A Green House II

dimmers on the bedroom lighting, family room lighting, on ceiling fans, foyer lights, bathroom lighting, kitchen lighting, dining room lighting, and so on. 

1) Occupancy Sensors

Occupancy sensors are devices that are installed in place of a traditional wall switch.  The occupancy sensor is an automated switch.  When it detects motion and/or hears sound it turns on the lights.  When it doesn’t see and/or hear something for a programmable period of time it shuts the lights off.  The units are great for utility rooms, play rooms, attics, garages, tool rooms, and so on.  You can get occupancy sensors with many features on them and they are very reliable. 

2) Good Design

Good design is important and should not be overlooked.  Much of a wasted electric bill is a bad design.  Good lighting people are not easy to find but they do exist.  Home centers have inexpensive fixtures but they do not have good advice for layouts and applications.  Consult with an architect or a lighting designer if you have the resources.  Lighting showrooms and electrical distributors should have some information for you as well.