Why Lighting Remains the Most Underrated Source of Energy Savings for Businesses
When most companies consider energy savings, they typically focus on HVAC, compressed air, motors or upgrades to production equipment.
Lighting is not carefully analyzed, and the plant maintenance team often makes decisions about the new lighting system. Why? Because they simply don’t know anything about network lighting controls (NLC).
What’s important to the Plant Maintenance Team? More light. How carefully do they consider Cost of Ownership, ROI, utility rebates, and other key financial metrics? Not often. I know I have worked with hundreds of them, and if not for our company insisting that we present our solutions to their company’s key decision-makers, we would only be half as successful as we are today.
At Energy Design Engineers, we’ve seen it firsthand: far too many companies upgrade to LEDs and settle for 30–50% savings over fluorescent lighting. They pat themselves on the back, enjoying the improved light levels and happy with their energy savings. However, in reality, they’ve left 30% or more of the savings on the table.
The EDE Difference: 80% Savings is Our Standard
Fifteen years ago, we discovered the power of NLC technology. Since then, 99.5% of our lighting projects have included NLC, and our clients consistently achieve an 80% energy savings over their previous systems.
Why have we been all-in on NLC for over a decade?
- Lowest Cost of Ownership
- Higher ROI
- The utilities pay for a greater percentage of the project
- Extends the life of the LED fixture by 50% plus
- Provide lighting customization that our clients greatly appreciate
- Provides weekly, monthly, and annual updates on system savings
The Bottom Line
If you’ve upgraded to LEDs but stopped there, you’ve only gone halfway. With utility incentives still available and paybacks often in the 2-3 year range for adding NLC to an existing LED lighting system. NLC is the single most impactful lighting investment you can make today.
For 15 years, EDE clients have consistently enjoyed 80% savings, not the exception, but the rule. If you’re still at 40–50%, let’s talk — because that extra 30% belongs on your bottom line, not on your utility bill.
Mark Wiley
CEO – Energy Design Engineers
Let’s ensure your next lighting investment performs at its best, financially and environmentally.
#EnergyEfficiency #LightingControls #Sustainability #Manufacturing #CarbonReduction #CostSavings