Set lighting goals (e.g., for Lighting Power Density and Daylighting) early in the project and employ a 'layers of light' approach by harvesting daylight (a lighting management technique that uses daylight in place of electric light) for overhead light levels while providing occupants with additional lighting options to meet their needs.

Large windows can provide daylight to interior spaces and daylight is optimized when complementary technologies are employed, such as photosensor controls and dimming that provide a gradual transition between natural and artificial light throughout the day. Light shelves can help light penetrate deep into the interior of the space, making the best use of a window's area. Exterior shading or overhangs can let more light into the space during the winter, when heat from the sun is beneficial, and block higher-angled light in the summer, decreasing cooling loads. Window coatings also have an impact on the amount and color of light entering the space. Provide occupants seated near windows with glare control integrated into the daylighting strategy.

Building automation consists of a computer-based system with integrated measurement sensors and control devices for components such as HVAC equipment, lighting, and renewable energy systems. Building Automation Systems (BAS) are a common form of energy management and information system (EMIS). Monitoring and controlling building systems allows building owners to identify opportunities for improved performance by tracking energy and water use, ventilation and other elements of IEQ, security and other operations. Investing in a BAS can realize significant savings:

• Consider synergies among building systems.
• Employ ongoing commissioning practices to ensure building systems are properly calibrated and maintained over their lifespan.
• Use data to address areas of concern.

Building automation is interrelated with energy efficiency, water efficiency, ongoing commissioning, systems level metering and lighting control. Consider these strategies and other cost-effective upgrades:

• Occupancy sensors save energy by turning off lights when no occupants are present in a space. Occupancy sensors are often connected to lighting, HVAC and security control systems to display continual energy use data for verification and occupant education purposes.
• A daylighting system that integrates photosensor controls, dimming and glare control can provide high quality natural light to workspaces while significantly reducing the need for electric light and the energy it consumes.

Human behavior can contribute to system efficiencies and implementing an ongoing occupant education program can be the most cost-effective means of reducing energy consumption. Green Teams can advance these efforts by educating fellow occupants and promoting sustainable practices. Obtaining the active participation of building occupants coupled with daylight and glare control, photosensor controls and dimming, and adjustable task lighting can reduce overall energy use and provide better occupant comfort. Communicate lighting goals, meter energy use from lighting, and share energy use data with occupants. Provide a means for occupants to report malfunctioning sensors, controls, and other issues for corrective actions.

When replacing older lamp technologies, consider replacing the entire light fixture to maximize energy efficiency and product life, avoid incompatibilities, and to ensure safety. Occupancy sensors should be considered for all spaces that may be vacant for long periods, such as enclosed conference rooms, support areas, restrooms, breakrooms, and private offices. Sensors should include manual overrides so occupants can turn off the lights for presentations or when there is sufficient daylight. Dimmers add control for occupant comfort and energy savings. Selecting colors and finishes with high surface reflectance for walls, ceilings, and furniture can improve lighting quality, while reducing the amount of electric light needed.

The simplest way to optimize occupant comfort is to provide occupants with the greatest range of controllability over environmental conditions as possible, allowing people to adjust their surroundings or seek out spaces conducive to their working patterns and personal comfort levels. Thermal zones and individual lighting controls allow occupants to alter their thermal and lighting environment respectively. Consider designing for natural daylight with glare control and photosensor controlled electric lighting. Providing mobility, through wireless internet connections and mobile office equipment, gives even greater flexibility.

If renovating a building in stages, the order in which you make these upgrades will affect your long-term energy and water savings as well as your up-front costs. The ENERGY STAR Building Upgrade Manual walks you through a five-stage approach to minimize cost and maximize effectiveness. These stages include retrocommissioning, lighting upgrades, supplemental load reductions, air distribution system upgrades, and HVAC upgrades. See Building Systems Upgrades for guidance on improving building energy use, building water use, and occupant comfort. Use the Cost Effective Upgrades Tool to identify high-performance improvements based on your building's size and climate zone.

When upgrading your lighting system, consider the bulb lifespan and the waste stream generated by burnt-out bulbs. Fluorescent tube lamps and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) require special handling due to their mercury content, which is not released when the bulbs are intact or in use but can be released when a CFL is broken during disposal. Light-emitting diode (LED) lamps do not contain mercury and are not considered hazardous waste but may contain small amounts of other heavy metals like arsenic and lead. All bulbs should be recycled to recover the glass, metal, and plastic they contain.