Energy Effective Courtroom Lighting: An Analysis of Existing Conditions and Recommended Improvements
Providing high quality and energy efficient lighting in courtrooms is a complex task, and it represents a greater challenge than most other Federal space types. Energy efficient lighting in courtrooms must be accomplished with no sacrifice in quality; efficiency must be effectively invisible to the occupants. The Whole Building Design Guide puts forth the goals well: “As the preeminent symbol of Federal authority in local communities, a Federal courthouse must express solemnity, stability, integrity, rigor and fairness.” The courtrooms themselves must have a sense of majesty and be aesthetically inspiring. When paired with the visual needs in a courtroom—given the wide variety of tasks and the critical nature of the courtroom proceedings—one has a challenge indeed. In consideration of these issue, this report reviews existing conditions in courtrooms and provides specific guidance about solutions that will accomplish the dual objectives of high quality and energy efficiency. The material covers all aspects of courtroom lighting, including design criteria, design and application strategies, energy efficient technologies, procurement and team selection, design process and implementation, and education. A detailed energy analysis was performed to develop a baseline for energy consumption in courtroom lighting, and the primary root cause was found to be a high use of incandescent technology. Point-by-point calculations were completed to provide an energy efficient alternative that met the high level of criteria for performance in courtrooms. Additional detailed guidance has been provided in the spirit of a holistic solution. It is hoped and anticipated that the recommended solutions will transform courtroom lighting towards both energy efficiency and high quality lighting. This is more important than ever before given the passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which significantly changes the energy usage requirements in Federal Buildings. Ultimately it is possible to support the critical and high stakes proceedings in courtrooms while still meeting the civic duty of designing for energy efficiency and sustainability.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 947510
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-15735; 400480000; TRN: US200908%%26
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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