Codes + Standards

  The DesignLights Consortium (DLC) has published its Networked Lighting Controls (NLC) V5.2 technical requirements, with the update taking effect Aug. 3, 2026. The revision strengthens interoperability, standardizes reporting, and expands the role of lighting controls in integrated building systems, including HVAC-related applications. The new version positions networked lighting controls as more than a lighting-only [...]

  The IES has approved five revised or reaffirmed lighting standards: ANSI/IES RP-27-26 Recommended Practice: Photobiological Safety for Lighting Systems Updates include new definition (angular subtense), removal of propagation of uncertainty for wavelength accuracy, improvements to measurement metrics, updates to the relative spectral weighting function for Assessing Actinic Radiation Hazard, and new equations for retinal blue [...]

  Design Lights Consortium (DLC) has released the Networked Lighting Controls (NLC) Requirements V5.2 Draft 1. DLC laid out four goals for Version 5.2: Highlighting emerging capabilities in networked lighting controls. Present new system capabilities, particularly integrations with thermostats to save energy and improve building performance. Strengthening the role of NLC in energy efficiency programs [...]

  The TALQ Consortium’s latest release, version 2.7.0 of the Smart City Protocol, isn’t about any flashy new features, but rather making smart outdoor lighting systems easier to integrate, certify, and scale across vendors. For the lighting industry, the big message is that interoperability is becoming more standardized and more demanding, which should favor manufacturers [...]

  As of March 3rd, 2026, the EPA is transferring the ENERGY STAR program to the Department of Energy (DOE) through a 10-year Memorandum of Agreement. This shift, driven by a desire to unify labeling with DOE’s efficiency standards, initiates a 90-day transition period for transferring partnerships, IT systems, and databases. Key Details of the [...]

  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 [...]