Codes + Standards

  In February 2026, the Oregon Building Codes Division’s Residential and Manufactured Structures Board (RMSB) approved updates for the 2026 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC). While the headline changes focus on high-efficiency heat pumps, several lighting efficiency and control updates are included in the new standards to align with current LED technology and regional climate goals. These updates [...]

  The IES is publishing nine new or revised standards in Q1 2026: ANSI/IES RP-43-25 Recommended Practice: Lighting Exterior Applications Pedestrian-oriented illumination recommendations for the reassurance, safety, comfort, amenity, and enjoyment of people in outdoor environments in lighting zones LZ-1 through LZ-4. This updated standard includes content from LP-2 Designing Quality Lighting and LP-11 Environmental Outdoor [...]

On January 23, 2026, President Trump signed a bipartisan fiscal 2026 funding bill (H.R. 6938) into law that secures roughly $33 million for the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program, ensuring its operation despite earlier efforts by the administration to eliminate it. The funding level remains relatively flat, providing a key reprieve for the efficiency program. Funding Details: The [...]

Zhaga has recently announced the release of two standards: Book 21 (New):   Zhaga’s new Book 21 defines a standardized interface for linear socketable LED modules used in SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) luminaires, aiming to future‑proof product design and support circular economy goals. The specification covers electro‑mechanical, mechanical, electrical, thermal and photometrical interfaces so [...]

  Bluetooth Networked Lighting Control (NLC) has become the leading wireless standard for commercial and industrial lighting control, and the new Bluetooth HVAC Integration NLC Profile extends this platform to HVAC, enabling more responsive, energy-efficient building systems. Leveraging existing dense grids of Bluetooth occupancy sensors for both lighting and HVAC can unlock significant incremental savings [...]

  EC&M Magazine recently published an article about the top 25 changes to the 2026 National Electrical Code (NEC). Here are their top seven lighting and EV charger changes to the 2026 NEC.   NEW Section 120.82(B) General Lighting Demand, First 8kVA Analysis of the change: The demand load for optional dwelling unit load calculations [...]

  Zigbee 4 And Suzi The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) has released Zigbee 4 and Suzi to standardize secure, interoperable, and scalable IoT connectivity. These standards aim to make enterprise IoT networks more secure, scalable, and reliable, especially for commercial and industrial use. Zigbee 4 adds sub‑GHz (800/900 MHz) support for better range and building penetration, branded [...]

  Craig DiLouie interviewed Leora C. Radetsky, Senior Lighting Scientist & LUNA Program Director at DesignLights Consortium (DLC), about the new SSL Technical Requirements V6.0. This interview will inform articles by DiLouie in Electrical Contractor and tED Magazine. DiLouie: Please provide a brief history of the Qualified Products List and the Technical Requirements establishing qualification, [...]

  Following intense backlash from business leaders, bipartisan members of Congress, and industry groups, the EPA is reconsidering the ENERGY STAR program after initially announcing plans to eliminate it in May 2025. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has stepped back from terminating the program and is now exploring options to preserve or restructure it, though no [...]