may matter, but building-specific requirements determine their significance.

  • Lumens
  • Watts
  • CCT
  • CRI
  • Distribution
  • Glare
  • Controls

Implementation

Five Decision Paths

  • Replace
  • Retrofit
  • Control
  • Investigate Further
  • Leave It Alone

Questions to Ask

  1. What exists?

  2. How is it used?

  3. How long does it operate?

  4. What is documented?

  5. What is assumed?

  6. Are controls present?

  7. What maintenance conditions matter?

  8. What is the electricity rate?

  9. What is the project cost?

  10. Could an incentive apply?

  11. What implementation constraints exist?

  12. What evidence would change the decision?

Evidence Vocabulary

  • Observed
  • Customer Provided
  • Documented
  • Assumed
  • Estimated
  • Verified

Portfolio Context

A consistent question set can improve portfolio comparison without forcing identical solutions.

Portfolio Planning

How to Use This Guide

This is evergreen educational guidance. It is not engineering, design, code, photometric, financial, tax, or legal advice.

Understand the System. Understand the Building. Then Decide What Deserves to Change.

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