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Abstract
This study evaluated the energy impacts and cost differences of multiple lighting control strategies for a controls-only retrofit of a theoretical 1970's or 1980's office building, analyzed in Boston and Los Angeles. The minimum control requirements of ASHRAE 90.1–2007 established an energy baseline, and six control systems were assessed. Life-cycle costs were evaluated using equipment and installation cost estimates, provided by an independent contractor, and commissioning cost estimates, provided by an independent commissioning agent.
Results suggest that advanced systems can achieve nearly 50 percent energy savings compared to code-compliant controls, and that the approach to space-planning can significantly influence the lighting energy density. The cost analysis shows that wireless lighting controls required lower investment to achieve a high level of functionality for retrofit applications. The cost of commissioning was found to generally be offset by the utility rebates available in both locations. This all combines to illustrate that advanced networked lighting control systems can lead to a lower lifetime cost of ownership compared to more traditional systems.