The energy-efficient lighting of your commercial building starts with the right choice of LED lighting. Today, LED light is the standard for both new construction and renovations: sustainable, low-maintenance, and designed for the lowest possible energy costs. Nevertheless, the question remains: which system best suits your building and business processes? In this article, we help you choose an efficient and future-proof solution.
We show how you can save even more through intelligent lighting control, such as daylight harvesting, where sensors automatically adjust the light level to daylight and occupancy. You will also learn which fixtures are suitable (e.g., 1–10V/DALI-dimmable LED panels, battens, downlights, and high bays) and when each application makes sense.How to combine comfort with maximum energy savings in your commercial building.
Table of contents
Commercial LED lighting: Types and applications
The best energy-efficient lighting for your commercial building depends on the function of the space, the ceiling height, and the desired light level (lux) – as well as any potential control systems (DALI/1-10V or sensors). These are the four most commonly used solutions:
- LED Panels – For offices and meeting rooms. Uniform, glare-free lighting (e.g.UGR<19), standard sizes 600×600 and 1200×300, recessed/surface-mounted/pendent, often dimmable (DALI/1–10V).
- LED Battens (fluorescent replacement) – For workshops, halls, and corridors. Quick installation, through-wiring possible, including IP65 variants for dusty or damp areas; replaces conventional fluorescent tubes and saves up to 60–70%.
- High Bay Lighting – For high spaces such as warehouses or production facilities (>6 m). High-performance fixtures with lenses (60°/90°/120°), combinable with presence and daylight sensors.
- Track Lighting – For retail, hospitality, and showrooms. Adjustable spotlights on 1-phase, 3-phase, or DALI tracks; flexibly movable and ideal for product accents and changing presentations.
Choose based on room usage, required lux level, and ceiling height; add smart controls where possible to save even more energy. Need help with your selection or a lighting plan? We are happy to advise you and help you make the right choice for your lighting!
Smart technology: Save more with daylight harvesting
With daylight harvesting (daylight-dependent control), the LED lighting automatically dims according to the available natural light.A lux sensor continuously measures the light level in the room; the luminaires are controlled via DALI or 1–10V so that the set target value is reached (e.g., 300–500 lux, depending on usage). In combination with a presence sensor, the lighting automatically switches off after a set run-on time when no one is left in the room. This ensures you always have enough light, never too much, and immediately save energy.
Application areas:
Offices along the facade, corridors, production areas, and warehouses with windows or skylights. Divide the room into zones (facade zone, middle zone) and control the lighting per zone separately. During commissioning, you set min/max values, target value, delay times, and hold time to ensure optimal comfort and energy savings. Requirement: dimmable luminaires (DALI/1–10V), a (multi-)sensor, and a simple controller or lighting control system.
Benefits at a glance:
- Always the right light level, automatically regulated
- Up to approx. 40% energy savings through dimming and switching off
- Longer lifespan of the fixtures due to fewer operating hours
- Comfortable, uniform light, less maintenance and fewer complaints
The video shows how daylight harvesting works in combination with 1–10V dimmable LED fixtures. Explained briefly, clearly, and practically.
Choose the right fixtures: 1–10V or DALI dimmable
Not all LED fixtures are suitable for automatic dimming systems.For daylight harvesting and presence detection, you need dimmable drivers: 1–10V or DALI. This allows you to control the light level smoothly and per zone, ensuring you always have the exact lighting needed and avoiding unnecessary power consumption. When choosing, pay attention to compatibility (driver/power supply), the desired lux level, and the room type (office, hallway, hall, or warehouse).
Suitable fixture types
- LED Panels (1–10V/DALI) – uniform, glare-free light for offices and meeting rooms.
- LED Battens (1–10V/DALI) – quick fluorescent replacement for hallways, halls, and workstations; also available in IP65.
- LED Downlights (1–10V/DALI) – elegant recessed solution for entrance areas, offices, and retail.
- High-Bay Fixtures (1–10V/DALI) – powerful light for high spaces such as warehouses and production facilities.
Practical Tips
With 1–10V dimming, control is achieved via an analog +/− signal, whereas DALI uses a digital bus line that allows you to individually address luminaires or zones and set scenes.
The initial investment in 1–10V or DALI lighting is slightly higher than for non-dimmable solutions, but it is usually quickly recouped through lower energy costs and the longer lifespan of the LED lights.
Combine dimmable lights with a (multi)sensor for daylight and presence detection to achieve maximum efficiency.
Check out our matching lights here!
In short
With the right combination of LED lights, intelligent control (1–10V or DALI), as well as daylight and presence sensors, you can illuminate your company building comfortably and as energy-efficiently as possible.Choose the right lighting for every room, from panels and battens to high bays or track lighting, and control the desired lux level per zone for maximum savings and lifespan.
