An examination of lighting system energy and cost savings for cafeterias at the workplace

The purpose of this study was to examine lighting system energy and cost savings at an existing U.S. Government facility's cafeteria. The objectives of the study included (1) investigating and documenting existing lighting systems and measuring lighting levels, (2) comparing findings to the industry lighting standards, and (3) making lighting recommendation for energy and cost savings. Lighting examinations and field measurements were conducted at an existing Midwestern U.S. Government facility's cafeteria built in 1976 and currently in operation. Four spaces: the dining room, checkout line, buffet and kitchen were included for this study. The light levels in the two measured areas which had both electric light and daylight contributions, the checkout line and dining room, exceeded the industry recommendations for lighting levels. The other two areas, the buffet and kitchen, were illuminated by electric light only and exhibited no daylight contributions. The average light levels in the buffet area, one of the two measured areas which had electric light only, exceeded the industry recommendations for lighting levels. For energy and cost saving, de-lamping all six-lamp luminaires down to three lamps in the dining room, replacing lamps in the checkout line and installing occupancy sensors for all four areas were recommended. The cost savings were calculated. If existing lighting can be updated in an energy and cost saving manner, cafeteria lighting might be made appropriate through renovation, thus extending the life of this and other existing workplace cafeterias.