Why is improving lighting efficiency important for energy demand management in buildings?

• A. It reduces electricity demand by lowering energy use for lighting, often with long payback.
• B. It has no effect on energy consumption.
• C. It increases energy costs due to lighting upgrades.
• D. It only affects indoor air quality.

Answer: (B)

Improving lighting efficiency lowers electricity demand because lighting is a substantial energy draw in many buildings. By using efficient light sources such as LEDs, along with smart controls (occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting, dimming), you reduce the amount of energy needed to illuminate spaces. This decreases total energy use and helps manage demand, since lighting can drive notable peak loads during business hours. Fewer watts of lighting also mean less heat output, which can ease cooling loads and further cut energy use. The resulting savings often translate into a favorable payback over time, depending on retrofit costs and how the building is used.

Saying there is no effect on energy consumption isn’t accurate, and lighting upgrades aren’t primarily about indoor air quality.