Learn what are the best KPIs for measuring and monitoring the energy efficiency of your building's lighting system and how to use them.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for measuring energy efficiency in a building's lighting system include metrics such as total energy consumption (kWh), energy intensity (kWh/m²), lighting power density (LPD), occupancy sensors effectiveness, daylight harvesting efficiency, lumen output per watt (Lm/W), maintenance factor, color rendering index (CRI), carbon footprint (CO2 emissions), relamp cycle, lighting controls utilization, and return on investment (ROI). These KPIs collectively offer insights into the technical and environmental performance of the lighting system.

What are the best KPIs for measuring energy efficiency in a building's lighting system?

Lighting is one of the most significant energy consumers in a building, accounting for up to 40% of the total electricity use. Therefore, improving the energy efficiency of the lighting system can have a huge impact on the building's performance, environmental footprint, and operational costs. But how can you measure and monitor the energy efficiency of your lighting system? What are the best key performance indicators (KPIs) to use? In this article, we will explore some of the most common and useful KPIs for lighting energy efficiency and how to calculate and apply them.

1 Energy Consumption per Area

This KPI measures the total amount of energy used by the lighting system in a given area, such as a floor, a room, or a zone. It is usually expressed in kilowatt-hours per square meter (kWh/m2) or kilowatt-hours per square foot (kWh/ft2). This KPI helps you compare the energy performance of different areas within the same building or across different buildings. It also helps you identify areas with high or low energy consumption and potential for improvement.

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TAHIR RAZA
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The best best KPI is LPD, lighting power density, Ashrae 90.1 has detailed information and benchmarked the LPD for various settings.

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Sameeksha SP, Ph.D.

Climate Finance Strategist | Passionately Curious about Sustainable Investment | Committed to Driving Climate Solutions
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Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for measuring energy efficiency in a building's lighting system include metrics such as total energy consumption (kWh), energy intensity (kWh/m²), lighting power density (LPD), occupancy sensors effectiveness, daylight harvesting efficiency, lumen output per watt (Lm/W), maintenance factor, color rendering index (CRI), carbon footprint (CO2 emissions), relamp cycle, lighting controls utilization, and return on investment (ROI). These KPIs collectively offer insights into the technical and environmental performance of the lighting system.

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2 Energy Consumption per Occupant

This KPI measures the total amount of energy used by the lighting system per occupant, such as a staff member, a student, or a visitor. It is usually expressed in kilowatt-hours per person (kWh/person) or kilowatt-hours per capita (kWh/capita). This KPI helps you assess the energy efficiency of the lighting system in relation to the occupancy level and the activity of the users. It also helps you optimize the lighting system to match the occupancy patterns and the needs of the users.

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Sameeksha SP, Ph.D.

Climate Finance Strategist | Passionately Curious about Sustainable Investment | Committed to Driving Climate Solutions
Report contribution
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for measuring energy efficiency in a building's lighting system include metrics such as total energy consumption (kWh), energy intensity (kWh/m²), lighting power density (LPD), occupancy sensors effectiveness, daylight harvesting efficiency, lumen output per watt (Lm/W), maintenance factor, color rendering index (CRI), carbon footprint (CO2 emissions), relamp cycle, lighting controls utilization, and return on investment (ROI). These KPIs collectively offer insights into the technical and environmental performance of the lighting system.

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3 Energy Consumption per Unit of Output

This KPI measures the total amount of energy used by the lighting system per unit of output, such as a product, a service, or a revenue. It is usually expressed in kilowatt-hours per unit (kWh/unit) or kilowatt-hours per dollar (kWh/$). This KPI helps you evaluate the energy efficiency of the lighting system in relation to the value or the quality of the output. It also helps you align the lighting system with the goals and the performance of the organization.

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4 Lighting Power Density

This KPI measures the average power used by the lighting system in a given area, such as a floor, a room, or a zone. It is usually expressed in watts per square meter (W/m2) or watts per square foot (W/ft2). This KPI helps you compare the power demand of the lighting system with the standards or the benchmarks for similar types of spaces. It also helps you design and select the most appropriate and efficient lighting fixtures and controls for each space.

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5 Lighting Quality Index

This KPI measures the quality of the lighting system in terms of its visual comfort, safety, and aesthetics. It is usually expressed as a score or a rating based on various criteria, such as illuminance, color temperature, color rendering, glare, uniformity, and dimming. This KPI helps you ensure that the lighting system meets the expectations and the preferences of the users. It also helps you balance the energy efficiency of the lighting system with its quality and functionality.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the best KPIs for measuring energy efficiency in a building's lighting system?

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1 Energy Consumption per Area

2 Energy Consumption per Occupant

3 Energy Consumption per Unit of Output

4 Lighting Power Density

5 Lighting Quality Index

6 Here’s what else to consider

Energy Management

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