GREEN BUILDING TIP: Design for Efficient Lighting

A mix of lighting sources allows you to use the type of light you need: task lighting for reading, food preparation and other activities — where strong, concentrated light is helpful — or ambient lighting where more general illumination is better. Not all lights have to be on all the time, and natural light can be a significant contributor when floor plans are designed accordingly.

—This GREEN BUILDING TIP is from our Strategy Generator. Build a tip sheet for your green building or remodeling project under the Strategies & Details tab.

Green Points

LEED for HomesLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is the residential green building program from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). While this program is primarily designed for and applicable to new home projects, major gut rehabs can qualify. Up to 3 points may be earned for efficient lighting under EA8 (Energy & Atmosphere).
NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions. /ICC-700 Under Ch. 7 — Energy Efficiency: up to 8 pts. for Energy StarLabeling system sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy for labeling the most energy-efficient products on the market; applies to a wide range of products, from computers and office equipment to refrigerators and air conditioners. Lighting package (704.2), up to 4 pts. for home energy "dashboard" (703.4.9, 705.1)

Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia

LIGHTING AND PHANTOM LOADS

Further Resources

Residential Lighting Design Guide

EPA Advanced Lighting Package (ALP)