Restaurants
Explore the energy-saving design guide for restaurants, where efficient lighting control is key to creating a welcoming ambiance while reducing energy consumption.
Harness the Power of Automated Lighting Control for Your Restaurant
Restaurants are bustling spaces, filled with the aroma of delicious food, the clinking of cutlery, and the hum of conversation. However, behind the scenes, they are also high-energy consumption areas, particularly when it comes to lighting. From the warm ambient lighting that sets the mood, to the bright task lighting in the kitchen, and the safety lighting in storage areas, restaurants use a variety of lighting types, all of which consume significant amounts of energy.
Moreover, the irregular and extended operating hours of restaurants often lead to lights being left on unnecessarily, resulting in high energy waste. This not only impacts the restaurant’s bottom line but also contributes to the larger issue of energy conservation.
To address this, Rayzeek offers a solution in the form of occupancy sensors. These sensors can automatically control lighting based on the presence or absence of people, reducing energy consumption significantly. In a restaurant setting, this means lights in the dining area, kitchen, restrooms, and storage areas can be automatically turned off when these spaces are not in use, without any manual intervention. This not only saves energy but also complies with energy efficiency requirements set by US Energy Codes/Energy standards.
Meet the Energy Codes
The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is a model code developed by the International Code Council (ICC) to establish minimum design and construction requirements for energy efficiency in buildings. The IECC is updated every three years to incorporate the latest in energy conservation practices and technologies.
IECC, Why You Should Care
IECC is widely adopted by states and municipalities across the United States. IECC covers various aspects of energy use, including the building envelope (walls, roofs, and windows), heating and cooling systems, and lighting systems.
IECC mandates specific lighting controls, such as occupancy sensors, to minimize energy wastage in unoccupied spaces in various areas.
ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1, Energy Standard for Sites and Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, is a widely recognized energy standard published by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
ASHRAE 90.1, Why You Should Care
ASHRAE 90.1 is used as a benchmark for building energy codes across the United States and serves as a compliance path within the IECC which outlines minimum requirements for the energy-efficient performance of commercial buildings’ components including building envelopes, HVAC systems, water heating systems, and lighting systems.
ASHRAE 90.1 standard specifies maximum allowable lighting power densities and minimum lighting control requirements, including the use of occupancy sensors in specific areas.
Title 24, part 6 of the California Building Standards Code, officially known as the Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings, Title 24 is administered by the California Energy Commission and is updated periodically to reflect new energy efficiency technologies and methods.
Title 24, Why You Should Care
Title 24 is known for its rigorous requirements, often considered more stringent than those found in many other energy codes across the United States. Title 24 mandates strict energy performance standards for all aspects of building construction, which includes heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), water heating, and lighting.
Title 24 requires the installation of occupancy sensors that adjust lighting based on room occupancy in specific areas of commercial buildings to ensure that energy is not wasted.
Energy Code Adoption by State
Expand to see the detailed table ↓
| State | Current Commercial Code | Commercial Code Efficiency Category |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 90.1-2013 | 90.1-2013 |
| Alaska | None statewide | No statewide code |
| Arizona | Home rule | <90.1-2007 |
| Arkansas | 2009 IECC and 90.1-2007 | 90.1-2007 |
| California | 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards | 90.1-2019 |
| Colorado | Home rule | No statewide code |
| Connecticut | 2021 IECC and 90.1-2019 | 90.1-2019 |
| Delaware | 2018 IECC and 90.1-2016 | 90.1-2013 |
| District of Columbia | 90.1-2013^ | 90.1-2019 |
| Florida | 2021 IECC and 90.1-2019^ | 90.1-2016 |
| Georgia | 2015 IECC and 90.1-2013^ | 90.1-2013 |
| Hawaii | Home rule | 90.1-2013 |
| Idaho | 2018 IECC and 90.1-2016 | 90.1-2013 |
| Illinois | 2021 IECC and 90.1-2019 | 90.1-2019 |
| Indiana | 90.1-2007 | 90.1-2007 |
| Iowa | 2012 IECC and 90.1-2010 | 90.1-2007 |
| Kansas | Home rule | No statewide code |
| Kentucky | 2012 IECC and 90.1-2010 | 90.1-2007 |
| Louisiana | 2021 IECC and 90.1-2019^ | 90.1-2016 |
| Maine | 2015 IECC and 90.1-2013 | 90.1-2013 |
| Maryland | 2021 IECC and 90.1-2019^ | 90.1-2019 |
| Massachusetts | 2018 IECC and 90.1-2016^ | 90.1-2019 |
| Michigan | 2015 IECC and 90.1-2013^ | 90.1-2013 |
| Minnesota | 90.1-2019^ | 90.1-2019 |
| Mississippi | None statewide | No statewide code |
| Missouri | Home rule | No statewide code |
| Montana | 2021 IECC and 90.1-2019 | 90.1-2019 |
| Nebraska | 2018 IECC and 90.1-2016 | 90.1-2013 |
| Nevada | 2018 IECC and 90.1-2016 | 90.1-2013 |
| New Hampshire | 2018 IECC and 90.1-2016^ | 90.1-2013 |
| New Jersey | 90.1-2019 | 90.1-2019 |
| New Mexico | 2021 IECC and 90.1-2019^ | 90.1-2019 |
| New York | 2018 IECC and 90.1-2016^ | 90.1-2016 |
| North Carolina | 2015 IECC and 90.1-2013^ | 90.1-2010 |
| North Dakota | Home rule | No statewide code |
| Ohio | 2021 IECC and 90.1-2019^ | 90.1-2016 |
| Oklahoma | 2006 IECC and 90.1-2004 | <90.1-2007 |
| Oregon | 90.1-2019 | 90.1-2019 |
| Pennsylvania | 2018 IECC and 90.1-2016 | 90.1-2013 |
| Rhode Island | 2018 IECC and 90.1-2016^ | 90.1-2013 |
| South Carolina | 2009 IECC and 90.1-2007 | 90.1-2007 |
| South Dakota | Home rule | No statewide code |
| Tennessee | 2021 IECC and 90.1-2013 | 90.1-2007 |
| Texas | 2015 IECC and 90.1-2013 | 90.1-2013 |
| Utah | 2021 IECC and 90.1-2019^ | 90.1-2019 |
| Vermont | 2021 IECC and 90.1-2019^ | 90.1-2019 |
| Virginia | 2021 IECC and 90.1-2019^ | 90.1-2019 |
| Washington | 2018 Washington State Energy Code | 90.1-2019 |
| Tennessee | 2012 IECC and 90.1-2010 | 90.1-2007 |
| Texas | 2015 IECC and 90.1-2013 | 90.1-2013 |
| Utah | 2021 IECC and 90.1-2019^ | 90.1-2019 |
| Vermont | 2018 IECC and 90.1-2016^ | 90.1-2019 |
| Virginia | 2021 IECC and 90.1-2019^ | 90.1-2019 |
| Washington | 2018 Washington State Energy Code | 90.1-2019 |
| West Virginia | 90.1-2013 | 90.1-2013 |
| Wisconsin | 2015 IECC and 90.1-2013^ | 90.1-2010 |
| Wyoming | Home rule | No statewide code |
- ^ When an amendment impacting energy efficiency can be quantified using DOE Prototype Building Models, they were captured in the analysis.
