While activity for institutional projects should hover near 2010 levels, there is likely to be a construction spendingmodest decline in commercial construction in 2011, according to the AIA Consensus Construction Forecast Panel. Overall nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by 2% for the year. The Panel believes 2012 will produce stronger gains, however, with [...]
The Lighting Controls Association has published an article I authored about performance-based approaches to commercial building energy codes. This code approach is more directly linked to actual or expected energy use, potentially allow maximum component tradeoff flexibility between building systems, are considered a way to achieve higher energy savings, and can more easily accommodate alternative [...]
The fluorescent magnetic T12 ballast has essentially been eliminated, and the common fluorescent T12 lamp is next. The time has never been better to upgrade existing lighting and control systems to improve energy efficiency and lighting quality. This whitepaper, which I authored for the Lighting Controls Association, makes the case for lighting upgrades, highlights key [...]
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 [...]
