Maximizing Energy Efficiency, Reducing Your Costs: A Guide to LED Lighting Retrofitting for Commercial Buildings

Written by Zack Griffin, President & Founder of Evolved Lighting & Energy

Zack started Evolved in 2006 with the mission to transform lighting in commercial spaces from traditional and costly, to energy efficient and productivity boosting. He’s uses science, significant product knowledge and design expertise to grow Evolved into the successful business it is today.

 

Let’s be honest: “energy efficiency” sounds like something you’d hear at a trade show panel right before the coffee break. But what it really means – especially when we’re talking lighting – is more money in your pocket, fewer headaches for your maintenance team, and a better experience for the people inside your building.

At Evolved Lighting & Energy, we’ve been helping commercial building owners and facilities pros upgrade to LED lighting (or even better LED lighting) for years. And we’ve seen first-hand how a smart retrofit can seriously cut costs and boost performance.

Here’s your no-fluff, proof-packed guide to why LED retrofitting is worth your attention, and how to do it right.

Why Bother with an LED Retrofit?

If your building is still using outdated fluorescent, HID, or halogen lighting, you’re basically leaking money and burning through maintenance time.

Here’s what a retrofit gets you:

Energy Savings Up to 75%

LEDs use up to 75% less energy than traditional lighting systems (U.S. Department of Energy, 2022). For a 100,000 sq. ft. facility, that could translate to tens of thousands in annual energy savings.

Drastically Reduced Maintenance

LEDs can last 50,000–100,000 hours, depending on the product. Compare that to fluorescents (7,000–15,000 hours) or metal halides (up to 20,000 hours), and you’re looking at fewer lamp replacements, fewer service calls, and fewer ladder trips for your team.

Sustainability That Pays Off

LED retrofits don’t just cut costs—they cut carbon. One retrofit project can reduce CO₂ emissions by several metric tons per year, helping your company meet ESG goals or prepare for future regulations.

Quick Math: What Could You Save?

Let’s say you manage a 75,000 sq. ft. commercial office space with about 1,500 fixtures. A typical LED retrofit can save around 50–60% on lighting energy costs. If lighting accounts for 30% of your electricity bill (a standard estimate), here’s what that looks like:

• Annual electricity cost (before): $120,000
• Lighting portion: $36,000
• Potential savings: $18,000–$21,600/year

That’s just energy. Factor in lower maintenance costs, utility rebates, and improved lighting quality, and the ROI gets even sweeter.

Beyond the Bulb: What’s Actually Involved in a Retrofit?

LED retrofitting isn’t just screwing in new bulbs (though sometimes it’s that simple). A smart retrofit evaluates:

• Fixture condition – Can existing housings be used?
• Lighting design – Are we overlighting (common with older systems)?
• Controls & sensors – Can we automate dimming or daylight harvesting?
• Compliance – Are we meeting code and utility program requirements?

At Evolved, we do a full audit to help you choose the right retrofit path, whether it’s a simple lamp swap, a fixture retrofit kit, or a full redesign.

Utility Rebates = Free Money (That’s Not a Joke)

In many regions, utilities pay you to use less power. LED lighting retrofits often qualify for generous rebates—sometimes covering up to 50–70% of project costs.

Don’t want to hassle with paperwork? We handle all that for you, from application to approval.

What You Can Expect: Typical Results from a Smart LED Retrofit

Across commercial buildings of all sizes, LED retrofit projects commonly deliver:

• Energy savings of 50–70% on lighting costs
• Maintenance reductions of 80% or more due to longer-lasting fixtures
• Payback periods under 2 years, especially when utility incentives are applied
• Improved lighting quality that boosts comfort, safety, and productivity

The Bottom Line

If you’re still operating with outdated lighting, you’re spending more than you need to and getting less in return. A retrofit doesn’t just check the “green building” box. It boosts your bottom line, lightens your maintenance load, and makes your spaces more comfortable and productive.

At Evolved Lighting & Energy, we make retrofitting simple, strategic, and stress-free. Our team handles everything – from audit to install to incentive capture – so you can focus on running your building while we upgrade it.

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s talk about your building and where we can start saving. Whether you need a full audit or just a second opinion, we’re here to help you shine a little smarter.

Sources:

• U.S. Department of Energy, “LED Lighting,” https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/led-lighting
• ENERGY STAR, “Commercial Building Energy Consumption”
• U.S. Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR, and industry case studies