Electricity smart lighting: Reducing energy costs in the hospitality sector

Brochure

The escalating cost of running a business and the emphasis on environmental

sustainability are putting businesses in the hospitality sector under increasing pressure to improve the energy and operational efficiencies of their establishments.

Cutting the high costs of lighting without compromising on warm hospitality...

Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the immediate actions hospitality establishments can take to significantly trim down operating costs with a comparatively low investment and without compromising on guests’ experience.

• The most common types of lamps used in hotels, lodges, guesthouses and B&Bs are incandescent lamps, halogen lamps (downlights) and conventional fluorescent lamps, all of which are energy-intensive and use more electricity than new generation lighting technologies such as LEDs.

Energy-saving lights save money and more

New generation lighting systems use less electricity, are kinder to the environment and generally have a longer lifespan than older lighting technologies.

The large variety of components available today means there are energy-efficient lighting solutions to fit almost any task and application, where each dictates:• Light intensity (lumens or foot candles)• Degree of whiteness• Colour rendering that must be provided.

The best lighting provides the optimal amount and type of light to best perform a task or increase productivity at the minimum annual operating and fixed costs.

The potential of energy saving lights to reduce Carbon Dioxide (C02) emissions has been estimated at about 15 mega tons (European Energy Commission).

Lighting in commercial buildings

The primary function of light and lighting is to enable us to see; artificial lighting facilitates indoor activity around the clock every day.

Colour rendering (how well light reproduces colour) and illumination (the amount of light received on a surface), influence the way people feel and perceive colours and how they experience thermal comfort - lighting has a major impact on people’s moods, energy and behaviour.

• Studies on the influence of both artificial and natural light have shown that people are more energetic when they are exposed to daylight and when they stay or work in an appropriately lit environment.

The amount of light or illumination needed (measured in lux), depends on the activities performed in a commercial building - less lux is needed for a guest to relax in a hotel room than for kitchen staff to perform delicate tasks such as preparing and dishing up food in a hotel kitchen. • Illumination is the most important factor because of the role lighting plays in human behaviour and productivity. However, from an energy savings perspective, luminous efficacy (the ratio between input energy and light emitted) is crucial.

Measures:• Lumen(lm)-themeasureofthepoweroflightemittedbyagivensourceand perceived by the human eye• Luminousefficacy/efficiency-themeasureofalamp’sabilitytoconvertelectrical powerintovisiblelight(expressedinlumen/watt(lm/W))• ColourRenderingIndex(CRI)-themeasure,onascaleof1to100,ofhowwell alamprenderscolour;alampwithaCRIof100makesobjectsappearastheydoin sunlight. All lamps have different characteristics in terms of colour rendering so that various systems can be more or less appropriate for a given application in the hospitality environment.

Lightingaccountsfor18%ofenergyusageinthecommercialsector.Formosthospitalitybusinesses,curbingpowerconsumptionbyoptingforenergy-efficientlightingisasurewayofdecreasingenergycostsandloweringoperatingcosts.

Energy-saving lighting options for the hospitality industry

CompactFluorescentLamps(CFLs)CFLs are direct replacements for incandescent lamps because they have the same medium screw base. • They use up to 75% less electricity whilst providing the same amount of light - their Colour Rendering Index and correlating colour temperature are similar to those of incandescent lamps.• Their lifespan is about 6,000 to 10,000 hours, which means they last from six to ten times longer than incandescent lamps.

CFLs today are second generation technology and available in a bigger range of compact sizes to suit a variety of applications. • Some have diffusing covers to hide the fluorescent bulb - so, aesthetically they can be used in more locations. • Some types, but not all, have dimming capabilities with a range of between 20 and 90% - some modern CFLs have a dimming range of 2 to 100%, more akin to that of incandescent lights. • Dimmable CFLs have their own dimmer module that needs to be changed inside the switch, each rated according to the load (quantity and watt of light) that needs to be dimmed.

Due to the fact that they run cooler than incandescent lamps,CFLsreducetheloadonHeating,VentilationandAirConditioning(HVAC)systems,therebycontributingto even more energy savings.

LightEmittingDiodes(LEDs)LEDs use less electricity to operate and produce more light per watt than most other light sources. • They are about 70 to 85% more energy-efficient than conventional incandescent lamps and more efficient than Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). • LEDs have a colour temperature - or warmth - comparable to that of incandescent lamps and produce full lighting capacity as soon as they are switched on. They start up quickly and turn off immediately, so there is no fading as the lamp cools down.

Generally, LEDs can last up to five times longer than CFLs, which last about six times longer than incandescent lamps. LEDs do not burn out or fail - instead, they experience lumen depreciation, with the amount of light produced decreasing and light colour appearance shifting over time. • LEDs are available in a range of sizes and shapes for a variety of applications and offer impressive flexibility in colour and light distribution - some are directly compatible drop-in replacements for incandescent or fluorescent lamps.

LEDS have standard lamp connections and shapes, such as:• An Edison screw base• An MR16 shape with a bi-pin base • A GU5.3 (bi-pin cap)• A GU10 (bayonet fitting).

