An analysis of energy and cost saving opportunities : Lighting system considerations for an institutional food service facility

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate and document existing lighting systems and lighting levels, to compare findings to the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) lighting standards (Rodgers, 1998) and to make lighting recommendation for energy and cost savings. Design/methodology/approach Lighting examinations and field measurements were conducted at a large, existing Midwestern institutional food-service facility that has been continuously operational since 1976. Lighting levels of the dining room, checkout line, buffet, kitchen, storage room and conference room were measured and then compared to the IES lighting standards. Recommendations were then made for energy and cost savings. Findings The average light levels in the dining room, checkout line, buffet, storage room and conference room exceeded the industry-recommended light levels. The energy and cost savings were calculated for this study, and the energy- and cost-saving strategies recommended included delamping, replacing lamps and luminaires and installing occupancy sensors. If existing lighting can be updated in an energy- and cost-saving manner, institutional food-service facilities might be made appropriate through renovation, thus extending the life of these facilities. Practical implications This study has practical implications for the many existing institutional food service facilities in workplaces across the USA that could save energy and costs through renovated lighting systems. Originality/value This research constitutes an in situ case study, which gathered empirical lighting data at an existing institutional food-service facility and made recommendations for lighting renovations. Although lighting systems influence dining and kitchen environments, lighting has not always been fully considered in institutional food-service facilities.