Search results for “lighting”
Occupant Sensor/Automatic Lighting Control
Occupant sensors and automatic lighting controls can save energy by turning lights off when occupants are not present or when enough daylight is present to light the space. These controls can also help occupants take advantage of the benefits of natural light.
Learn & Plan Topics
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LCA Example: Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
The US EPA has developed a guide about conducting LCA. The LCA process is a systematic, phased approach and consists of four components: goal definition and scoping, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation. -
Building Systems Upgrades
The following are Sustainable Strategies to consider as your space undergoes a building system upgrade to improve energy, water use and occupant comfort. Refer to the Share Section for a representative project Case Study to discover key practices, benefits, results and checklists.
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Space Reconfiguration and Renovation Projects
As needs change over time, tenants often need to convert space or phase the conversion of individual space or rooms to meet these changing needs.
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Comfort
Comfortable workers are more likely to be productive and engaged with their work than those who struggle to work in spaces that create barriers and stresses. With ever increasing needs to be mindful of the environment when designing spaces, GSA is developing practices that support both sustainability and worker comfort.
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Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is most simply described as the conditions inside a building. It does not refer to the air quality alone, but the entire environmental quality of a space, which includes air quality, access to daylight and views, pleasant acoustic conditions, and occupant control over lighting and thermal comfort.
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Recycling Bottles
Recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60-watt bulb for up to 6 hours. Source: Bureau of International Recycling -
Conducting LCA
The US Department of Energy has developed an LCA report to help evaluate the energy and environmental benefits of LEDs when compared to incandescent and fluorescent lighting. This analysis follows the four steps outlined above. When using LCA to compare equipment, it is important to establish a common unit of performance by which each will be judged. -
Sustainable Sites
Choosing a building's site and managing that site during construction are important considerations for a project’s sustainability. Environmentally responsible site selection discourages development of previously undeveloped land; minimizes a building's impact on ecosystems and waterways; encourages regionally appropriate landscaping; rewards smart transportation choices; and controls stormwater runoff. Additionally, appropriate site management can reduce erosion, light pollution, the heat island effect and construction-related pollution. Buildings can be placed in various locations; project teams should choose the environmentally preferred option and follow up with responsible stewardship of the site.
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Health
Good health has both physical and psychological components. Being healthy means the absence of disease and illness, as well as feeling positive about life and work. The workplace can play a role in the health of workers by eliminating risks and creating conditions that support cognitive, emotional, and social well being.
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Materials, Furniture, and Furnishings Replacement
Daily wear and tear means that materials, furniture and furnishings require periodic replacement.
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Sustainable Building Operations and Maintenance Services
Follow these sustainable strategies as your space renovations are complete and the building and interiors are operated in an environmentally sustainable manner. Operations staff should endeavor to establish best practices in energy efficiency, resource conservation, ecologically sensitive products, and other sustainable practices, and implement them.
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Flexibility
Today's workplaces are often in flux. As organizations change direction or develop new services, people also move. Teams form and re-form. People move to new spaces and take on new responsibilities. The spaces themselves are transformed to meet new needs. These changes are much easier to accommodate, with less stress on people and the organization, when the workplace is designed to support flexibility.
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Spatial Equity
Organizations today are less hierarchical and work is more team based, more mobile, and more cross functional. A key to spatial equity is that space layout and workstation standards are based on new ways of working and specific work tasks and business needs rather than organizational hierarchy.
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Under 10,000 SF Interiors Gut Rehab Project
Following are Sustainable Strategies to consider as the space has or will undergo a major tenant gut rehab for projects under 10,000 SF. Note to use a current version of LEED for Commercial Interiors for tenant improvement projects over 10,000 SF. Refer to the Share Section for a represented project Case Study to discover key practices, benefits, results and checklists.
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Best Practices Applicable to All Project Types
This section presents key issues that should be considered for each project type. It is intended to help you think about your overall project, before you begin to compare and select specific materials. This will enable you to select the "best" strategies and materials for your project, given the opportunities and constraints you have identified. Use the sidebar to navigate to your specific project type.
