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: Synergy

Case Study: Synergy

Synergy, Western Australia's largest energy retailer, used an office refit to address energy efficiency and embrace sustainable principles. They undertook low-cost lighting modifications, consolidated office equipment and worked hard to engage staff in their quest to reduce energy.

Case Study: City of Port Phillip

Case Study: City of Port Phillip

As part of their 'Toward Zero' strategy, City of Port Phillip conducted energy audits across their 250 building property portfolio. By implementing an impressive retrofit program across their portfolio and purchasing 25 per cent GreenPower, they reduced total emissions by 36 per cent.

Case Study: Wood & Grieve Engineers

Case Study: Wood & Grieve Engineers

Wood & Grieve Engineers has maximised sustainability within their Sydney based tenancy through delamping, minor technology upgrades and staff education. As a result they have reduced energy consumption by 10 per cent and saved over $6,000 per annum.

Case Study: Arup

Case Study: Arup

Arup was awarded CitySwitch Signatory of the Year 2011 for their landmark Brisbane office fitout. Critical to their energy savings was an innovative staff education program, realtime data visualisation system and extensive lighting retrofit. 

Case Study: WISE Employment

Case Study: WISE Employment

WISE Employment has taken a holistic approach to managing their impact as they strive for carbon neutrality across their Melbourne offices. Measures include a lighting hardware and control system upgrade, a Green Champions program for staff and office equipment upgrades.

Case Study: Australian Institute of Management

Case Study: Australian Institute of Management

The Australian Institute of Management implemented a comprehensive lighting upgrade in partnership with Phillips. Installing simple occupancy based sensors and upgrading to LEDs resulted in an energy saving of over 33,000kWh per year and reduced lighting load by 20 per cent.

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Search resources

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.