When energy conservation first became popular, many people were upset that in the midst of a major impetus to reduce the utility bills, the lights kept on burning bright. As a conspicuous consumer of energy and an obvious means to save, people were not satisfied until the lights were dimmed.
Lighting remains a visible reminder of energy conservation; it includes frontage lights, signage, and nighttime burning of office luminaires. It’s a constant reminder to people of their employers’ dedication (or lack thereof) to conserving energy and a boon (or bust) to their enthusiasm and commitment. As a result, lighting projects should be the cornerstone of any serious energy-management program.
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Excerpt from Energy Conservation Projects.