The facility doesn’t have any switches for the lighting. The common area lighting and individual room lighting are 100% occupancy sensor controlled and also operate LUX-based meaning the lights turn on only when there is insufficient lighting in that area. The work areas and the conference & training room lights can be turned on/off using touch panels installed in respective areas as per specific needs. Minimum selected lighting in the work area is switched on automatically by the building automation system based on a schedule that takes care of the lighting needs in respective areas. Additional lighting can remain on only for a defined time (example: 30 to 150 minutes maximum) using the touch panel, and turn off automatically or when the floor becomes empty which is detected using the access control system integration. This prevents energy wastage due to people often forget to switch off the lights when they leave that area.
Multiple lux sensors combined with occupancy/motion sensors available today in the market have been tested by SIERRA and found not to work satisfactorily since LUX adjustment is analog and difficult to change when needed without the help of a technician. This facility uses a few common LUX sensors (minimizing costs) and managers using individual cabins use the eFACiLiTY® Smart Building App to calibrate their personal preferences making it very user-friendly. The users can use the option to override the settings as and when required and use their smartphones to switch on the lighting manually.
The facility uses 100% mercury-free lighting, 100% of the used lighting is fully automated, and has achieved a phenomenal 80% better light power density over ASHRAE standards. The building also meets the light pollution reduction requirements for green buildings.
There are touch panels installed in the main areas of the building, using which the occupants can control the lighting and air-conditioning if they have the required privileges. While switching on such equipment, the system forces them to select the time in minutes to switch on the device to ensure that it is not permanently left on leading to a waste of energy.
Considering the maximum use of sunlight, all the systems are placed in a way that allows daylight and prevents glare. Apart from controlling the window blind management, lighting, HVAC, etc., in the eFACiLiTY® building, here are a few recent updates:
- General lighting through LED fittings and illumination levels will be generally in line with the National Building Code of India 2016 & Energy Conservation Building Code 2007 Guidelines which match the EN 12464-1: 2011 standard
- Supplement lighting is also provided for all the employees along with educational materials on circadian rhythm, sleep hygiene, age-related increase in light requirements, and/or the importance of daylight exposure on circadian and mental health
- Currently, building occupants enjoy the benefit of 86% daylight and 97% natural views inside the building, which helps to improve occupant health and reduce mental fatigue