Energy efficient lighting

Lighting can be an area for large gains in energy efficiency. On investigation, some offices may find they can replace lighting technology with alternatives that use 82 per cent less electricity. Like any business project, the larger your enterprise the more there is to consider and lighting changes need to still ensure appropriate light levels for the tasks undertaken. Typically, an upgrade will involve identification of strategies and technologies and a business case for the upgrade. There are several tailored financing schemes can also help improve the investment returns on lighting. As many tenancies are over-lit, a lighting audit may also identify opportunities to reduce the number of light fittings or make better use of daylight.

Key elements

Overview energy efficient lighting

Lighting upgrades are amongst the easiest projects to undertake and can offer very rapid returns on investment. In many instances, immediate savings can be gained by making minor adjustments - you may see even greater returns by engaging a lighting professional.

Choosing the most efficient lights

Choosing the most efficient lights

Selecting efficient lighting systems and fixtures is extremely important when seeking to reduce energy use. There are a number of tools and links to get the research right.

Financing energy efficient lighting

A range of financing schemes are available to assist with the capital costs, implementation, and installation of energy efficient lighting.

Beginner's Guide to Energy Efficient Lighting

Beginner's Guide to Energy Efficient Lighting

Lighting upgrades can be relatively straightforward and offer rapid returns on investment, ongoing operational savings, and reduced maintenance.

Related Resources

CitySwitch Energy Audit Toolkits

This Energy Audit Toolkit set has been developed to assist non-technical or semi-technical energy managers in small to medium organisations identify actions to improve energy efficiency through the use of a simple but detailed audit checklist and develop plans for implementing energy efficiency actions.

LED Lighting article

It could be as easy as LED.

Improvements in technology over the last couple of years make complete LED fitouts a cost-effective solution. This article provides useful information and resources for LED lighting upgrades.

Energy efficiency certification scheme

This certification scheme offered by the Energy Efficiency Council certifies professionals that can lead comprehensive energy retrofits of commercial buildings. Certification helps building owners and managers find professionals they can trust and provides a benchmark for energy efficiency professionals.

Calculite: an online calculator for lighting

The calculite calculator helps businesses make an informed decision about energy efficient lighting for your site. It is an online tool to identify savings, providing upgrade options and generic technical specifications to take to suppliers.
Webinar: cutting through the lighting technology jargon

Webinar: cutting through the lighting technology jargon

Working out where to begin with lighting upgrades can quickly become an overwhelming prospect from choosing products to funding and implementation. This free three-part lighting webinar series helps get the most out of your office lighting retrofit.

Quality Scheme for Solid State Lighting (LED)

A a quality scheme for Solid State Lighting (also known as LED). This is a voluntary industry scheme that provides confidence that a luminaire carrying the Scheme’s label matches certain performance claims made by the supplier. Products are listed in a database on the Australian Lighting Council's website.

CBD Lighting Assessment Guidance

A tenancy lighting assessment is an important component of a Building Energy Efficiency Certificate (BEEC) required under the Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) Program. The guides and forms required are available here. 

FluoroCycle

Lamp recycling can help reduce the amount of mercury being sent to landfill. FluoroCycle is a voluntary product stewardship scheme that seeks to increase the national recycling rate of waste mercury-containing lamps.

Energy Gov Au: lighting technologies

Energy Gov Au provides a range of information and practical advice on energy saving for households and businesses including a rebate sorter for available assistance from Australian, state and territory governments for energy efficiency improvements.

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Case studies

Case Study: Royal Automobile Club WA

Case Study: Royal Automobile Club WA

The Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia was crowned 2012 & 2013 CitySwitch National Signatory of the Year. A clever Resource Energy Efficiency Plan and subsequent marginal cost curve helped prioritise smart investment in technology and active engagement of their employees.

Case Study: Thomson Rossi

Case Study: Thomson Rossi

Adelaide architectural firm and CitySwitch award finalist, Thomson Rossi, share the steps they have taken to reduce office energy bills. Measures include harnessing natural light and air-flow and reducing the need for printing and photocopying by issuing all staff with iPads.

