Lighting is an important thing, especially when it comes to the working environment. However, acquiring a better lighting system requires a sound financial plan that will cater to all your budgeting needs. The lighting system installed in a particular office building depends on the kind of work that is ongoing. This means that financing different types of lighting varies depending on your needs. As a matter of fact, everyone is trying to apply different means that will help to cut expenses. Detailed below are several methods you can use in your office building to cut lighting costs.
Utilize Natural Light
The daylight matters a lot, especially when designing a lighting system for an office building. Light from natural sources during the day makes the office building look brighter and feel more welcoming. The best way to accomplish this is by incorporating large windows into the design of your office. Fortunately, this can also contribute to a sleek modern look that will impress both employees and clients. Going with this type of design for your office can help you save money on lighting costs in the long run by minimizing the amount of artificial light needed.
Artificial forms of light, ideally, should only supplement the natural light when possible to create a good working environment for employees. Analysis has shown that reasonable amounts of daylight into the office environment trigger the rate of productivity by about 40%. Also, the employees who get a good exposure to daylight tend to live a better healthy life compared to those who do not. Happy and productive employees will also lead to greater efficiency and overall profits, saving you money in the long run.
Invest in LEDs
LEDs are a great option when it comes to saving on lighting expenses. While fluorescent lights can light a large area in the office, they can have issues like flickering and becoming dimmer over time. LED lighting, on the other hand, is much more durable, lasting up to 50,000 hours. LED bulbs are also very energy-efficient, which can not only have a positive effect on the environment, but this can save your business a lot of money on your utility bills. The upfront cost of these bulbs is easily covered by their many years of use.
LED lighting is also very versatile when it comes to color. You can choose the warmth of white lighting or even incorporate brightly-colored lighting for your office. Colored lighting used for displays and accents can be great to draw the attention of your visitors.
Install a Lighting Control System
A central lighting control system could also be a great solution for your office building. These systems are often used to save energy, which, as previously mentioned, can save you a lot of money on utility costs. A control system can also add an aspect of convenience since you can control all of the lighting in the building from a single location, which can be especially useful for large facilities. Many systems even have an app or other computer software that enables you to control the lighting remotely. This can allow anyone with access to easily control the lighting that they need for the project they are working on.
A control system can also prevent issues like the lights being left on overnight when no one is in the office, thus extending the life of your bulbs and saving money on energy. You can also schedule certain times for the lights to turn on and off according to the time of day and how much natural light is available. Systems like this can go a long way in improving the energy efficiency of your office and create optimal lighting no matter what time of day it is.
Conclusion
Overall, the cost of commercial lighting can seem intimidating at times. However, with the help of modern technology, including control systems and sophisticated LEDs, as well as natural lighting, your office can do a lot to save on costs. Consider these strategies to save money and improve the overall environment of your office building, resulting in a more appealing, productive, and impressive space for your employees, clients, and visitors.