Commercial lighting
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This page deals with eligible commercial lighting upgrades, where savings can be calculated using the Commercial Lighting Energy Savings Formula of the ESS Rule
Lighting upgrades in commercial premises may occur as discrete projects or as a part of a suite of energy savings activities.
Using the Commercial Lighting Energy Savings Formula
The Commercial Lighting Energy Savings Formula is used to calculate energy savings from:
- an upgrade of general lighting in a commercial premises
- an upgrade of street lighting.
General lighting refers to lighting that provides a uniform level of illumination across an area.
The Formula cannot be used for:
- new lighting installations
- task lighting (i.e. lighting specific to a task undertaken in a localised area), such as portable lighting or desk lamps.
Definition of a commercial premises
A commercial premise is defined as a building classified under the Building Code of Australia Classes: 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10b).
This means the Commercial Lighting Formula can be applied to lighting upgrades at most non-residential premises, including industrial facilities, public facilities, office buildings, hotels, motels and shopping centres. It also covers the common areas of Class 2 buildings.
Common areas means:
- for buildings owned under strata title, the common property as defined in either the NSW Strata Schemes (Freehold development) Act 1973, or NSW Strata Schemes (Leasehold Development) Act 1986, or
- for buildings not owned under strata title (e.g. under a company title), the non-residential property of class 2 buildings.
Commercial lighting upgrades requiring development approval
Projects that require development approval must meet the minimum lighting energy efficiency standards specified in Section J of the Building Code of Australia.
Therefore, the baseline energy consumption (from which lighting energy savings are calculated) for these projects is based on the Section J standards, rather than the energy consumption of the original lighting equipment.
Lighting for roads and public spaces
Lighting for roads and public spaces is lighting providing illumination for an area used primarily for the safe movement of people. Covered by AS/NZS 1158: Lighting for Roads and Public Spaces.
This is broad definition applies to lighting on local and main roads, pedestrian pathways and malls, and open-air car parks.
The Commercial Lighting Energy Savings Formula can be used for upgrades which involve:
- lighting for roads and public spaces,
- traffic signals.
How to calculate energy savings
There are various ways that you can save energy on commercial lighting:
When to choose another calculation method
The Commercial Lighting Formula only applies to replacing existing lighting equipment - new lighting installations are not eligible. New installations, or installations that are part of a larger project may be eligible for accreditation under other methods.