April 2009

Here’s an article I wrote for the October 2008 issue of Illuminate that talks about the C2C product certification program: In 2005, McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC), founded by architect William McDonough and chemist Michael Braungart, launched the Cradle to Cradle (C2C) product certification program. The program resulted from manufacturer requests for a label that [...]

Light sculptor Craig Kraft of Kraft Studio & Neonworks began working with mixed media neon and direct body casts in 1983, which launched a career of expression using light as a medium—from freestanding light works reaching nearly 20 ft. high to monumental sculptures as large as 40-ft. x 10 ft. x 10 ft. wrapped and [...]

Hat tip to Jim Hutchison for digging up this gem! For me it was love at first sight with this product… DEMO/Design Clinic of Israel has created a small line of hand-made light fixtures made from old reclaimed plumbing parts, including a spigot that turns the light on and off. These KOZO lamps are designed [...]

There are a number of interesting new wireless products coming out this year. Here’s one: Leviton’s partnership with EnOcean, a developer of wireless building automation technology, has resulted in a new line of self-powered, wireless occupancy sensors, remote switches, wall switches and integrated wireless receivers that automatically turn lights on and off based on occupancy. [...]

E ~ The Environmental Magazine, publisher of the nationally-syndicated EarthTalk column, which runs in America’s newspapers, magazines and websites, has compiled the “best of” its popular column all in one place: EarthTalk: Expert Answers to Everyday Questions About the Environment (A Plume original / ISBN 978-0-452-29012-9 / $15.00). EarthTalk consists of real questions from real [...]

Hubbell Lighting, Inc. has promoted Bill Foley to Vice President and General Manager for both Kim Lighting and Architectural Area Lighting in a newly created combined position. Foley, who joined Kim Lighting in 2007, was previously Vice President and General Manager of Kim Lighting. Meanwhile, in other Hubbell news, M.J. Paul has been named VP, [...]

Today is Earth Day.

by Jim Brodrick, lighting program manager, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program As you’re probably aware, there’s been quite a debate lately in some quarters about how best to measure energy efficiency for lighting, particularly in residential fixtures. At the heart of the debate are two terms I’m sure you’re familiar with by now: [...]

PureSpectrum, Inc. will be launching a new line of high-performance compact fluorescents at Lightfair. The company says its new products are fully dimmable, priced affordably, have high power factor, turn on instantly and work in place of any traditional incandescent lamp. One of my biggest complaints about household CFLs is dimming issues, so I’ll definitely [...]