2025

The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) has announced the release of a new book, Fundamentals of Energy Efficient Lighting and Controls, now available through the AEE Bookstore. This comprehensive guide is designed to support lighting practitioners, architects, engineers, facility managers, energy consultants, and students in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of lighting technology, controls, and [...]

Researchers at Ritsumeikan University in Japan as well as Colorado State University have developed a groundbreaking method that achieves complete breakdown of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” using visible LED light at room temperature. This innovation represents an important advance in environmental remediation and sustainable fluorine recycling, addressing one of the most [...]

  In LEED v5, lighting environment is a key focus, with options for reducing glare and improving daylight access, and a new “Lighting Environment” credit. This credit allows projects to earn points by implementing strategies like reducing solar glare, minimizing artificial light glare, and maximizing daylight access. Additionally, the new “Connecting with Nature” credit, which was previously a [...]

  The magazine Designers Today asked lighting manufacturers at High Point Market what were some of their best-performing categories. The answers highlight key categories and product preferences driving demand in the decorative lighting sector, as shared by industry leaders. Key Categories Driving Sales Portable Lighting: Table and floor lamps are experiencing a surge in popularity [...]

  The role of Z-Wave in the smart home industry is evolving, particularly in light of the emergence of Matter, a new universal standard for smart home connectivity. Z-Wave, once a dominant protocol for connecting Internet of Things (IoT) devices, has faced challenges in maintaining relevance as consumer preferences shift toward simpler, hub-free solutions. Z-Wave’s [...]

Researchers have achieved a groundbreaking milestone by transforming laser light into a supersolid—a quantum state that exhibits both crystalline solid structure and frictionless fluid flow. Published in Nature, this work marks the first time light has been manipulated into such a state, offering new avenues for quantum research and photonic technologies. What Is a Supersolid? [...]

  Briteswitch recently covered key trends in electric vehicle (EV) charger rebate programs for 2025, emphasizing their growing importance in supporting EV infrastructure amidst a volatile market caused by federal policy changes and consumer uncertainty. Expanded Coverage of Rebate Programs  Rebate program coverage has grown significantly, now encompassing 78% of the U.S., compared to 60% [...]

  The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has finalized and published clarifications to the test procedures for General Service Lamps (GSLs), including changes to how tunable white lamps are tested and expanded definitions for ballasts. The effective date of this rule was initially set for February 18, 2025, but was later temporarily delayed to March 21, 2025. [...]

More utilities are offering rebates focused on replacing older LED lighting with newer, more efficient models. Early adopters of LED lighting from a decade ago are now finding it necessary to upgrade due to advancements in LED technology and the aging of their initial installations. Improvements in LED Technology LED technology has significantly advanced over [...]