The Power of Value Engineering in the Lighting Industry
By Dañiel R. Luna-Fuller
Depending on whom you are, value engineering is a blessing or a curse!
If you are a lighting designer, frequently you want your specs, or recommendations, to be followed. If you are the customer, a contractor, perhaps the distributor or a rep/lighting agent, value-engineering represents an opportunity to find another product, typically with the same performance characteristics, either less expensively or perhaps it is easier to install or it may be a brand you sell/represent. With so much of lighting seemingly “the same”, and clients not aware of manufacturer brands or performance specifications, I find that product performance, and aesthetics, frequently rule over brand.
But, as a lighting specifier, I won’t sacrifice quality.
Given that value engineering is misunderstood, let’s discuss what it should be.
Value Engineering is a strategic approach that goes beyond merely finding cheaper fixtures. It involves a meticulous process of optimizing lighting solutions to deliver superior value through enhanced quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Here’s how Value Engineering can transform your lighting projects:
- Cost Savings and Efficiency: One of the most compelling benefits of Value Engineering is the potential for cost savings without compromising quality. By carefully evaluating and selecting high-quality, cost-effective alternatives, contractors can, and should, pass on savings to end users while achieving significant energy reductions and capitalizing on local utility rebates.
- Quality and Reliability: In Value Engineering, the emphasis is on maintaining or improving quality. This involves partnering with reputable manufacturers known for their durable and reliable lighting products. Ensuring high-quality standards means longer-lasting fixtures and fewer maintenance issues down the line.
- Performance and Efficacy: A critical aspect of Value Engineering is assessing the performance and efficacy of alternative fixtures. This ensures that the chosen solutions provide the same or better illumination and energy efficiency as the original specifications, resulting in improved overall performance.
- Warranties and Manufacturer Support: Evaluating the warranty terms and the manufacturer’s track record in honoring warranties is crucial. This provides peace of mind to clients, knowing that their investment is protected and that they can rely on timely support if issues arise.
- Optics and Aesthetics: The overall optical performance and aesthetics of a fixture are key considerations. Value Engineering involves selecting alternatives that deliver the desired lighting effects and visual appeal, ensuring that the project’s design integrity is maintained.
- Construction and Materials: Ensuring that alternative fixtures are constructed with high-quality materials is essential. This prevents the substitution of superior fixtures with those made from inferior components, maintaining the project’s overall quality and longevity.
Value Engineering empowers end users to make informed decisions, enabling them to complete projects within budget, and sometimes within time constraints when alternatives are not available, while achieving optimal lighting outcomes. It provides an opportunity for clients with budget constraints to upgrade their lighting or complete projects without sacrificing profitability or performance.
At Luna Lighting, we have seen firsthand how Value Engineering can lead to remarkable results, benefiting contractors and end users alike. By focusing on quality, efficiency, and cost savings, Value Engineering stands as a testament to the innovative potential within the lighting industry.
Thank you for taking the time to explore the benefits of Value Engineering. We look forward to continuing to advocate for this valuable practice, lighting the way to a brighter and more efficient future.
The photos are of a project that Luna Lighting value-engineered for a client, saving them approximately $15,000 on their overall lighting package, controls and installation.
About the author:
Dañiel Luna-Fuller is the proud owner of Luna Lighting, a minority, woman, service-disabled veteran-owned lighting firm, a project-based design service that focuses on photometric layouts. Luna Lighting will assist with project energy audits and help find a solution that will allow for energy rebates through local utilities. Find more here