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Keys to Success
Sustainable design, construction, operation, and renovation are best thought of as an integrated process, rather than a collection of things. The process involves new ways of designing, constructing and operating our buildings and facilities.
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Life Cycle Approach
Materials and resources all have environmental, social and economic impacts beyond just their "use" phase in a project. Analyzing these environmental impacts and financial costs over the entire life span of a product or material is what is known as a Life Cycle Approach. -
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Overview
When seeking to make the most sustainable choice, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) provides the most data to inform your decision. By including the impacts throughout the product life cycle, LCA provides a comprehensive view of the environmental aspects of the product or process and a more accurate picture of the true environmental trade-offs in product and process selection. -
Plan Section Guidance
For each project there is a selection of issues and questions you should consider before selecting specific materials or products. This will help you and your team address the most critical sustainability concerns and opportunities for that project type; look for synergies and mitigate unintended consequences. There are ways to improve even the simplest projects, such as repainting or re-carpeting.
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Sense of Place
What makes a workplace special? What fosters a sense of attachment, engagement and identity? These are the kinds of questions that underlie the sense of place. The workplace is increasingly seen as a “brand” that conveys not only a place, but also the mission and values of the organization. The GSA workplace program combines branding and sense of place with sustainable approaches to create special places imbued with meaning and purpose.
Whole Building Analysis
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Light Right Consortium (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Light Right Consortium (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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System Overview (Lighting)
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Green Tips Impact (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Green Tips Impact (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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SSc8 (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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SSc8 (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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SSc8 (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Energy Use (Resources > Lighting)
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ENERGY STAR Building Upgrade Manual: U.S. Lighting Market Characterization - Volume 1 - National Lighting Inventory And Energy Consumption Estimate (2002) (Resources > Lighting)
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Whole Building Design Guide – Energy Efficient Lighting (Resources > Lighting)
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Lighting Engineer (Integrative Design Process > Lighting)
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Human Behavior on Lighting (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Lighting Impact on Occupants (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Impact of occupant behavior on lighting energy use (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Interactions between lighting and space conditioning energy use in U.S. commercial buildings (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Impact of occupant behavior on lighting energy use (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Interactions between lighting and space conditioning energy use in U.S. commercial buildings (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Economic Lighting Upgrade (System Bundling > Lighting)
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Whole Building Design Guide – Energy Efficient Lighting (Resources / Case Study > Lighting)
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U.S. DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) – Lighting (Resources / Case Study > Lighting)
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GSA Green Proving Ground – Lighting (Resources / Case Study > Lighting)
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Lighting Engineer (Integrative Design Process > HVAC)
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Lighting Environment and Views (Resources > IEQ)
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General Lighting (Resources > IEQ)
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Lighting Control (Resources > IEQ)
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Lighting Engineer (Integrative Design Process > IEQ)
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O&M (Lighting)
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Green Tips (Resources > Lighting)
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Green Tips (Resources > Lighting)
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Green Tips (Resources > Lighting)
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U.S. DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) (Resources > Lighting)
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Comfort/Mood (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Green Tips Behavior (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Green Tips Behavior (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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DYK 2 (Financial > Lighting)
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Green Tips (O&M > Lighting)
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The HPSB Guiding Principles for New Construction and Major Renovations (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Energy Independence and Security Act (2007) (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Green Globes New Construction (NC) (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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IEQc2.2 (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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EAc1.1 (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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IEQc6.1 (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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EAc1.2 (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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IEQc6.1 (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Example Survey Questions (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Example Survey Questions (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Example Survey Questions (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Example Survey Questions (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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IEQc2.2 (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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IEQc6.1 (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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IEQc6.1 (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (2009) (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Green Tips (Resources > Lighting)