Case Study: PWC

Case Study: PWC

PricewaterhouseCoopers' Darling Park offices in Sydney have undergone one of the largest energy efficiency upgrades to an operating tenancy. The introduction of automated zoned lighting which are only activated when staff are present, has slashed energy use by an impressive 29 per cent.

Case Study: DTZ

Case Study: DTZ

As the first corporate tenant to join CitySwitch, DTZ has since achieved outstanding energy efficiency results in their Sydney office. They've slashed operating costs by 40 per cent and reduced emissions by 375,000 kg CO₂over 8 years.
Case Study: 135 on King

Case Study: 135 on King

135 on King, a Knight Frank Management office in Sydney, has improved its NABERS Energy Rating from 3 to 5 stars. Energy savings were achieved through low cost technical upgrades, staff behaviour change programs and by aligning energy-consuming operations with staff hours. 

Case Study: Stockland

Case Study: Stockland

A move to a new Sydney office provided Stockland with a renewed focus on achieving 'best practice' operations. Their efforts paid off with a 5 star NABERS Energy rating achieved and the satisfaction of generating 49 per cent less CO₂ emissions than an average tenancy.

Case Study: Norton Rose

Case Study: Norton Rose

The Sydney tenancy of international legal practice Norton Rose, was able to save around $42,000 per annum
through technical upgrades and staff engagement. An internal sustainability guide, personal footprint reporting and move away from paper based filing, was key to their success.

Case Study: Craft Victoria

Case Study: Craft Victoria

Craft Victoria's advocacy of sustainability extends from their public programmes to the Melbourne tenancy's day-to-day operations. Simple lighting, heating and cooling modifications were driven by a staff green team who were able to slash energy consumption by 27 per cent.

Case Study: Public Transport Ombudsman

Case Study: Public Transport Ombudsman

The Public Transport Ombudsman Victoria addressed the efficiency of servers, hot water, shredders, computers, lights and more and used the resultant cost savings to purchase 50 per cent GreenPower. The improvements led them to save the equivalent of 11,455kg CO2 per year.

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CitySwitch Signatory of the Year and New Signatory Awards - category judging criteria

  • Delivering outcomes as demonstrated by an improved or maintained current NABERS Energy rating and achieved energy savings* (up to 28 points)
  • Implementing one or more energy saving initiatives (up to 10 points)
  • Demonstrating leadership by undertaking innovative, creative or progressive office energy efficiency activities (up to 10 points)
  • Engagement of staff/ customers/suppliers and/or stakeholders to educate and create market transformation (up to 10 points)
  • Participation in CitySwitch local program activities (up to 10 points).
Note, new Signatories submitting for New Signatory of the Year Award need only complete an indicative rating – all other submissions must be accredited.

CitySwitch Partnership of the Year Award - category judging criteria

Eligibility Criteria

Submitted projects should:

  • Involve more than one registered company 
  • Demonstrate that they are  innovative and over and above “business as usual”
  • Demonstrate that they catalyse “market transformation” and or “address a market barrier”
  • Deliver a reduction in energy consumption and carbon emissions within the built environment 

Judging Criteria

  • Delivering outcomes as demonstrated by an improved or maintained current NABERS Energy rating and achieved energy savings* (up to 14 points)
  • Implementing one or more energy saving initiatives (up to 10 points)
  • Demonstrating leadership by undertaking innovative, creative or progressive office energy efficiency activities (up to 17 points)
  • Engagement of staff/ customers/suppliers and/or stakeholders to educate and create market transformation (up to 17 points)
  • Participation in CitySwitch local program activities (up to 10 points)
  • The submitting entity MUST be a CitySwitch Signatory
Note, Signatories submitting for the Partnership of the Year Award may submit an accredited NABERS tenancy, whole building or base building rating.

It’s easy and free to join the program. Your good-will commitment to the program is an acknowledgement of the business sector’s role in
contributing to environmental sustainability and your intention to reduce your own energy consumption and associated carbon emissions.

As part of this, Signatories to the program commit to achieve an accredited NABERS Energy tenancy rating (between 4 and 6 stars) and
work with CitySwitch to improve their tenancy’s environmental performance.

Find out more about how obtaining a NABERS Energy rating ensures you can benchmark your performance, better manage your progress
over time and promote your star rating achievement.