Some types of LEDs are fully dimmable when used with a compatible dimming system. They can replace screw-in incandescent and CFLs in a wide variety of applications. Dimmable LEDs come with their own dimmer module, which needs to be changed inside the switch; each is rated according to the load (quantity and watt of lights) that needs to be dimmed.

A note on power factor:Anoverallpowerfactor*atapointofsupplythatislessthanonecanbringaboutthefollowingproblems:• HarmonicsfromlampscoulddegradethesinewaveoftheAlternatingCurrent electricity supply and affect the performance of other equipment on the same feeder• Morecurrentintransmissionlinescanleadtomorepowerlossintheformofheat andwastedenergy• WhenpurchasingaCFLorLED,makesuretocheckthatthepowerfactorisspecified anddisplayedonthepackaging-cheaperlightswillnothaveanyspecifications.With qualitylamps,harmonicfiltersarebuilt-intomitigatetheproblemsassociatedwitha lowpowerfactor.

* Power factor is the ratio between the kW and the kVA drawn by an electrical load, where the kW is the actual load power and the kVA is the apparent load power.

Lighting control

• Your guests and staff will appreciate having lighting at optimal levels as well as controls that are easy to operate or require no effort.• Guests want to patronise establishments that are environmentally friendly. By controlling lights to save energy, you are clearly demonstrating your commitment to environmental sustainability, “green” efforts that can be promoted to increase the appeal and, therefore, improve the occupancy of your establishment.• Travelers who feel safe and secure on your property are likely to return - by controlling both exterior and interior lighting you can be assured of providing safe, well-lit spaces.• Good lighting enhances good architecture - guests experiencing activities in the best light are more satisfied with their stays.• Automatically turning lights off when they are not needed increases lamp life, reduces energy bills and cuts operating costs.

Guest roomsGuest rooms should be equipped with a master switch or control device at the main door that controls permanently installed lighting and switched receptacles throughout the room.

Having such a switch, such as a card key, can improve guest comfort and convenience - and assist staff - by providing a simple way to switch multiple lights on and off when entering or exiting a room.

Installingathoughtfullyengineeredmasterswitchdesignedforenergy-savingwillmeetcoderequirements,maximise savings and prevent lights from burning in empty guest rooms.

Guest bathroomMany guests leave bathroom lighting on for long periods of time, often to serve as a nightlight.

Studies show that guest bathrooms offer one of the largest energy-saving opportunities by eliminating unnecessary extended operation of the lighting. These studies also conclude that when the control solution includes provision of night lighting, energy waste is prevented and guest satisfaction is improved.• 75% of the energy used in guest bathroom lighting occurs when the lights are left on for longer than one hour.• Two out of every five guests leave bathroom lights on if there are no nightlights.

RestaurantsRestaurants in hospitality establishments typically serve three meals a day and patrons expect a different ambience morning, noon and night - advances in wireless lighting controls have made adding scene control capabilities to new and existing facilities simple and cost-effective.• Dimmers let managers set unique moods for each meal service.• Scene controllers provide one-touch control and looks that can be repeated.• Smooth fades and consistent light levels contribute to customer satisfaction.

Put controls where it’s needed, such as at a maître d’ station.

LobbyGuests enjoy architectural designs that bring outdoor beauty indoors, providing a sense of openness along with ambient daylight.

Controllers can integrate the daylight in spaces such as atriums and lobbies with the electric light and reduce the amount of energy consumed by lighting.

Dimorswitchcontrolledlightsoffwhensufficientdaylight is present.

Public restroomsWithout automatic controls, lighting in public access restrooms is often left on 24 hours a day.

An ideal solution is to install an ultrasonic occupancy sensor on the ceiling above the restroom stalls to ensure that lights turn on and remain on when the space is occupied and turn off after the space is vacated.

MeetingroomsDimmers and scene controls allow clients to customise the lighting in meeting and conference rooms, enhancing events and AV presentations - it adds value, making the rooms more attractive for rental.

Occupancy sensors ensure that these spaces are only lit when they are used, translating into reduced energy costs.• Combine passive infrared and ultrasonic occupancy sensing technologies for increased sensitivity and coverage.• Combine the sensors with a standard wall switch for manual control.

HousekeepingstorageHousekeepers who may have their hands full could neglect to turn off lights in the many supply rooms scattered throughout your hospitality facility - after all, they don’t pay the energy bills.

• Installing occupancy sensors in these rooms ensures energy savings and lets your staff work efficiently by automating the lighting control.

BackofhouseSpaces that are used for operations present an enormous opportunity for energy savings, because lighting is often left on for long periods when these areas are not in use. Controls such as occupancy sensors and time switches can help to keep energy use and operating costs down.• Install occupancy sensors in the kitchen area - lights will turn on and remain on as long as staff is in the room.• Install occupancy sensors in the back of the house hallways.• Install occupancy sensors in your warehouse to turn lights on and off automatically in specific areas such as shelving aisleways.• Install low-temperature occupancy sensor to control lights in spaces such as cold storage.

PrivateofficesoccupiedbyhospitalityexecutivesandmanagementstaffWhy leave lights on in vacant offices when occupants are attending meetings or are elsewhere on the property?• Install occupancy sensors in offices.• Install occupancy and daylight controls in open-plan offices.

