There is much discussion these days around lighting, from Compact Flourescents (CFLs) to Light-emitting Diodes (LEDs) to whatever is on the horizon.

They all produce light differently and have different effects, and also get more sophisticated as the manufacturing evolves.  Some facts on CFLs can be seen HERE, or on the EPA’s website HERE.

But, of course the most current discussions surround LEDs, which is mostly what we’ll use for both exterior and interior lighting at the new Pacific Audi dealership.

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Believe it or not, LEDs were introduced in 1962. Early LEDs emitted low-intensity red light—often used in digital readouts and to illuminate alarm clocks, coffee makers, traffic lights, billboards and more.  But modern versions are available across multiple wavelengths, with very high brightness. More info HERE; you may be surprised at the scope of LEDs present in your day to day life!

• LEDs present many advantages over incandescent light sources including:
• Lower energy consumption / Higher efficiency – LEDs emit more light per watt than incandescent light bulbs, and their efficiency is not affected by shape or size.
• Longer lifetime – LEDs can have a relatively long useful life. One report estimates 35,000 to 50,000 hours of useful life; more HERE. Fluorescent tubes typically rate at about 10,000 to 15,000 hours, depending partly on the conditions of use, and incandescent light bulbs at 1,000–2,000 hours.  (More general Dept. of Energy info HERE.)
• On/Off time: LEDs light up very quickly.
• Cycling: LEDs are ideal for frequent on-off cycling, unlike fluorescent lamps that fail faster when cycled often.
• Dimming: LEDs can very easily be dimmed.
• Cool light: In contrast to most light sources, LEDs radiate very little heat in the form of infrared that can cause damage to sensitive objects or fabrics.
• Shock resistance: LEDs are difficult to damage with external shock, unlike fluorescent and incandescent bulbs, which are fragile.

The showroom, which will have all LED fixtures, includes a light sensor mounted in the South end that will reduce the lighting by 50% when enough natural daylight is present!  Wouldn’t that be nice at home?  Likewise, in the service area, a light sensor will work in tandem with skylights (natural daylight!) to reduce lighting by 50%.  In the showroom and service areas, light sensors will be pre-set to cut lighting by 50% when daylight illuminance levels reach a minimum of 25 footcandles (click on link for fun explanation), as determined by a field measure with a handheld light sensor.  People in “individual” workspaces—including task lighting like desk lamp LED fixtures or cabinet mounted LEDs —will access their lighting controls through occupancy sensors.

On the inside of the overall building, lighting will be a mix of LED or flourescent, except spotlighting using metal halide fixtures.  All lighting circuits and zones are scheduled, with occupancy sensors and time clock control from a master lighting control panel.  This is a smart LEED⎝-credit requirement that highlights individual controllability and limits light pollution.

Finally on the outside, all pole-mounted heads are 180w LED and building-mounted are 68w LED. And all are controlled with photo cell sensors telling them to go “on”, followed by a time clock “off” from a master lighting control panel.

SEE you there!