Between 2005 and 2010, Federal efficiency standards became phased into effect, covering fluorescent magnetic ballasts designed to operate full-wattage F40T12, F96T12 and F96T12HO lamps. Subsequent standards expanded this scope to include energy-saving versions of these lamps (e.g., 4-ft. 34W T12). In July 2010, efficiency standards regulating fluorescent magnetic T12 ballasts entered their final phase, effectively [...]
California new Title 20 standards, which went into effect January 1, 2010, created new energy efficiency standards for 150-500W metal halide light fixtures used in indoor and outdoor applications. These fixtures may not be manufactured in the State of California unless they meet the new standards. For the most part, the fixture will have to [...]
To reduce peak demand with lighting, we can turn it off, turn it down or use it more efficiently. Since lighting is critical for productivity and safety in many indoor spaces, turning it down instead of off is usually more desirable. Dimmable lighting therefore has a strong potential role to play in demand response. But [...]
Green construction codes and standards are beginning to emerge on the national code stage. The standards go beyond energy standards such as 90.1 and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) to cover additional areas such as site sustainability, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality and materials and resources. This is the subject of a new whitepaper [...]
The United States suffered its worst recession in 70 years following the collapse of the housing market. The good news is some economists believe the economy began to recover in Q309 after hitting bottom in the second quarter. The residential construction market is expected to recover, and the Federal stimulus has generated some growth in [...]
Daylighting is going mainstream and daylight harvesting, the energy-saving lighting control strategy that actually makes daylighting “sustainable,” is beginning to catch up. All automatic daylight harvesting control systems need a device that can measure light levels and signal a controller to dim or switch the lights in response to daylight contribution. This device is called [...]
In July 2009, the Department of Energy issued new energy efficiency standards for commercial general-service fluorescent lamps and incandescent (and halogen) reflector lamps. The new rules take effect July 14, 2012 and will basically eliminate products with the lowest efficiency and lowest cost. In the case of fluorescent lamps, equivalent-performance products are readily available, such [...]
The Lighting Controls Association recently published a whitepaper I wrote about a new California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) study on bilevel occupancy sensors. CLTC studied control strategies in eight private offices and found that combining occupancy sensing and bilevel switching produced the highest energy savings—about 50% more than using an occupancy sensor alone. These are [...]
Earlier this month, I posted a new whitepaper at the Lighting Control Association website that talks about the findings of a new study about combining occupancy sensing and bilevel switching. According to the Advanced Lighting Guidelines, occupancy sensors in private offices can produce up to 45% energy savings. A 2002 study by ADM Associates found [...]
In this post, I noted that ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004 has been established by the Department of Energy as the commercial building reference standard for state building energy codes starting in 2010. Meanwhile, the stimulus package appears to be encouraging adoption of the latest version, which is 90.1-2007, as noted in this post. I promised a [...]
