Installing Room Occupancy Sensors

Occupancy sensors detect the presence or absence of people and turn lights on and off accordingly.  Used properly, occupancy sensors can be a cost-effective tool for reducing the operating time and output of lighting systems, cutting energy consumption and – usually to a lesser extent – peak demand.  We have had occupancy sensors in our gymnasiums for a number of years which have resulted in electricity reductions in those areas of close to 30%, but in 2010 we stepped up the program by installing them in elementary school classrooms for those times that occupants forget to turn off the lights when they vacate the room.  We expect the multi-year program to continue as long as funding is available, but in the meantime remember… the best occupancy sensor is the human one!

Funding assistance has come from the BC Hydro PowerSmart Product Incentive Program.