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Green Tips Behavior (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Green Tips Behavior (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Green Tips Behavior (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Efficiency (Financial > Lighting)
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Example Survey Questions (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Occupant (Integrative Design Process > Lighting)
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Operations and Maintenance (Integrative Design Process > Lighting)
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Green Tips Behavior (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Green Tips Impact (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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LEED for Commercial Interiors (2009) (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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LEED for New Construction (2009) (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Green Globes Continual Improvement of Existing Buildings (CIEB) (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Daylight (Resources > IEQ)
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Productivity/Absenteeism (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Finding: Occupancy sensors can save 15% to 20% on lighting energy costs. (Financial > Lighting)
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Finding: One lighting upgrade led to a 6% increase in worker output and a reduction in sorting errors (Financial > Lighting)
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The HPSB Guiding Principles for Existing Buildings (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Sustainable Design Guide – Ch 5. Lighting, HVAC, and Plumbing (Resources / Case Study > Lighting)
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Sustainable Design Guide – Ch 5. Lighting, HVAC, and Plumbing (Resources / Case Study > HVAC)
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Green Tips (Resources > Lighting)
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Green Tips (Resources > Lighting)
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Green Tips (Resources > Lighting)
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Architect (Integrative Design Process > Lighting)
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Safety (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Green Tips Behavior (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Green Tips Impact (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Green Tips Impact (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Green Tips Impact (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Green Tips Impact (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Green Tips Impact (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Behavioral Change (Financial > Lighting)
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System Bundling (Lighting)
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Green Tips (O&M > Lighting)
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Green Tips (O&M > Lighting)
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Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Energy Policy Act of 1992 (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Example Survey Questions (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Example Survey Questions (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Example Survey Questions (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Example Survey Questions (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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Green Tips (Human Behavior > IEQ)
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Occupant Behavior on Energy Efficiency (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Health (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Daylight / Views (Human Behavior > IEQ)
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Resources (Lighting)
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Materials (Resources > Lighting)
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Integrative Design Process (Lighting)
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Workplace Specialist (Integrative Design Process > Lighting)
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Mechanical Engineer (Integrative Design Process > Lighting)
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Operations and Maintenance (Financial > Lighting)
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Productivity (Financial > Lighting)
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Green Tips (O&M > Lighting)
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Green Tips (O&M > Lighting)
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Example Survey Questions (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Example Survey Questions (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Executive Order 13423 (2007) (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Occupant Survey (Human Behavior > IEQ)
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Controllability (Human Behavior > IEQ)
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The HPSB Guiding Principles for Existing Buildings (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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Facility Manager (Integrative Design Process > Lighting)
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Financial (Lighting)
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Energy Independence and Security Act (2007) (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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Integrative Design Process (IEQ)
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Commissioning (O&M > IEQ)
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LEED for Commercial Interiors (2009) (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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LEED for New Construction (2009) (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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Executive Order 13514 (2009) (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Integrative Design Process (HVAC)
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Utility Demand Charges (Financial > HVAC)
