What strategy can a building owner implement to increase efficiency and lower operating costs?

Installing all LED lighting is a highly effective strategy for building owners looking to increase efficiency and lower operating costs. LED lighting is known for its energy efficiency, using significantly less energy compared to traditional incandescent or fluorescent lighting options. This reduction in energy consumption directly translates to lower electricity bills, contributing to overall operating cost savings.

Furthermore, LED lights have a longer lifespan than traditional lighting, which means reduced maintenance costs and less frequent replacement. This durability also enhances the reliability of the building's lighting system, minimizing disruptions that can impact occupants.

In addition to these financial benefits, using LED lighting contributes to a more sustainable building due to its lower carbon footprint. By consuming less energy, LED lighting helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity generation, aligning with LEED certification goals related to energy use and environmental impact.

Other choices, such as installing fluorescent lighting, using traditional HVAC systems, or increasing window sizes, do not provide the same level of efficiency and operating cost reduction. Fluorescent lighting, while more efficient than incandescent, is still less efficient than LED. Traditional HVAC systems may not offer the same energy-efficient benefits as modern systems designed for performance. Increasing window sizes can lead to potential energy loss due to heat gain or loss, which could negate any operating cost savings