Executive Summary
Providing high quality and energy efficient lighting in courtrooms is a complex task, and it
represents a greater challenge than most other Federal space types. Energy efficient lighting in
courtrooms must be accomplished with no sacrifice in quality; efficiency must be effectively
invisible to the occupants. The Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG) eloquently states the
architectural goals of courthouse design: "As the preeminent symbol of Federal authority in local
communities, a Federal courthouse must express solemnity, stability, integrity, rigor and
fairness." The courtrooms themselves must have a sense of majesty and be aesthetically
inspiring. When paired with the visual needs in a courtroom--given the wide variety of tasks and
the critical nature of the courtroom proceedings--one has a challenge indeed.
In consideration of these issues, this report reviews existing conditions in courtrooms and
provides specific guidance about solutions that will accomplish the dual objectives of high quality
and energy efficiency. The material covers all aspects of courtroom lighting, including design
criteria, design and application strategies, energy efficient technologies, procurement and team
selection, design process and implementation, and education.
A detailed energy analysis was performed to develop a baseline for energy consumption in
courtroom lighting, and the primary root cause for excessive energy use was found to be a high
incidence of incandescent technology. Incandescent lighting was responsible for 54% of the
energy consumption but is the least efficient of all the technology options. Point-by-point
calculations were completed to provide an energy efficient alternative to the incandescent that
met the high level of criteria for performance in courtrooms. Energy modeling was completed
based on redesigns that included the use of dedicated compact fluorescent downlights with
dimming electronic ballasts and high performance T8 systems, resulting in an average potential
savings of 27.6% and 1.2 watts per square foot. A life-cycle cost analysis was performed to
provide one example of the type of energy cost savings that is available. The findings showed a
Savings-to-Investment Ratio (SIR) of 5.57, and Adjusted Internal Rate of Return (AIRR) of
10.32%, and a simple payback period of four years. The national energy savings potential has
been estimated at 13,328,837 kilowatt-hours.
Additional detailed design guidance has been provided in the spirit of a holistic solution. It is
hoped and anticipated that the recommended solutions will transform courtroom lighting towards
both energy efficiency and high quality lighting. This is more important than ever before given
the passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which significantly changes the energy usage
requirements in Federal buildings. Ultimately it is possible to support the critical and high stakes
proceedings in courtrooms while still meeting the civic duty of designing for energy efficiency
and sustainability.
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