Lighting and Controls
Introducing efficient lighting and smart control systems into your building can deliver significant energy savings and reduce operational costs. Upgrading lighting not only improves energy efficiency but also reduces raw material consumption, lowers your carbon footprint, and enhances the overall quality of your indoor environment. Modern lighting solutions also contribute to better occupant comfort, improved visual performance and a more sustainable building operation overall. For many businesses, lighting upgrades are one of the fastest and most cost‑effective ways to reduce energy use and demonstrate progress toward sustainability goals.
How can TEA help?
Our team will assess your building to identify the most effective lighting upgrades to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs. We evaluate your existing lighting layout, usage patterns and building requirements, and recommend the most suitable LED solutions and smart control systems for your space. This includes reviewing opportunities for daylight integration, occupancy-based control strategies and system optimisation to ensure your lighting operates as efficiently as possible.
We also provide a detailed estimate of the cost savings achievable through these improvements, helping you make informed decisions that deliver long-term value. Our goal is to ensure your lighting system not only reduces energy consumption but also enhances comfort, productivity and the overall performance of your building.
We provide a detailed estimate of the cost savings achievable through these improvements, helping you make informed decisions that deliver long-term value.
What changes to lighting and control systems can I make?
Switch to LED Lighting
Replacing traditional fluorescent or halogen bulbs with LEDs is one of the simplest and most effective upgrades. LEDs convert a much higher percentage of electrical energy into visible light, meaning they use less electricity to produce the same brightness. Introducing LEDs lowers your energy consumption as they use significantly less electricity than traditional bulbs. Their much longer lifespan reduces maintenance costs, and they provide light that is closer to natural daylight, improving comfort and visibility. Their flicker‑free operation is essential for offices, schools and any environment where eye strain must be minimised. LEDs are also dimmable, allowing lighting levels to be adjusted to suit different tasks and further enhance energy efficiency.
Integrate Smart Lighting Controls
Smart lighting controls further enhance efficiency by ensuring lights are only used when needed. Occupancy sensors automatically switch lighting on or off based on room use, while daylight harvesting adjusts artificial lighting in response to available natural light. Time scheduling ensures lighting follows operational hours, and zonal control allows different areas of a building to be managed independently. When integrated with a building management system, these controls optimise lighting performance throughout the day, reducing waste and improving comfort. Smart controls also help extend the lifespan of lighting equipment by reducing unnecessary operating hours, contributing to lower long‑term maintenance costs.
Why choose Tipperary Energy Agency?
25+ Years Delivering Ireland's Energy Transition
Tipperary Energy Agency is a not-for-profit social enterprise founded in 1998. We have been at the forefront of energy efficiency and retrofit in Ireland ever since, working with local authorities, communities, businesses, and the public sector across the country.
25+ Years of Experience
Over two decades supporting Ireland's transition to sustainable energy use.
25+ Years of Experience
Over two decades supporting Ireland's transition to sustainable energy use.
40+ European Projects
Successfully completed more than 40 national and EU research and demonstration projects
40+ European Projects
Successfully completed more than 40 national and EU research and demonstration projects
€1.4M Savings Delivered
Helped Tipperary County Council alone achieve over €1.4M in energy cost savings.
€1.4M Savings Delivered
Helped Tipperary County Council alone achieve over €1.4M in energy cost savings.
SEAI Registered Auditors
Our auditors are SEAI-registered Certified Energy Managers (CEMs), meeting all statutory requirements.
SEAI Registered Auditors
Our auditors are SEAI-registered Certified Energy Managers (CEMs), meeting all statutory requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much energy can I save by switching to LED lighting?
LEDs use significantly less electricity than traditional fluorescent or halogen bulbs, meaning most businesses see substantial reductions in lighting‑related energy consumption. Savings typically range from 50–80% depending on the building and existing lighting setup.
What are smart lighting controls and how do they help?
Smart controls optimise when and how lighting is used. They can automatically adjust lighting based on occupancy, daylight levels, time schedules or building zones. This reduces energy waste and ensures lighting is only used when needed.
Will LED lighting improve comfort in my building?
LEDs provide light that is closer to natural daylight, improving visibility and comfort. Their flicker‑free operation is particularly important in offices, schools and environments where eye strain must be minimised.
Can lighting controls be added to my existing system?
In most cases, yes. Many modern control systems can be retrofitted to existing lighting infrastructure, allowing you to improve efficiency without a full lighting replacement.
Do I need a Building Management System (BMS) to use smart controls?
No. While integration with a BMS can enhance performance, standalone lighting control systems can still deliver significant energy savings and improved control.
How do I know which lighting or control upgrades my building needs?
A professional assessment will review your current lighting, usage patterns and building layout to identify the most effective upgrades. This ensures you invest in the right solutions for maximum energy and cost savings.
Are there any lower-interest loans available to me?
There may be green finance and energy-efficiency funding options available through banks and other finance providers for organisations investing in energy efficiency and building improvements.
TEA can help develop the technical and financial case for your project and identify potential funding and financing options.
Speak to an expert
Looking for the right solution for your facility? Contact us today to discuss your needs and see how we can support your goals.



