Name two strategies to reduce lighting energy use.

• A. Daylighting and efficient LED fixtures with proper controls (occupancy sensors, daylight sensors)
• B. Increasing wall color brightness without controls
• C. Bigger windows and more skylights
• D. Solely relying on HVAC to reduce lighting needs

Answer: (A)

Reducing lighting energy use comes from using natural light when available and making lighting itself as efficient and controllable as possible. Daylighting saves energy by relying on sunlight to illuminate spaces, so electric lights can be used less. Pairing this with efficient LED fixtures means each light uses far less electricity, and adding proper controls—like occupancy sensors and daylight sensors—ensures lights turn off when no one is present or when daylight is sufficient. This combination maximizes savings because you cut the need for artificial light and you also avoid leaving lights on unnecessarily.

The other options don’t consistently deliver the same gains. Increasing wall brightness without controls might improve illumination, but it doesn’t prevent lights from staying on when not needed. Larger windows or skylights can boost daylight but may raise cooling loads and glare if not carefully designed. Relying only on HVAC to reduce lighting needs ignores the separate energy use of lighting and the benefit of smart controls.