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One of the easiest ways to save energy is to upgrade the lighting system in your business. We offer incentives on a variety of energy efficient lighting technologies.

For lighting technologies that are eligible for incentives, see our Eligible Product List.

T8 fluorescent lighting

T8s are slim, high-efficiency fluorescent lamps with better phosphors that generate more light per watt than conventional lighting.

For renovation projects, consider replacing the entire fixture with a high performance fixture to achieve additional energy savings.

T8 energy efficient lamps can directly replace original T8s. Available in four-foot length, these lamps provide greater energy savings with all the same great features of the original T8s. The level of light generated by energy efficient lamps may vary slightly from the original lamps.

Benefits

  • same layout and design as T12 systems, but wider product range;
  • 20 to 30 per cent more efficient than T12 systems;
  • hold light level better than T12 lamps;
  • produce 90 per cent of original output after 40 per cent of average life;
  • quiet, virtually flicker-free operation;
  • high performance fixtures direct more light downward, meaning fewer fixtures and lamps deliver the same amount of light;
  • reduce business costs.

If you plan to upgrade lighting, think of the whole facility and consider all energy efficient lighting options in order to maximize your savings and to minimize overhead (set-up, shipping and handling, permit, labour costs, etc). If you are not able to convert your whole facility to energy efficient lighting, consider upgrading a designated area all at one time.

For more information contact us.

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T5 fluorescent lighting

T5s are slim, high-efficient fluorescent lamps. T5 systems are ideal for design applications that require indirect lighting.

T5 systems are well suited for retail, hospitality, and commercial spaces, where products can be highlighted with profile lighting. T5s are ideal for high mounting heights in large retail or industrial applications.

T5 high output ballasts are not recommended for use in vapour-tight fixtures due to high heat build-up.

T5 energy efficient high output lamps can directly replace original T5s. Available in four-foot length, these lamps provide greater energy savings with all the same great features of the original T5s. The level of light generated by energy efficient lamps may vary slightly from the original lamps.

Benefits

  • greater design flexibility;
  • higher lumen output at higher temperatures than T12 and T8 lamps;
  • hold light level better than T12 and most T8 lamps;
  • produce 95 per cent of original output after 40 per cent of average life;
  • offer more light, more uniformed distribution of light, better colour rendition, and greater efficiency;
  • T5 high output lamps offer higher light output, meaning fewer lamps per fixture;
  • less energy consumption.

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Induction fluorescent lighting

Induction lighting is similar to conventional fluorescents, except that it is electrode-free and has magnetic coils that transfer electricity to the inside of the lamp with the use of a high frequency magnetic field. Since there are no metal electrodes, this type of lighting has a long life.

Depending on the optics of the fixture, induction lighting can be installed in high ceilings and can be a good alternative to high intensity discharge including standard/probe start metal halide and pulse start metal halide, or linear fluorescent lighting such as T8 lighting and T5 high output lighting.

Light output drops as temperature drops, so the lamp needs to build-up heat to get brighter. Be aware of fixture construction.

Benefits

  • energy efficient;
  • extremely long life with an estimated average rated life of 100,000 hours;
  • instant start;
  • no re-strike time;
  • can be used in extremely low temperatures and has a lower cold temperature start at –40 C (–40 F) compared to regular fluorescent lighting at –30 C (–22 F);
  • bright, white, and fuller spectrum of light with a higher colour rendering index (CRI > 80) than metal halide (CRI = 65);
  • available in a variety of correlated color temperatures (CCT = 3,000 K – 6,500 K).

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Compact fluorescent lighting

Compact fluorescents are a cost effective choice to replace incandescent fixtures. Many compact fluorescents produce a light similar to that of an incandescent bulb. They are available with a screw-in base (one-piece integral ballast) or as a hard-wired option (two-piece remote ballast).

Compact fluorescents require special dimmers when light levels need to be adjusted. Use caution when selecting compact fluorescents for outdoor use because some models are hard to start in extremely cold temperatures, such as –30 C (–22 F).

Locations such as bathrooms, where the lights are switched on and off frequently, are not good applications.

Benefits

  • available in a range of wattages and optional multi-lamp circuitry to match a wide range of needs;
  • energy saving electronic circuitry eliminates the hum and flicker of ordinary fluorescent lights;
  • last about 10 times longer than incandescents and can save up to 75 per cent in energy costs;
  • ideal for illuminating hallways, corridors, and hard-to-reach areas with operating cycles of three hours or more;
  • lamps on for at least 10 hours per start will last longer, resulting in labour savings.

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Metal halide lighting

One of the most efficient white light sources available, metal halide is an excellent energy saving choice where high output and good colour rendition are important.

