Architect Helen Kessler on Lutron's EcoSystem Daylight Dimming System

Lutron’s EcoSystem saves energy in buildings by controlling lighting. Composed of digital dimming ballasts, controls, and environmental sensors, EcoSystem can contribute to 20 LEED-NC and 12.5 LEED-CI points.

The customizable system has three main features: an automated occupant control that dims or turns lights off when a space is unoccupied; a daylight harvesting control that dims electric lights to take advantage of natural light; and a manual dimming control for occupants to adjust the lighting as needed.

The EcoSystem dimming ballast, the system’s main component, can replace the non-dim ballast in a fixture. Each sensor, receiver, and wall station connects to the ballasts via low-voltage wires, with the components communicating through the EcoSystem bus.

Helen Kessler specified EcoSystem for Exelon Corp.’s headquarters, where she served as LEED consultant. Exelon consolidated all of its downtown offices and renovated 10 floors (approx. 220,000 sf) of Chicago’s Chase Tower for its HQ. With the help of the Lutron lighting system, energy consumption has been decreased by 43%.

“EcoSystem integrates all of the parts and pieces of a daylighting system, including the electronic dimming ballasts, controls, and daylight sensors, into one plug-and-play system.”

“I also like the fact that a central computer can be used to verify systems operations, and that it is easily reconfigured if desired.”

“Lutron’s system finally provides a completely integrated daylight dimming system at a relatively reasonable cost.”