Networked Lighting Controls Advanced Capabilities Evaluation: Office Building in Martinez, CA

This research was performed to help those involved with the development and implementation of California’s Title 24, Part 6, Building Energy Efficiency Standards (“Title 24”), better understand the real-world performance of Networked Lighting Controls (NLCs) and their advanced capabilities. NLCs have been touted by lighting manufacturers as an easy and elegant lighting control solution, compared to standalone and individual controls, for meeting Title 24, Part 6 controls requirements. Many NLCs are also equipped with advanced capabilities such as luminaire-level lighting controls (LLLC), built-in energy monitoring, external systems integration, and dynamic demand controls. These control capabilities have become more prominent in the market, but are not a mandatory requirement under Title 24, Part 6, (“Energy Code”) and have not been closely evaluated in a field study environment. This research project aimed to fill this data gap by conducting field monitoring research at a commercial office building in Martinez, California. This case study examines operating field data of LLLC, built-in energy monitoring, external systems integration, and dynamic demand control capabilities to determine real world performance and installation and configuration challenges. From field data analysis results, this case study outlines Energy Code enhancement recommendations and future Code enhancement opportunities.