Metal halide energy efficient replacement lamps can directly replace original metal halide lamps. These lamps provide greater energy savings with all the same great features of the original technology. The level of light generated by energy efficient lamps may vary slightly from the original lamps.

It is not recommended to use occupancy sensors with metal halide lighting due to re-strike and warm-up times, and because frequent switching significantly reduces lamp life.

All metal halide fixtures must be totally enclosed for safety.

Electronic and magnetic ballasts are available. Electronic ballasts are more energy efficient, have a higher power factor, and less total harmonic distortion than traditional magnetic ballasts.

Benefits

  • Standard/probe start (quartz) metal halide
    • 35 per cent more efficient than mercury vapour;
    • up to 60 per cent more efficient than incandescent or quartz lighting;
    • sheds an efficient "white" light, good for colour rendition.
  • Pulse start (quartz) metal halide
    • up to 20 per cent more light per watt than standard metal halide;
    • lasts longer with lower maintenance costs;
    • produces a "whiter" light for better colour rendition;
    • faster start-up and re-strike time than standard metal halide.
  • Pulse start (ceramic) metal halide
    • 90 per cent higher colour rendering index than quartz metal halide;
    • best colour consistency in the metal halide family;
    • lamps work with high pressure sodium ballasts, allowing instant retrofit to white light.

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High pressure sodium lighting

High pressure sodium lighting is one of the most energy efficient types of lighting available.

The standard for most parking lot and exterior lighting, high pressure sodium produces an amber light that is also appropriate for commercial interiors, warehouses, and industrial working areas.

Benefits

  • softer, warmer colour is very pleasing in many work environments where colour rendition is less important;
  • very economical initial capital costs;
  • very low operating costs;
  • 12 times more efficient than mercury vapour, incandescent, and quartz systems.

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Occupancy sensors

Occupancy sensors are wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted units that sense heat and/or motion to automatically turn on lights when someone enters a room or corridor.

Occupancy sensors are not practical for use with high intensity discharge lighting systems due to the long re-strike and warm-up time, and because frequent switching reduces lamp life.

Rapid-start or programmed-start ballasts allow frequent switching without negative impact on lamp life, and are recommended for use with fluorescent lighting systems.

Benefits

  • save energy and money by turning off lights after periods of inactivity;
  • can be adjusted for minimum "on" time and sensitivity;
  • can be configured to keep lights off at times of moderate daylight;
  • useful for individual offices and photocopy, coffee, storage, or conference rooms that remain unoccupied for longer than 15 minutes.

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Light emitting diode (LED) exit signs

Exit signs powered by LEDs are 80 to 90 per cent more efficient than traditional incandescent exit signs. With an operating cycle of 24 hours per day, it pays to convert to LED signs.

Only new signs that meet CSA standards, C22.2-C860-01 for signs with EXIT or C22.2-141-10 for signs with the running man, are eligible for an incentive. Retrofit products may be considered in exceptional circumstances, such as when installing a new sign is impractical. Installing a new LED exit sign is recommended whenever possible.

Benefits

  • use very little power (less than 5 watts, in contrast to at least 30 watts for incandescent exit signs);
  • up to 90 per cent drop in power consumption;
  • no re-lamping for about 10 years;
  • major savings in labour and replacement costs;
  • meets building code;
  • better visibility.

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Light emitting diode (LED) backlit signage

LEDs are semiconductor devices that convert electrical energy into distinct colours of light. They are compact devices without moving parts, glass components or filaments to break. LED backlit signs use LEDs as one-to-one replacements for standard 15 mm neon tubes.

Benefits

  • up to 90 per cent more efficient than neon systems with the same light output;
  • lower energy costs;
  • lower voltage wires (less than 50 volts) compared to neon (10,000 volts or more) do not deteriorate or pose a fire risk, resulting in lower risk of property loss and lower insurance premiums;
  • 50,000 to 100,000 hour product life, resulting in fewer system changes and disruptions, and lower maintenance costs;
  • more resistant to vibration, salt corrosion, temperature, and humidity;
  • emit a specific wavelength of light that can be customized to match the colour of the sign face material;
  • electrical connections ensure that an outage of one LED does not affect the entire system.

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Day lighting

Day lighting systems can save money and energy when the light levels are controlled. Using a system containing dimming ballasts, along with a day lighting sensor helps to control and adjust light levels as day light becomes available.

In exterior lighting applications, a multi-point controller can be wired to turn lights off in signs and canopies when it senses that outdoor light levels are high enough.

To increase savings from day light, consider using an occupancy sensor with build in day light sensors, that will keep lights off when spaces are occupied and there is sufficient day light.

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