Pilot / Project Highlights
- Demonstrated the use of occupancy signals from NLC/LLLC lighting systems to drive HVAC control strategies via the building automation system (BAS).
- Targeted Deep Energy Savings: Focused on achieving greater energy efficiency by coordinating lighting and HVAC operations in real-time.
- Enhanced Incentives for Participants: Participating sites received increased financial incentives to offset project costs. Participating contractors also received incentives.
- Free Technical Assistance: Project teams were supported with technical guidance throughout implementation.
- Measurement and Verification (M&V): Energy savings and performance outcomes were tracked through complimentary M&V services to quantify impact.
- Market Readiness Testing: The pilot provided insight into the readiness of existing systems and teams to adopt integrated control strategies at scale.
Key Outcomes
Explain key outcomes and or milestones achieved for the Pilot/ Demonstration Project.
The NLC + HVAC pilot/demonstration projects achieved several important outcomes that inform future program development and implementation:
- Verified Energy Savings: Both demonstration sites achieved 12–17% HVAC system energy savings by leveraging existing networked lighting control (NLC) systems' occupancy sensors to enhance HVAC control. These results validate the potential of integrated lighting and HVAC controls to deliver meaningful energy reductions.
- Proof of Concept: The pilot demonstrated that NLC systems, when integrated with HVAC controls, can unlock additional savings, providing greater value from what is typically a high-cost lighting measure. This supports the case for expanding NLC beyond lighting-only applications.
- Validated Strategy Across Building Types: While the two demonstration sites had relatively modest savings compared to other potential building types, both showed measurable energy savings without negatively impacting occupant comfort. This suggests that the strategy is broadly applicable across building types, though savings will vary by site.
- Engaged Key Stakeholders: The pilot generated strong interest from institutional stakeholders, especially in the school and government sectors, as well as from ESCOs and technically capable trade allies. One trade ally even expressed willingness to co-host an informational event, indicating market momentum.
- Identified Implementation Challenges: The demonstration revealed that controls integration projects are technically complex and that retrofitting onto previously installed NLC systems introduces unexpected barriers. For example, BACnet communication was not enabled by default on previously installed NLC systems, increasing the cost of implementing controls integration.
- Revealed Site Feasibility Variability: The pilot faced a setback with the disenrollment of two school sites, underlining the significant variability in site feasibility. This emphasized the need for better upfront site screening and contingency planning.
Lessons Learned
- Recruitment challenges impacted the project timeline and scope due to the disenrollment of two school sites, highlighting the importance of backup recruitment strategies despite long lead times.
- Controls integration at sites with pre-existing NLC systems proved less viable than anticipated, as enabling BACnet functionality was not standard practice. Early coordination in project planning is critical.
- Proper sequencing, commissioning, and verification are vital to fully realize energy savings from controls-based measures.
- Energy savings outcomes vary significantly by site characteristics, underscoring the need for site-specific evaluation and targeting.
Recommendations and Next Steps
The demonstration confirmed that integrating Networked Lighting Controls (NLC) with HVAC systems is technically feasible and has strong potential for meaningful energy savings. To scale this strategy within Focus on Energy, the following steps are recommended:
- Target High-Opportunity Markets
Focus outreach on large, energy-intensive, owner-occupied buildings with variable occupancy patterns—such as schools, government facilities, healthcare sites, and offices—that have compatible HVAC/BAS infrastructure. - Screen Sites for Savings Potential
Use tools like the DLC’s NLC-HVAC Integration Decision Tree to assess feasibility. Require upfront zone maps and detailed cost estimates for both lighting and HVAC controls before project enrollment. - Leverage Qualified Trade Allies
Identify a small group of technically proficient vendors to act as “project expediters” who can both pinpoint ideal sites and coordinate implementation of lighting and HVAC controls. - Prioritize Full Retrofit Projects
Encourage full lighting retrofits in tandem with HVAC integration to minimize cost and complexity, rather than retrofitting existing systems in isolation. - Assign an Integration Manager
Require each project to designate an “integration manager” responsible for coordinating between lighting and HVAC teams and troubleshooting technical issues. - Verify Operation Before Incentive Payment
Use a standardized checklist to confirm that controls integration is properly configured and functioning before releasing incentives. - Offer Technical Assistance and Training
Provide engineering support, HVAC control sequence guidance, and training materials to vendors and facility staff. Leverage existing educational tools to reduce time-to-launch. - Adopt Performance-Based Incentives
Offer custom incentives based on verified implementation and savings. Consider bonus structures to reward successful vendor collaboration and complete integrations. - Streamline Savings Calculations
Use TRM-derived deemed savings factors by building type, with a few project-specific inputs, to simplify savings and incentive estimates.
