April 2010

Reed’s construction economist Jim Haughey looks at the economic data and speculates that hotel construction is near the bottom for this building cycle after a 64% collapse since mid-2008. But a real recovery may not begin until 2012. See his column here.

From the film The Lake House.

LED leader Cree has announced record revenue of $234.1 million for its third quarter of fiscal 2010, ended March 28, 2010. This represents a 78% increase compared to revenue of $131.1 million reported for the third fiscal quarter last year and a 17% increase compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010. “We achieved record [...]

The Department of Energy released the April Electric Power Monthly Report today reflecting January data. Highlights: • In January 2010, total electric power generation in the United States increased 1.4% from January 2009. • Retail sales of electricity increased 3.4% compared to January 2009. • The average U.S. retail price of electricity decreased 3.8% in [...]

Don’t forget to register for the first Annual IESNYC Volunteer Drive. Spaces are limited and registration closes April 21. Come spend an evening with the New York Section of the IES on Monday, April 26, 2010, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, and learn about the available opportunities to get involved with the Section. Location: Pranna [...]

In response to growing conversation around architecture’s role in achieving project business goals and an economy that demands it, aReturnOnDesign.com has launched. The website will play host to a community interested in how architecture and design can and should contribute to the effectiveness of a project, the good of the community in which it is [...]

In its Jan/Feb 2010 issue, Architectural SSL published an article I authored about Round 9 of CALiPER testing (October 2009) covering 30 recessed downlights, 2×2 flat panel luminaires and troffers, 4-ft. linear replacement lamps and small replacement lamps. Despite continuing problems in the SSL industry, including inaccurate and inflated sales claims and a wide range [...]

Below is a transcript of a press conference given by Rudy Provoost, CEO of Philips Lighting, at Light + Building 2010 in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, April 12, 2010. Stating a prediction that LEDs will achieve 50% market penetration by as early as 2015 and 75% by 2020, he announced a number of interesting new LED [...]

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today that Seattle City Light has been selected to lead a national effort to guide municipalities in evaluating LED street lights. Edward Smalley of Seattle City Light will lead the Municipal Solid-State Street Lighting Consortium, which will collect, analyze and share information and lessons learned related to LED [...]