- For states adopting both IECC and 90.1, the IECC code is usually analyzed as the state current code in this study except for states with extensive amendments to the IECC.
Design Guide Key Concepts for Restaurants
Designing an energy-efficient lighting control solution for restaurants involves strategic placement of occupancy sensors to ensure comprehensive coverage of the space.
In a restaurant setting, the placement of occupancy sensors can be tailored to the specific needs of each area. Here’s a possible design guide:
- Dining Area: Ceiling occupancy sensors can be installed to cover the main dining area. These sensors can automatically turn on the lights when guests are seated and turn them off when the area is vacant. To avoid any blind spots, ensure that the coverage areas of these sensors overlap. This ensures that the dining area is always well-lit when needed, enhancing the dining experience while saving energy.
- Kitchen: Given the high activity level in restaurant kitchens, wall occupancy/vacancy sensors can be installed. These sensors can be manually turned on at the start of the day and when the kitchen is not in use, especially during off-peak hours, the lights can be automatically turned off, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
- Restrooms: Restrooms in restaurants are ideal for ceiling occupancy sensors. These sensors can automatically control lighting based on occupancy, ensuring lights are not left on unnecessarily.
- Storage and Utility Rooms: In storage and utility rooms, where occupancy is sporadic, wall occupancy/vacancy sensors can be installed. These sensors can automatically turn the lights on when someone enters the room and off when the room is vacant.
- Manual Control: All lighting can be manually turned ON/OFF using the integrated controls in our occupancy/vacancy sensors. This provides flexibility for staff to control lighting based on specific needs or situations.
Featured Products & Solutions
Wall Sensor Switches
RZ020/021 Motion Sensor Switches
- 2-wire, 3-wire, 4-wires wiring options
- Occupancy, Vacancy, Manual ON/OFF
- Adjustive time delay and ambient light control
Multi-Location Wireless Wall Sensors
RZ020A/021A + RZ022W Kits
- Hardwired RZ021A/022A occupancy sensor switch
- Wireless companion switch (RZ022W) for multi-location control
Ceiling Occupancy Sensors
RZ036
- Hardwired occupancy sensors
- Auto ON, auto OFF
- Line voltage and Low voltage available
Core features included:
- Integrated manual ON/OFF control for all lighting
- Vacancy sensors (Manual ON only): Lights must be turned on manually only
- Adjustable time-delay, lighting is automatically turned full OFF after 15mins
- Additional: multi-location wireless kits to expand the control range without re-wring
- Additional: multiple wiring options available for both new constructions and retrofit projects.
Meets the Mandatory Provisions
IECC – 2011
C405.2.1 Occupant sensor controls
Occupant sensor controls shall be installed to control lights in the space.
C405.2.1.1 Occupant sensor control functions
- Manual on or partial on to no more than 50% power.
- Full off within 20 minutes after all occupants have left the space
- A manual control to turn off the lights.
ASHRAE 90.1 – 2022
9.4.1.1 a Local control
There shall be one or more manual lighting control device that provides ON and OFF control
of all lighting in the space.
9.4.1.1 b Restricted to manual ON
None of the lighting shall be automatically turned on
9.4.1.1 c Restricted to partial automatic ON
No more than 50% of the lighting power for the general lighting shall be allowed to be automatically turned on
** NOTE: At least one 9.4.1.1 b or 9.4.1.1 c shall be implemented.
9.4.1.1 H Automatic full OFF control
All lighting in the space shall be automatically shut off within 20 minutes of all occupants leaving the space
Title 24 – 2022
130.1 (a) Manual area controls.
Each area enclosed by ceiling-height partitions shall provide lighting controls that allow the lighting in that area to be manually turned on and off.
130.1 (c) Shut-OFF Controls.
Lighting shall be controlled with occupant sensing controls to automatically shut OFF all of the lighting in 20 minutes or less after the control zone is unoccupied that shall function either as:
- A. Occupant sensing controls (if 130.1(b) not required to have multi-level lighting controls); or
- B. Partial-ON occupant sensing controls, or
- C. Vacancy sensing controls, where all lighting responds to a manual ON input only
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