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The HPSB Guiding Principles for New Construction and Major Renovations (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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Executive Order 13514 (2009) (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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Executive Order 13423 (2007) (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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System Overview (IEQ)
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Interior Designer (Integrative Design Process > IEQ)
Materials
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Task Lighting
Task lights are designed to provide the occupant control of the light levels in their workspace. They illuminate specific work areas and allow for less ambient light. Task lighting can be hard-wired in a cubicle / desk or it can be a simple desk lamp. -
Manual Light Switch
Manual light switches are typically wall mounted switches that control lighting within a room. -
Interior Light Shelves
Interior light shelves direct daylight deep into a space by bouncing natural light from the light-colored shelves up to the ceiling, where it is reflected down to occupied areas. Blinds and other daylight control devices should be installed as part of a good daylight design strategy because uncontrolled natural light can cause glare. -
Decorative / Accent Lighting
Decorative / accent lighting is designed to illuminate special architectural features or artwork. Decorative / accent lighting fixtures typically use energy-intensive MR16 lamps, however, there are energy-saving LEDs alternatives. -
Lamp Types
There are many different types of light bulbs / lamps used at commercial buildings including fluorescent, compact fluorescent, and Light Emitting Diode (LED). Incandescent lighting is becoming obsolete. Lamp selection should be driven by efficiency, lamp life, color quality of the light and its intended use. - Fluorescent lights do not give off as much heat, can be highly efficient and have a long useful life. However, they contain mercury and typically are not dimmable unless using a dimmable ballast. - CFLs can produce a warm light, are highly efficient and have a long useful life. However, CFLs contain small amounts of mercury and are also sensitive to frequent on/off cycling and as such their rated lifetimes may be reduced if switched on/off regularly. Not all CFLs are dimmable. - LED lamps do not contain mercury, are highly efficient, turn on quickly, are dimmable, and have a long useful life. LEDs are currently more costly and have a light quality that is typically whiter than incandescent. -
Overhead Direct / Indirect
A direct-indirect light fixture has down light passage areas in the bottom of the housing through which the direct lighting component is produced. The remaining light is emitted upward to produce reflected light on the ceiling. -
Daylight Controls
Daylight controls measure the amount of daylight/ambient light in a room and adjust the electric light levels accordingly. Daylight controls should be designed with multiple zones to reflect the differing levels of ambient light entering a space. In areas closest to the window where there is a great deal of daylight in the space, the controls dim the electric light levels; and in areas farther away from the window with lower levels of daylight, the controls increase the amount of electric light in the space. -
Daylight Controls
Daylight controls measure the amount of daylight/ambient light in a room and adjust the electric light levels accordingly. Daylight controls should be designed with multiple zones to reflect the differing levels of ambient light entering a space. In areas closest to the window where there is a great deal of daylight in the space, the controls dim the electric light levels; and in areas farther away from the window with lower levels of daylight, the controls increase the amount of electric light in the space. -
Timer
Timer controls can be set to turn lights on and off at certain times, therefore specifying the duration of time the lights will be turned on. -
Blinds
Blinds are versatile window coverings. Blinds block or reduce sunlight penetration through windows. They are made with either vertical or horizontal slats that can be rotated for privacy control and maximum light tolerance. They are available in a variety of materials and styles such as bamboo, wood, composite wood, aluminum, vinyl or fabric. When utilizing light shelves consider installing two sets of rolling shades, one above and one below. -
Direct
Direct down lighting with 2-by-4 or 2-by-2 fluorescent fixtures are common in office buildings and are usually recessed into a dropped ceiling. The pattern of light distribution from a direct fixture is determined by the reflectors, lenses or diffusers it may use. -
Skylights / Solar Tubes
Skylights/light tubes allow daylight to penetrate into a space. They are typically located in the roof/ceiling and can vary in size. Certain solar tracking skylights have mirrors in them that track the sun in order to maximize the amount of daylight brought into the space. Installation of either exterior baffles or interior shades on skylights provide control of natural light flow allowing for the minimization of heat gain and glare. -
Occupant Sensor
Occupant controls use sensors to determine when there are people in a given space. The lights turn on when motion or heat is detected in the space and they turn off based on a set amount of time in the absence of heat or motion. -
Interior Glazing
Interior glazing is an option that may replace part of the standard wall construction to allow natural light to penetrate into the interior spaces. -
Glass
Glass doors are useful for allowing light into a space, and may be used as part of a daylighting strategy, both on the exterior and internally. -
Shades
Shades are window coverings that block or reduce sunlight penetration through windows. Shades are available in different operational styles such as roller, cordless, or corded shades. Shades can be drawn and stacked at the top of the window or stopped at different intervals, offering a neat and finished look for your windows. Shades are available in a variety of materials such as fabric, vinyl, bamboo, grass, and reeds. When utilizing light shelves consider installing two sets of rolling shades, one above and one below.
Green Products
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Decorative Light Strings
in Lighting and Ceiling Fans -
Light Fixtures
in Lighting and Ceiling Fans -
Light Commercial Heating and Cooling
in HVAC/Mechanical -
LED Lighting
in Lighting and Ceiling Fans -
Lighting Controls
in Lighting and Ceiling Fans -
Industrial (High Bay) Lighting Systems
in Lighting and Ceiling Fans -
Exterior Lighting
in Lighting and Ceiling Fans -
Fluorescent Luminaires
in Lighting and Ceiling Fans -
Ceiling Fans
in Lighting and Ceiling Fans -
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
in Lighting and Ceiling Fans -
Downlights
in Lighting and Ceiling Fans -
Fluorescent Ballasts
in Lighting and Ceiling Fans