Alternative benchmarks for Commercial Lighting
Background
Under clause 9.4.1(c) of the Energy Savings Rule of 2009 (ESS Rule), the Scheme Administrator has approved alternative benchmarks to AS/NZS 1680 Interior and workplace lighting (AS/NZS 1680) where the lighting upgrade is outside the scope of AS/NZS 1680.
Alternative benchmarks relate to lighting upgrades under the Commercial Lighting method. Approvals are only for the purposes of clause 9.4.1(c)(i) of the ESS Rule.
Alternative benchmark to AS/NZS 1680
The Commercial Lighting method requires the use of AS/NZS 1680 Interior and workplace lighting (AS/NZS 1680) in most instances.
If your proposed upgrade falls outside of the scope of the AS/NZS 1680 standard, then you may apply for acceptance of another more suitable lighting benchmark or standard.
For example, sporting facilities like tennis courts have a lighting standard for specific applications, AS 2560.2:2021 (AS 2560.2). AS 2560.2 provides detailed lighting specifications for different types of sporting venues – like tennis courts. AS/NZS 1680 does not deal with lighting for the purposes of sport, whereas AS 2560.2 applies specifically to lighting where tennis is played and is more appropriate for lighting upgrades at tennis courts.
Apply for an alternative benchmark
If you wish to use any of the following accepted standards, or propose another alternative benchmark, you must apply to do so. You may apply for one specific site or apply to use the alternative benchmark in an ongoing capacity at across eligible sites.
To apply, you must:
- Review the Applying for an alternative benchmark fact sheet available on our website.
- Provide the required information and supporting evidence required for your application (as outlined in the fact sheet above), and
- Send your completed application to ess_applications@ipart.nsw.gov.au.
Accepted alternative benchmarks
Below is the list of currently accepted alternative benchmarks. These site types qualified to use alternative benchmarks or standards for specific lighting upgrades. The list is non-exhaustive. Any site type that falls outside the scope of AS/NZS 1680 can be applied for at any time.
Even though these alternative benchmarks have been accepted in the past, you must still apply to us before you first use one of them.
List of accepted alternative benchmarks
|
Accepted Alternative Benchmark |
Site Type |
|
AS 2560.2:2021 Sports lighting - Specific applications |
Tennis courts |
|
A combination of:
|
Greyhound racetracks |
|
AS 2560.2:2021 Sports lighting - Specific applications |
Swimming pools |
|
Part 139 (Aerodromes) Manual of Standards 2019 (Part 139 MOS) made under regulation 139.005 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998. |
Aerodromes |
|
AS 2560.2 Sports lighting - Specific applications, and AS 2560.1 Sports lighting - General principles. |
Outdoor tennis |
Application of alternative benchmarks
Alternative benchmarks must only be used in areas of sites outside the scope of AS/NZS 1680. The requirements of AS/NZS 1680 must be met for all areas within the scope of AS/NZS 1680. Alternative approvals apply only to lighting upgrades specifically applied for (and approved) for a specific standard or benchmark for the purposes of clause 9.4.1(c)(i) of the ESS Rule.
For all other purposes, it remains the accredited parties’ responsibility to ensure that the appropriate standard is used for the lighting upgrade.