This paper focuses on the heat gain of a lighting system, one of the most-used appliances in buildings, and its thermal effect within a low energy building. In this study, a dynamic thermal model of a lighting system is first established based on the first principle of thermodynamics. Then, thermal parameters of this model are estimated by experiments and an optimization process. Afterward, the obtained model of the system is validated by comparing simulation results to experimental one. Finally it is integrated into a low energy building model in order to quantify its thermal influence within a low energy building. As a result, heat flux of the lighting system, indoor temperature and heating energy demands of the building are obtained and compared with the results obtained by the conventional model of a lighting system. This paper helps to understand thermal dynamics of a lighting system and to further apply lighting systems for energy management of low energy buildings.