When it comes to installing and using lighting control systems it is crucial to avoid treating any elements of the lighting in the building isolation, so says Guy Simmonds, UK sales manager at Lutron.
“The performance of the building will come down to how those elements work together, so it makes sense to engage the expertise as early as possible to ensure that everything is fully tested and the ecosystem of the building works to best effect – for example, balancing the available daylight with the artificial light required,” he explains. “The most efficient and sustainable buildings require the best expertise and detail available to realise the goals set.”
The manufacturer, which has recently undertaken an extensive project at the Business Academy Bexley enabling the organisation to save £25,000 on its electricity bill per year, is also clear about the significant impact LEDs have had on the lighting controls market.
“The advancement in technologies brings new challenges to ensure that the overall result delivers the highest levels of performance – a smooth dimming curve and a stable low end.
“Those performance levels are governed by the entire package – design, lamp, fixture, driver and controls, as well as the protocols used to communicate the information. The level of technical understanding required to achieve the perfect outcome, considering additional variables, has risen and will continue do so as the market and technologies evolve.
“Lutron has worked with LED technology and major LED manufacturers since inception. That has allowed us to develop the expertise and technologies to deliver the perfect result, regardless of light source, protocol or building type.”
Other areas of activity for the manufacturer include the retrofit lighting sector, a market that is gathering pace.
“This is largely being driven by recognition of the need to upgrade existing lighting within a building and manage rising energy costs,” adds Simmonds.
“There is now much better understanding within the market of what’s possible, with developers, landlords and tenants becoming more aware of the options available to them. This, combined with the looming EPC building regulations, makes for an incredibly competitive commercial lighting market. As time goes on, the retrofit market is only going to get bigger and bigger. “
