Encourage an integrated design that includes input from the design team and owners, as well as the architect, lighting designer, mechanical engineer, and others - to align space utilization, window treatments, lighting layout, and thermal zoning to create the most effective design.
The energy modeler should be contracted during early design phase to provide recommendations for a high-performing system and equipment selection along with ideas about potential energy savings, cost estimates, and payback periods.
If your project has a larger HVAC scope, one that includes boilers, chillers, or air handling units, it may make sense to develop an energy model to assist in system sizing and selection.
Periodically check the calibration of the setpoints on daylight sensors, and adjust for seasonal daylight changes. Make sure that sensors are being used as intended, and not overridden by occupants.
While each space will have its requirements for sensor placement, public hallways and bathrooms are often set to “high sensitivity”—to turn on the lights with the slightest movement—while private office spaces and conference rooms need to be set at moderate sensitivity levels.
Optimal sensor settings vary depending on how the space will be used, its size, geometry, and the specific sensor specified. Have the controls designer coordinate closely with the sensor manufacturer to determine the best settings for the sensor type and space.
Develop your furniture layout and space design with sensors in mind. For example, if a space is divided by half-height partitions that block sunlight for occupants beyond, it makes sense to locate the daylight sensor on the daylit side of the partition.
For maximum efficiency, develop a lighting layout that ties a daylight sensor to the fixtures closest to windows and another sensor to those deeper into the space.
