How to Conduct a Commercial Lighting Audit

March 10, 2025

Your Guide to Commercial Lighting Audits

A step-by-step guide to optimizing your facility’s lighting for energy efficiency and long-term savings.

Lighting plays an important role in any commercial facility, affecting productivity, safety, and energy consumption. A commercial lighting audit is the first step toward identifying inefficiencies, reducing costs, and upgrading to more energy-efficient solutions. Businesses that switch to LED retrofits benefit from lower energy consumption, reduced maintenance costs, and improved illumination—enhancing both workplace comfort and operational efficiency.

At EarthTronics, we specialize in high-performance LED lighting solutions that provide a positive economic and environmental impact. This guide will walk you through how to conduct a commercial lighting audit, evaluate cost-saving opportunities, and implement EarthTronics LED solutions to maximize efficiency.

Step 1: Define Your Lighting Goals

Before beginning a lighting audit, it’s important to establish clear objectives. What are the primary issues with your current lighting system? Common reasons for conducting an audit include:

Reducing energy consumption to lower utility bills
Improving light quality for better productivity and comfort
Reducing maintenance costs by upgrading to long-lasting LEDs
Enhancing safety and compliance with proper illumination levels
Optimizing light distribution for more uniform and effective coverage

By defining these goals upfront, businesses can ensure their lighting retrofit aligns with operational needs and financial targets.

Step 2: Gather Key Information

A thorough lighting audit requires capturing detailed data about the existing system. Key areas to evaluate include:

1. Lighting System Inventory

Number of fixtures and their placement
Types of bulbs (fluorescent, HID, incandescent, etc.)
Current wattage and lumen output of each fixture
Fixture condition and any failed lamps or outdated systems

2. Energy Consumption Analysis

Operating hours of lights (burn hours vs. business hours)
Seasonal variations in lighting usage
Energy bills for historical comparison

3. Light Performance & Workplace Conditions

Measure foot candles (brightness) at key workstations
Assess glare, flickering, or inconsistent illumination
Consider natural light integration and daylight harvesting opportunities

EarthTronics LED Solutions

Many businesses are transitioning to EarthTronics LED troffers, panel lights, and strip fixtures, which deliver high lumen output at lower wattages while providing even, flicker-free illumination.

Find an LED Solution to Fit Your Needs

Step 3: Identify Energy-Saving Opportunities

Once you’ve mapped out your existing lighting system, the next step is identifying cost-saving opportunities with an LED retrofit. Consider the following:

Upgrading fluorescent T8 or HID fixtures to EarthTronics LED linear tubes or high bay lights for improved efficiency
Installing occupancy sensors to reduce unnecessary energy consumption
Implementing smart lighting controls, such as EarthConnect, to automate dimming and daylight harvesting

Switching to color and wattage-selectable LEDs for flexibility across different work environments

LED retrofits can cut energy use by 50-75% while significantly reducing maintenance costs due to their long lifespan.

Step 4: Calculate ROI & Cost Savings

A key part of a commercial lighting audit is understanding return on investment (ROI). Businesses should evaluate:

Projected energy savings from an LED upgrade
Maintenance cost reductions from longer-lasting LEDs
Rebates & incentives available for energy-efficient lighting installations

Case Study: MRS Industrial– Maximizing Efficiency with EarthTronics LED Solutions

MRS Industrial, a leading provider of fabrication and installation services, sought a lighting solution that would improve shop floor illumination, enhance worker safety, and reduce energy consumption. By upgrading their outdated T8 fixtures with EarthTronics Linear Highbay LED fixtures, the company achieved:

Over 50% energy savings compared to fluorescent and HID fixtures
Dramatically improved visibility – increasing light levels from 12 footcandles to over 52 footcandles
Enhanced worker morale and productivity with brighter, more consistent lighting
Long-lasting performance – rated for up to 100,000 hours, reducing maintenance costs

According to Scott Cosgrove, President of MRS Industrial:

“The shop workers love how bright their work environment is now. We have noticed that the lighting has helped improve morale throughout the two buildings."

This case study highlights how LED retrofits not only improve energy efficiency but also provide a cost-effective, high-quality lighting solution for commercial facilities.

Step 5: Implement Your LED Retrofit Strategy

Once the lighting audit is complete, businesses can implement a strategic LED retrofit plan that balances efficiency, budget, and operational needs.

Choosing the Right EarthTronics LED Products

LED Panel Lights & Troffers: Ideal for offices and conference rooms, providing even, glare-free illumination
LED High Bays & Strip Fixtures: Perfect for warehouses and industrial spaces, offering high lumen output with dimmable features
LED Wall Packs & Area Lights: Designed for exterior security lighting, improving visibility while reducing energy use
EarthConnect Smart Controls: Bluetooth mesh lighting system for automated brightness adjustments and energy savings

Explore EarthTronics LED Products

Planning for a Seamless Transition

Schedule installation during off-hours to minimize disruptions
Train facility managers on new lighting controls and sensors
Monitor energy usage post-installation to track cost savings

Unlock Long-Term Savings with a Commercial Lighting Audit

Conducting a commercial lighting audit is a step toward improving energy efficiency, reducing costs, and optimizing workplace lighting. By identifying inefficiencies and transitioning to EarthTronics LED solutions, businesses can achieve:

Lower energy costs with high-performance LED fixtures
Extended lifespan for reduced maintenance and replacements
Enhanced workplace safety and productivity with better lighting quality
Seamless integration with smart controls for additional savings

Upgrade Your Lighting with EarthTronics

With a broad selection of LED lighting products, industry-certified quality, and a commitment to sustainability, EarthTronics is your trusted partner for energy-efficient commercial lighting solutions.

Ready to upgrade? Contact our team today to learn more about how an LED retrofit can transform your facility.

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