Exterior lightingExterior lighting is critical to guest safety and security and to maintain the ambience unique to your establishment - it represents a large component of your facility’s energy use. • Parking lots, garages, walkways, canopies, pool and patio areas all have different control requirements - install a centralised control solution to ensure that lights are on when necessary, while preventing energy waste and maximising savings.

More technology tips for optimising lighting efficiencies

• Replace T-12 fluorescents with T-8 fluorescents, T-5 fluorescents or LED tubes. • Replace conventional High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps in high ceiling applications with T-Bay lamps. • Replace conventional control gear with electronic control gear - switching to electronic high-frequency ballasts can lead to an increase from 30 to 40% in system efficiency. • Remove unnecessary lamps and ballasts in overlit areas, which can be identified by measuring the amount of illumination - where illumination exceeds recommendations lighting can be reduced.• Use correct lamp reflectors to optimise light output. • Clean light diffusers to improve output levels and efficacy. • Ensure regular maintenance of lighting systems.

Case study

HotelGroupreduceselectricityconsumptionbynearly170MWhpermonthThe Faircity Hotel Group, a vibrant and innovative hospitality company with properties in the three- and four-star categories, worked with an Energy Services Company (ESCo) to conduct energy-use assessments focused on lighting at four hotels in Gauteng Province: The Quatermain and Falstaff in Sandton, Mapungubwe in Johannesburg and Roodevallei near Pretoria.

The move to optimise the efficiency of lighting technologies was prompted by the necessity to reduce energy costs, cut operating costs and advance towards reducing the group’s carbon footprint.

Some7,353energy-intensivelampswereremovedinthehotelsinlessthanamonth:• In public areas :– - 50W halogen downlights were replaced with 7W Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) - 35W halogen downlights with 5W LEDs - 60W incandescent bulbs with 7W LEDs - 100W incandescent bulbs with 10W LEDs.• In guest rooms and staff areas :– - 50W halogen downlights were replaced with 7W Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) - 35W halogen downlights with 5W LEDs - 60W incandescent bulbs with 7W LEDs - 100W incandescent bulbs with 10W LEDs.• The four hotels also replaced energy-intensive T-8 fluorescent tubes with energy-efficient T-5 tubes. Outside, HID floodlights were replaced with LED floodlights.

Byreducingenergyconsumptionbynearly170MWhpermonth,thefourhotelshaveloweredtheircarbonemissionsfromapproximately193to25tonspermonthandsavedapproximately232kilolitresofwaterpermonthfrombeinglostthroughtheelectricityproduction process.

The Faircity Hotel Group demonstrated that a lighting retrofit - relatively quick and easy to implement - can reap impressive energy efficiency results.

Lightingisoftenoneofthemostoverlookedlowcostopportunities to reduce electricity consumption in hospitalityestablishmentswithoutanyimpactontheguests’experience.

Regulations

Owners and managers of buildings should take note of the lighting regulations set out in SANS 10114-1 and the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act of 1993.

SANS 10114 provides basic guidelines and recommendations for the creation of good viewing conditions and a comfortable visual environment. Although the recommendations are primarily intended for interior workplaces, they also apply, in general, to other interior

locations. The visual environment should be such that essential task details can be viewed easily and that adverse factors, which can cause visual discomfort, are appropriately controlled or excluded.

Although SANS 10114 recognises the need for good energy management and cost-effective lighting schemes, this should not lead to the lowering of the recommended and well-established standards needed to promote efficient work, safety and welfare.

Revisions, amendments and affirmations of SANS 10114-1 are conducted periodically to keep pace with international developments in lighting and lighting products and to apply the guidance from international standardisation bodies such as CIE, IEC, ISO and others.

Extract from the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, 1993:• Every employer shall make sure that every workplace in his or her undertaking should be lit in accordance with the illuminance values specified in the Schedule to these regulations: Provided that where specialised lighting is necessary for the performance of any particular type of work, irrespective of whether that type of work is listed in the Schedule or not, the employer of such employees who perform this work shall ensure that such specialised lighting is available to and is used by such employees.

Fordetailedinformationvisit:www.labour.gov.zawww.sabs.co.za

Eskom Energy Advisors

Eskom’s national Advisory Service offers information on manufacturers and suppliers of energy-efficient lighting. The team can also advise agri-businesses on:• Reducing energy usage• Doing walk-through energy assessments to identify energy usage patterns, energy needs, areas of energy wastage and energy-saving opportunities• Improving the energy efficiency of operations and electrical systems and processes • Prioritising maintenance as an important contributor to reducing energy usage• Finding SANAS approved energy savings Measurement & Verification Authorities.

Advisors can also provide information on funding opportunities for energy efficiency projects.

Call 08600 37566, leave your name and number and an Eskom Energy Advisor will contact you. Alternatively, ask for a specific advisor to contact you.

Visit www.eskom.co.za/idm for more information.

Credits:

http://learningstore.uwex.eduwww.carbontrust.com.

IssuedbyEskomIntegratedDemandManagementNovember2015EskomHoldingsSOCLtdRegNo2002/015527/30