RETAIL
OPERATIONS BY MAURAKELLER Options in energy efficiency lighting THE RIGHT LIGHT
tom line. And one area that can enhance the energy efficiency of your facility's interior is in the area of lighting—both natural lighting and technologically advanced LEDs are leading the charge on energy efficient interiors.
B
USINESS OWNERS WHO EMBRACE ENERGY efficiency often find that the benefits of "green business" go far beyond contributing to a healthier planet. They also make for a healthier bot-
But today, architects, storeowners, and con-
struction planners are discovering that a lot has changed in the world of energy efficiency—both in materials and technology. And as governments are taking measures to phase out the incandescent light bulb, energy efficient interior lighting is receiving tremendous attention. A time-honored source of light and ambi-
ence, interior lighting products have outlived their traditional roles in store interiors. Today, new technologies and innovative structural changes are making lighting products more durable and versatile than ever. More importantly, instead of short-lived afterthoughts, lighting products have become long-lasting, energy efficient design features for retail and commercial properties throughout the country. According to Michael Lawshe, presi-
dent and CEO of Paragon Solutions, LED is a very energy efficient solution. "If ener- gy efficiency is your goal, LED should be a consideration," Lawshe says. "However, energy management systems, solar tubes, natural light and strategic photo metric analysis is the way to reduce energy even further. In addition, the quality of the lighting can be developed through bet- ter photo metrics. It is never the correct answer to equally light everything." Paragon Solutions is a design consult-
ing firm. "Because we do not sell a prod- uct, we have no vested interest in speci- fying any particular product," Lawshe says. "Our role is to design the correct solutions. Companies that sell specific lighting will often tell customers that
OUT WITH THE OLD During the 1970s, saving energy was a national priority. Soaring costs resulted in individuals and businesses scrambling to use less energy. As time passed, energy prices fell and the momentum in reducing energy consumption lessened in the minds of many consumers.
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their solution is the best when in fact it is only the best they have. Our design is independent. There is no single answer. Solutions are often a blend of various lighting alternatives." As Christopher Ruud, president of Cree's Ruud
Lighting subsidiary, explains, traditional light source technologies of the past were limited in the
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