Facilities across all business sectors began switching to LED lighting technology in 2007 to improve energy efficiency. The longevity of LED fixtures is an attractive additional benefit to business owners looking for ways to decrease operating overhead.
LED lightning’s cost-efficiency is a bonus, but many organizations wish they could take advantage of more ways to reduce energy usage and operational costs.
Lighting controls and fixtures are seeing advances in technology that will deliver the additional savings business owners want.
The advances in lighting control technology include everything from smart connectivity to automated systems that automatically adjust the lamp’s color to promote health and mental well-being. The lighting controls will adjust to mimic natural circadian rhythms.
Ready to learn more about these and other advancements? Keep reading to find out more about the top lighting control technologies for facilities, and the cost-savings they offer building owners.

The design stage has two goals for lighting controls,
1. Improve the indoor environment for occupants
2. Reduce energy usage – cost savings
These are the same goals manufacturers always strive to meet since the birth of electrical lighting.

The first lighting control systems were simple, consisting of a switch or pull-chain. Dimmer switches created mood lighting in the 1950s, eliminating the need to throw scarves over lampshades to dim the lights.
Dimming technology led the way for lighting control boards. Larger spaces have more options on how the lighting appears. One area is dim, while the other is brightly lit.
The 21st century is seeing a continual advancement in lighting control technology. Digital controls and networking capabilities allow for remote control, along with Bluetooth functionality.
Lighting controls today are using the latest in network and communications technology to optimize performance and energy cost savings.

Lighting controls are continuing to advance to keep up with changing energy codes in new buildings.
The associated technologies are also evolving, allowing customers to take advantage of products with the latest capabilities at low prices.
As you transition to more energy-efficient lighting controls, here are some of the systems and capabilities that are crucial for most building owners.

Room-based systems feature lamps with sensors allowing individual fixtures to respond for improved lighting flexibility. It also provides increased energy savings. The pre-programmed systems are also optimized for networking.

Building managers can use these systems in a single or multi-building scenario. The software tools make it easy to control the lighting and access energy usage data. They can see where energy usage is high and make the necessary adjustments to improve savings.

Wireless functionality is becoming more common with manufacturers producing products with wireless control points. It eliminates low-voltage wiring, reducing installation costs and is helping to ensure a smooth system rollout.

Networking capabilities in lighting controls are producing energy savings. The U.S. Department of Energy, along with utilities and energy efficiency groups, are showing an additional 30% of LED-based energy savings is possible using networked controls.
Networking capabilities allow a single or group of fixtures to be controlled by the programmed software. The system can work solely or with a larger building network.

New lighting controls can collect data, like building-based systems. It keeps track of preset parameters while measuring energy consumption. Some advanced sensors will also track room temperature and occupancy, transmitting the data to a server or a cloud-based account.
Some systems will analyze the data, providing recommendations for energy savings. Some software allows for configurations that sound alerts when lighting fixtures exceed their recommended energy usage. The system can also send reminders for routine maintenance or when emergency service is necessary.

Color turning lighting control technology is new and exciting. LED lighting technology is flexible enough to allow for controls to adjust the lamp’s color. Some only adjust a white lamp’s tone to match the space, gradually dimming or becoming brighter. Other lamps allow for additional color changes.
Building owners and managers will discover multiple advantages that go beyond the cost-savings benefits. The lighting is easily adjustable to fit the mood of the space and the occupants.

Multiple options mean several choices, and you need a lighting partner who understands the various solutions. Our knowledgeable lighting specialists will answer your questions and help you choose the right light control technology for your commercial space. Speak to one today by calling 610-558-9773, emailing info@actionservicesgroup.com, or schedule a call that fits your needs by clicking the button below.