Key Takeaways
- A lighting audit offers benefits beyond energy savings, including improved worker health and safety, and reduced maintenance disruptions
- Energy savings from a lighting audit can range from 15% to 70%, depending on the current lighting setup
- A comprehensive lighting audit can help plants avoid costly shutdowns by identifying replacements that can be made during planned shutdowns
- A strategic lighting plan is essential for supporting successful plant operations
Introduction to Lighting Audits
A lighting audit is often viewed as a means to achieve energy savings, but its benefits extend far beyond that. In a plant setting, a proper lighting audit can have a significant impact on various aspects of operations, including safety, security, production lines, worker health, and productivity.
Energy Savings and Beyond
While energy savings is a potential benefit of a lighting audit, the actual cost savings may vary greatly depending on the existing lighting situation. For instance, facilities already using LED lights may only experience a 15% energy savings by upgrading to the next generation of LEDs. However, making the switch from older fluorescent lights to LEDs can result in a substantial energy savings of up to 70%.
Comparison of Lighting Options
| Lighting Option | Energy Savings |
|---|---|
| LED (next generation) | 15% |
| LED (from fluorescent) | 70% |
| Fluorescent | 0% (baseline) |
Avoiding Maintenance Disruptions
Planned maintenance shutdowns can be disruptive, but unplanned stoppages can be even more challenging to manage. A lighting audit can help identify potential issues before they cause disruptions, allowing for replacements to be made during scheduled shutdowns. This can help avoid costly shutdowns and ensure a safer working environment.
Strategic Lighting Planning
When developing a strategic lighting plan, plant managers should consider factors beyond energy savings. A comprehensive lighting audit can provide valuable insights into the current lighting setup and identify areas for improvement. By taking a holistic approach to lighting, plants can optimize their operations, improve worker health and safety, and reduce maintenance disruptions.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, a lighting audit is a valuable tool that offers benefits beyond energy savings. By considering the broader implications of lighting on plant operations, managers can develop a strategic lighting plan that supports successful operations. With energy savings ranging from 15% to 70%, and the potential to avoid costly shutdowns, a comprehensive lighting audit is an essential step in optimizing plant performance.