Commercial Applications

Case Study: Ben Franklin Technology Partners

Recognized as part of the nation’s most successful technology-based economic development programs, BFTP is committed to sustainability and energy-efficiency in its facilities. Its newest building was designed to achieve LEED Gold Certification NC2.2, relying in large part on a Lutron Quantum Total Light Management system to automatically adjust lights and shades, saving energy and reducing electricity costs.

 

Challenge:

The award-winning Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP), Lehigh Valley, PA is part of one of the nation’s most successful technology-based economic development programs.

Dedicated to providing both early-stage and established companies with funding and business assistance, BFTP embraces a commitment to sustainability and energy savings in its facilities. Its newest building, Ben Franklin TechVentures2, was designed to achieve LEED Gold Certification NC2.2. Their 
committment has been widely recognized. Officially dedicated in October of 2011, TechVentures2 was awarded first-place national honors in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2011 Energy Star Challenge. BFTP and Spillman Farmer Architects, Bethlehem, PA, worked closely with Lutron Electronics to ensure that the lighting control system incorporated strategies to effectively reduce lighting electricity use as well as demand on HVAC systems, while providing a comfortable, productive working environment.
 

Solution:

EcoSystem ballasts, Sivoia QS Shades with Hyperion  SolarAdaptive Software, occupancy sensors and personal control, Quantum Total Light Management system

Lutron EcoSystem digitally addressable dimming ballasts communicate with daylight sensors to automatically adjust elecric lights in response to available daylight. To further minimize glare and thermal heat gain, Lutron Sivoia QS automated shades with Hyperion solar-adaptive software are installed on every window. This shading strategy can
reduce HVAC demand by 10 - 30%*.Occupancy/vacancy sensors and personal controls are installed throughout the space to ensure that lights are not left on when an area is vacant, but tenants still have control over the lights in their space. Finally, a Lutron Quantum Total Light Management system provides centralized control of all lights and shades, and utilizes GreenGlance software to evaluate, monitor, and communicate energy use.
 

Results:

In addition to taking first place in the 2011 Energy Star Challenge, with a 51% projected reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, the facility was also named Pennsylvania Economic Development Association Project of the Year in October of 2011.
Early estimates indicate that TechVentures2 is at least 20% more efficient when compared with a baseline building performance rating. Lutron controls contribute a significant percentage of those savings. BFTP President and CEO, R. Chadwick Paul says, “By choosing a Lutron lighting control system, we are contributing to
the responsible use of energy, and we are lowering our electricity bills. Over the long haul, the savings will enable us to help more early-stage clients ‘keep the lights on,’ and support job creation in Pennsylvania.”

* Lutron commissioned study by Herrick Laboratories, Purdue University. 2011.