Energy efficiency advocates have long known the importance of ancillary or non-energybenefits in achieving market transformation. Energy efficiency measures must meet a range ofneeds and business objectives to have an enduring impact. New research presents an excitingvalue proposition for commercial office buildings. A recent in-depth study of lighting quality andoffice worker productivity shows that realistic changes in lighting can measurably increaseworker comfort, motivation, persistence and vigilance. The research points to two profoundmarket opportunities that deserve serious attention by the energy efficiency community.The first paradigm shift is from standard direct-only troffers to task-ambient lighting.Energy savings result from an optimized lighting layout with lower ambient light levels in theroom, the use of task lighting where needed, and more efficient components (for example, T5linear fluorescent lamps and high performance T8 lamp-ballast systems).The second paradigm shift is to workstation-specific personal control using "intelligent"2technologies. Dramatic energy savings result from fewer fixtures overall, occupancy sensorstuned to individual workstations, daylight dimming at the perimeter, peak load demand response,and personal control by the user.This paper provides an overview of the research findings that will be used as the basis forchanging customer buying behaviors and a recipe for success for lighting solutions that will yieldboth energy savings and non-energy benefits. The lighting energy savings of these new systemscompared to strategies of the past is analyzed, along with a recommended market penetrationstrategy using market research and the dynamics of the construction market.
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