Making your business premises energy-efficient starts with choosing the right LED lighting. LED lighting is now the standard in both new construction and renovation: sustainable, low-maintenance, and focused on the lowest possible energy costs. Yet the question remains: which system is best suited for your building and operations? In this article, we help you make a targeted choice for an efficient and future-proof solution.
We will show you how to achieve extra savings with smart lighting control, such as daylight harvesting, , where sensors automatically adjust the light level based on daylight and presence. You will also read which fixtures are suitable (e.g., 1–10V/DALI dimmable LED panels, battens, downlights, and high bays) and when to choose which application. This way, you can combine comfort with maximum energy savings in your business premises.
Table of Contents
Commercial LED Lighting: Types & Applications &
The best, energy-efficient lighting for your commercial property depends on the function of the space, ceiling height, and the desired light level (lux), plus any control systems (DALI/1-10V or sensors). These are the four most commonly used solutions:
- LED Panels – For offices and meeting rooms. Uniform, low-glare lighting (e.g., UGR<19), common sizes 600×600 and 1200×300, recessed/surface-mounted/pendant, and often (DALI/1-10V) dimmable.
- LED Battens (Fluorescent Replacements) – For workshops, halls, and corridors. Quick installation, through-wiring possible, also IP65 variants for dusty/damp areas; replace conventional fluorescent tubes with up to 60–70% savings.
- High Bay Lighting – For high-ceiling areas such as warehouses and production facilities (>6 m). Powerful fixtures with lenses (60°/90°/120°), can be combined with presence and daylight sensors.
- Track Lighting – For retail, hospitality, and showrooms. Adjustable spotlights on 1-phase/3-phase/DALI tracks; flexible to reposition and ideal for product accents and changing displays.
Choose based on room function, required lux, and ceiling height; add smart controls where possible for extra savings. Need help with your choice or a lighting plan? We're happy to think along with you and illuminate your choice!
Smart technology: save more with daylight harvesting
With daylight harvesting (daylight-dependent control), you allow the LED lighting to automatically dim with the available daylight. A lux sensor continuously measures the light level in the room; the fixtures are adjusted via DALI or 1–10V to the set setpoint (e.g., 300–500 lux, depending on the function).In combination with a presence sensor, the lighting automatically switches off after a set delay time when no one is present. This ensures you always have sufficient light, never too much, and you save energy immediately.
Where to apply?
Offices along the facade, corridors, production areas, and warehouses with windows or skylights. Divide the space into zones (facade zone, middle zone) and control the lighting for each zone separately. During commissioning, you set the min/max level, setpoint, delay times, and hold time for optimal comfort and savings. Required: dimmable fixtures (DALI/1–10V), a (multi)sensor, and a simple controller or light management system.
Benefits in brief:
- Always the right light level, automatically controlled
- Up to approx.40% energy savings on lighting through dimming and switching off
- Longer lifespan of fixtures due to fewer operating hours
- Comfortable and constant light, less maintenance and complaints
In the video on the side, you can see how daylight harvesting works in combination with 1-10V dimmable LED fixtures. Explained briefly, clearly, and practically.
Choose the right fixtures: 1–10V or DALI dimmable
Not all LED fixtures are suitable for automatic dimming systems. For daylight harvesting and presence detection, you need dimmable drivers: 1–10V or DALI.
This allows you to seamlessly adjust the light level per zone, ensuring you always have the right amount of illumination and preventing unnecessary energy consumption. When making your choice, pay attention to compatibility (driver/power supply), the desired lux value, and the space (office, corridor, hall, or warehouse).Suitable types of fixtures
- LED panels (1–10V/DALI) – uniform, low-glare light for offices and meeting rooms.
- LED battens (1–10V/DALI) – quick fluorescent replacement for corridors, halls, and workspaces; also available in IP65.
- LED downlights (1–10V/DALI) – neat recessed solution for entrances, offices, and retail.
- High-bay fixtures (1–10V/DALI) – powerful light for high-ceilinged spaces such as warehouses and production areas.
Practical tips
With 1-10V, dimming occurs via an analog +/- control signal, whereas DALI uses a digital bus line that allows you to address fixtures or zones individually and set scenes.
The initial investment in 1-10V or DALI lighting is slightly higher than for non-dimmable solutions, but it typically pays for itself quickly through lower energy costs and the longer lifespan of LED fixtures.
Combine dimmable fixtures with a (multi)sensor for daylight and presence detection for maximum efficiency.
View our suitable fixtures here!
In short
With the right combination of LED fixtures, smart controls (1–10V or DALI), and daylight and presence detection, you can illuminate your business premises comfortably and as energy-efficiently as possible.Select the appropriate lighting for each space: from panels and battens to high bays or track lighting, and control the desired lux level per zone for maximum savings and lifespan.
