Lighting Audits in the Digital Age

By Randy Reid with Parker Allen

In recent years, the lighting industry has experienced a significant shift towards sustainability, driven by government initiatives, consumer preferences, and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) factors. The result is an increase in the complexity and sophistication of lighting systems, which has led to a greater need for standardization and digitalization in lighting audits.

Jeff Seifert, the Managing Member and COO of StreamLinx, highlighted the importance of standardization and digitalization in the lighting industry. While presenting at a learning lab at the NALMCO Spring Seminar with BJ Pidgeon, Senior Project Engineer at Current, Seifert emphasized standardization as critical for creating a common language for all involved in the industry to communicate effectively. This is especially important since many parties collaborate on projects, and there is a need for everyone to be on the same page.

After their presentation, Seifert and Pidgeon sat down with LM&M magazine to discuss the audit process further. Standardization is not just essential for communication; it is also critical for ensuring quality outcomes. Pidgeon explained that a standardization format can help eliminate potential setbacks by identifying and resolving issues upfront. This is where the STAR (Standardized Targeted Audit Requirements) audit approach comes in. STAR focuses on the people and processes involved in an audit, rather than just the inputs and outputs. It takes a flexible approach, allowing auditors to determine the data points they consider relevant. This ensures that audits are tailored to the specific needs of the project and that the results are accurate.

Seifert explained that digitalization has enabled auditors to move away from handwritten notes and use digital platforms instead to record data accurately. Digitalization automates processes, increases efficiency and accuracy, and eliminates errors that are common with manual processes. Digitalization has also facilitated collaboration, allowing different parties to communicate effectively and ensure that the projects stay on track.

One of the key points emphasized was the need for a common nomenclature in the industry to avoid confusion and errors in data collection. For example, some may call a typical office fixture a 2x4 troffer; others call it a lay-in, while others may refer to it as a 4-Lamp T8. With multiple contractors and auditors having their own languages and dialects, it is critical to enforce a standardized naming convention to ensure a streamlined audit program.

One common challenge in the past was the difficulty of reading handwritten notes taken in the field. Seifert suggests using digital tools, such as tablets or smartphones, to record data in a self-contained app. The SnapCount app comes preconfigured with the data needed for each task and includes wizards to help build-out existing fixture types. This can also include features such as taking photos or 360-degree views of the space. By leveraging digitalization, energy audits can be conducted more efficiently and accurately, allowing professionals to focus on delivering quality outcomes.

In addition to providing a more complete data set, mapping and floor planning are essential for communicating a sense of place to the various teams involved in the lighting design process. This is especially important for controls, as the precise location of fixtures and sensors is crucial for effective operation.

If drawings are not readily available, mapping and floor planning can be done using a variety of methods, such as Google satellite images or taking a photo of the egress plan. Regardless of the method, having a sense of place is crucial for effective auditing. It allows teams to communicate more efficiently and ensures that the final product meets the needs of the client. With the use of digital platforms, mapping and floor planning have become easier than ever, streamlining the workflow and improving the overall quality of the lighting design process.

Teams can easily identify what fixtures are in a room and where they are located by pinning data to a map or floor plan. When the right number of fixtures is put on the right pallet for the right room, it becomes easier to deliver the materials to the exact location they are needed. In high-rise buildings, accurate mapping ensures fixtures are delivered to the 27th floor, rather than mistakenly sending them to the 28th or 29th floors.

Proper documentation is crucial in any energy audit program. It is not just about jotting down the voltage rating on a piece of paper. How did the auditor arrive at that datapoint? Primary sources are paramount. They include photographs of the panel, panel schedules, and breakers. For instance, an auditor can take a photo of a 277-volt shorting cap on a fixture or the presence of a ballast label.

Secondary sources, such as attic stock or boxes found in the recycle bin, are important but may not be as reliable. It is essential to corroborate such findings with primary sources. An auditor may be told that a parking lot light is a 480-volt metal halide. Is this actually the case, or was that just assumed? This is why it is important to document such information with pictures to provide evidence of the actual voltage.

Pidgeon and Seifert also highlighted the need for certification and continuous improvement in the auditing process. Having certified auditors who have gone through an online course and passed an examination can demonstrate a company's commitment to precision and accountability.

Certification in the lighting industry has become increasingly important in recent years. It is seen as a way to differentiate players in the industry and to demonstrate that one has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform a lighting audit. A few years ago, a SnapCount certification was created to certify individuals in performing investment-grade audits. This certification requires passing an online course and examination, as well as completing a number of investmentgrade audits. Recently, there has been a push to create a national certification for lighting auditors through NALMCO, which will further solidify the importance of certification in the industry. Both Seifert and Pidgeon sit on this audit certification committee.

By continually reviewing and improving the audit process, auditors can become more efficient and effective, delivering higher quality results and avoiding costly mistakes in the future. It's essential to work closely with auditors to identify areas for improvement and to provide feedback on the quality and accuracy of the audit process. Ultimately, the goal is to create a standardized and digitalized audit process that produces reliable and accurate data, promotes collaboration and communication, and supports sustainability efforts. ■