High Light Reflectance Reducing Energy Costs The three most common open plan office lighting options are direct, indirect, and direct/indirect. While each offers advantages and disadvantages, indirect lighting systems provide a softer light source, creating an environment of comfort in the workplace and potential energy savings.
This Icon is used throughout this catalog to identify Armstrong products with high light reflectance properties.
Indirect lighting in work areas, in particular, is increasingly important in areas without natural light. The indirect lighting leads to higher visual comfort levels, which has been proven to increase employee effectiveness. 74% of lighting designers specify indirect lighting to gain the benefits of “improved illumination” and greater uniformity of horizontal and vertical illumination. Hi-LR ceilings significantly enhance the percentage of indoor light and increase the distribution of daylight deeper into a space – improving performance from natural light as well.
Energy Savings and Lighting Benefits from High-LR Ceilings
Typical acoustical ceiling (LR 0.75) reflects just 75% of the light striking its surface
High LR ceilings are engineered to reflect up to 90% of the light striking their surface
High light reflectance ceiling benefits can include:
High light reflectance ceilings* enhance the benefits of indirect lighting by improving overall lighting uniformity, returning up to 90% of light back into the space, compared to 75% with standard ceilings.
• Total building energy savings up to 11%
– 23% reduction in lighting energy at same light level (fewer indirect lighting fixtures and lamp/ballast replacements)
The energy, cost, and environmental advantages of combining high light reflectance ceilings and indirect lighting were substantiated in a third-party, independent Brinjac Engineering Research Study (“Energy and Environmental Effects of High Light Reflectance Ceilings* in Offices,” 2006).
– 7% savings in cooling system energy
• Increased occupant satisfaction and productivity • Ability to secure tax deductions for energy efficient design*** • Ability to contribute to LEED® credits • More effective use of energy budgets** *** A high light reflectance ceiling – LR 0.83 or greater per ASTM E1477-98 as referred to in ASTM E1264-98 *** Based on standards like those developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) currently being adopted across the U.S.
Indirect Lighting
*** The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005) gives tax credits for energy efficient design below ASHRAE 90.1-2001 standards to encourage owners to reduce energy use below the code required minimum.
TechZone™ Ceiling System with Corelite™ pendant light fixture
Direct Lighting
Armstrong Resources Available to You: • armstrong.com/performance
TechZone Ceiling System with Optima® 4' x 4' field panels and Optima TechZone technical panels
275
• TechLine at 1 877 ARMSTRONG (276-7876) • CS-3808 Energy Savings and Environmental Benefits of High Light Reflective Ceilings • CS-3959 Suspended Ceilings or Open Plenum – Making the Right Choice • Brinjac Engineering Third-party Research Study, “Energy and Environmental Effects of High Light Reflectance Ceilings* in Offices,” 2006 • CEU Course: “Energy Savings and Environmental Benefits of High Light Reflectance Ceilings” • Armstrong web site: Product Selector Tool s
TechLineSM 877 ARmSTRONG armstrong.com/lightreflectance
CS-3808 High Light Reflectance White Paper