Lighting upgrades

Without a doubt, lighting upgrades involving energy-efficient lamps, ballasts, controls, and other products stand as some of the most attractive investments around and additionally serve to promote green and sustainable design. This special 2008 series offers examples of how real-life commercial, institutional, and industrial properties nationwide have successfully pursued and benefited from lighting upgrades. Baltimore's Montgomery Park commercial facility took on a celebrated tenant, the Maryland Dept. of the Environment (MDE), as well as a celebrated cause, when its management team agreed to pursue green building design within the 1.3 million s/f structure's vintage architecture. In addition to installing energy-efficient solutions and sustainable materials, the overhaul involved a lighting upgrade involving dimmable fluorescent systems. To maximize energy efficiency and best utilize the facility's wealth of windows and natural daylight, management opted for a daylight harvesting system using photocell technology, a lighting control configuration which engages dimming based on available daylight levels. "Continuous dimming with daylight trackers was an effective and affordable approach at Montgomery Park," said property developer Sam Himmelrich, Jr. In the open areas where it was installed, the park's daylight harvesting system is up to 20% more energy-efficient than standard upgrade configurations. A model of green design and energy-efficient lighting control, Montgomery Park stands as a testament to the optimal balance of nature and technology. For a free upgrade guide, contact Susan Bloom at [email protected]. Susan Bloom is director of corporate communications for Philips Lighting & Advance, Somerset, N.J.