mwConnect: HVAC+Lighting Integration Slashes Energy 69%

How mwConnect’s Smart Building Demo Slashed Energy Use by 69%
A groundbreaking Sacramento case study by wireless controls innovator mwConnect reveals how integrated HVAC-lighting systems are redefining commercial energy efficiency. By retrofitting its 25,000 sq.ft headquarters with Bluetooth mesh networks and smart sensors, the company achieved a 69% lighting energy reduction while creating a blueprint for scalable building upgrades.

Project Breakdown: From Fluorescent Chaos to Smart Synergy
Before:

  • Mixed lighting: Fluorescent, LED, CFL + standalone occupancy sensors
  • Disjointed HVAC: Hardwired thermostats with fixed setpoints
  • Daily energy drain: 8,280W baseline lighting load

After:
✅ Lighting Revolution:

  • 88 fixtures upgraded with DALI D4i wireless controllers
  • Dual protocols: TruBlu Bluetooth (44 fixtures) + Casambi (44 fixtures)
  • Human-centric features: Circadian lighting in windowless zones (2400K-6000K tuning)

✅ HVAC Intelligence:

  • Wireless mesh thermostats linked to occupancy data
  • “Cascade” programming: 15% wider comfort bands during non-peak hours
  • 45kWh daily savings through sensor-informed adjustments

The Money Metrics:

  • **39,500∗∗totalprojectcost(1.58/sq.ft)
  • 69% lighting energy drop: 8,280W → 2,588W
  • $1,646/year saved + 8.3-ton CO₂ reduction
  • ROI: <7 years (excluding HVAC maintenance savings)

Protocol Wars: Bluetooth vs. Casambi in Action

  1. TruBlu Bluetooth Network:
  • 44 fixtures in offices/open areas
  • Kinetic switches (no batteries/wiring) + 60% savings via 70% output cap
  • Breakroom scene control: 4-zone daylight/occupancy combos
  1. Casambi Network:
  • Conference room circadian automation (6 AM-8 PM)
  • Dual-channel tuning in engineering labs
  • 50W 2×4 LED retrofits with WCM-200 controllers

5 Game-Changing Lessons for Integrators:

  1. Luminaire-Level Control Pays: 93 wireless devices enabled granular adjustments
  2. Occupancy Data is King: HVAC setpoint optimization drove 23% of total savings
  3. Midday Tuning Matters: High-end trim to 70% output prevented overlighting
  4. Wireless ≠ Complex: 17 kinetic switches cut installation time by 40%
  5. Interoperability Wins: Mixed-protocol systems accommodated diverse space needs

Industry Impact:
Post-implementation data shows the site now operates at 35% below California’s Title 24 standards. “This proves networked controls aren’t just for Fortune 500 campuses,” notes mwConnect CTO Dr. Lisa Yang. “Main Street businesses can replicate this model at under $2/sq.ft.

The full mwConnect case study can be found here.

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