The use of wood must be considered in the context of sustainable design, which
becomes more relevant given the new requirements in EPAct 2005.
One approach that has been applied with success in recently built courtrooms is to use less
wood in the upper portions of the walls, and more wood toward the lower portions of the
room. Well-designed accents and details in wood can contribute significantly to the
ambience and quality of the courtroom.
3.3 Energy Efficient Lighting Technologies
One of the ways to close the gap between the audited energy consumption and the connected load
required by code is to use the most advanced energy efficient equipment available. A few
possibilities are mentioned below, along with some caveats and cautions.
3.3.1. Compact Fluorescent Lamps
Compact fluorescent lamps come in larger lumen packages than when they were first
introduced, and often use amalgam technology to help with heat and durability. As of
February 2006, 70- and 80-watt compact fluorescent lamps have become available;
however, the heat of these lamps may prove to be a durability issue and it is best to wait to
ensure that they are reliable in the marketplace before applying them in a courtroom. The
highest wattage lamp recommended is the 42-watt triple tube to be used with a dimmable
electronic ballast.
3.3.2. High Performance T8 Systems
For areas where dimming is not required (e.g., spectator areas), high performance T8 lamp
and electronic ballast systems (HPT8) provide approximately 23% savings as compared to
the commodity T8 lamp and ballast system. (ESource) The best performing luminaire
components should be specified as part of an energy efficiency strategy. DOE FEMP has
guidance on HPT8 technologies on their website at www.eere.energy.gov/femp, and the
Consortium for Energy Efficiency has performance specifications listed on their website at
www.cee1.org.
3.3.3. Ceramic and Pulse Start Metal Halide
Metal halide in direct applications in courtrooms is not recommended primarily because of
dimming constraints and the potential for color shifting in dimming applications. However,
consideration should be given to metal halide in indirect applications. The newest metal
halide technologies are vastly improved from prior generations of this technology. The
quality of the lamps (specifically ceramic and pulse start lamps) have improved with respect
to Color Rendering Index (greater than 80 CRI), color temperature (available down to
3000K), and color consistency between lamps and across life. Lamp life is long and lumen
depreciation has been reduced. Electronic ballasts are also currently available. Metal
halide is a very energy efficient light source and comes in a variety of wattages that can be
helpful in the large spaces of a courtroom.
3.3.4. Lighting Controls
The newest lighting controls are digital, which provide for almost any type of control
arrangement. Lighting controls with continuous or step dimming should be applied in the
March 2006
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