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Benefit #1: Reduced Energy Usage

Smart lighting techniques help reduce energy consumption and therefore the burning of fossil fuels.

Summary of the Problem:

It has been estimated that 30% of all US outdoor lighting is being directed skyward as waste. Conservatively estimated at $1.5 billion dollars in wasted electricity yearly, this 30% requires the burning of 6,000,000 tons of coal each year to generate this electricity waste (Estimated by the International Dark-Sky Association).

Energy Saving Techniques:

1. Turn Off Lights: Use lights only when and where necessary. Use only enough light to do the job. Do not over light. Business should turn off lights or reduce lighting levels after hours.

2. Reduce Wattages: Many facilities are already over lighted. In some cases, full cut-off fixtures will require less power to achieve the same illumination because light is not wasted by shining into the atmosphere.

Click here for a view of the USA at night.
3. Use Efficient Fixtures: Standard incandescent and mercury vapor fixtures may be cheap at first, but they are very inefficient and end up costing much more because of their high energy consumption. High pressure sodium and metal halide are better. Low pressure sodium is best (if color rendering is not required). See here for an energy comparison of different kinds of light fixtures.

4. Timers and Motion Sensors: Use timers to turn off lights when they are no longer necessary. Use motion sensors on lights to turn lights on and off only when needed.