Energy simulation analysis for lighting in an academic building

Optimizing the energy efficiency in a building is far more cost effective measure to reduce carbon emissions compare by using renewable energy while facing growing demand of electricity. Lighting is considered as one of the highest components within academic building in Malaysia for approximately of 19% electricity consumption. Effective lighting system is one of the Energy Conservative Measure (ECM) implement by UTeM’s management since initiation of UTeM Energy Policy 2015 as an alternative to reduce energy consumption. The aims of this study is to simulate lighting distribution of existing lighting system and applied effective lighting system within Kompleks Makmal Kejuruteraan Mekanikal (KMKM) building without compromising indoor comfort. Thus, IES-VE software is selected as medium to simulate the existing lighting distribution and determine the most practical and energy efficient ECM using lighting system at KMKM building. Standard light level is strictly followed based on three sources namely as Malaysia Standard, Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) and IES Standard Illumination Level. Retrofitting lighting system for this study involved replaced inefficient existing lighting system which consists of T8 fluorescent and metal halide high bay with LEDs lamps together with minor adjustment on existing lighting layout. IES-VE simulation results show that both pre-retrofit and post-retrofit achieved recommended value. However, post-retrofit clearly have better illumination and more energy efficient. By implementing effective lighting system, 43.144 kW can be reduced monthly. This indicated, RM 30,235.20 annually of electricity bill is reduced while 55,500.48 kg CO2 of carbon emission can be avoided for each year