Universal automation in building automation systems (BAS) refers to a new standardized approach that brings software-defined, vendor-agnostic control to building management and automation. Universal automation can also be applied to industrial automation systems, but this article will only address universal automation use in BAS. Here are key aspects of universal automation in the context of [...]

  Candiac, Quebec, Canada now boasts the first “smart” crosswalk in North America with lights embedded into the road surface, to improve pedestrian safety. Before pedestrians enter the crosswalk, sensors are triggered that turn on the lights to increase visibility for drivers to stop. The Candiac crosswalk is outside an elementary school to increase the [...]

The number of trade shows and conferences devoted to lighting controls, Smart Home, IoT, and Smart Cities continues to grow. Here are some of the most relevant shows for the lighting controls industry, many of which began in the last 3-4 years: DLC Controls Summit The DLC Controls Summit is devoted to achieving the potential [...]

  The Design Lights Consortium (DLC) has announced some of the panelists for the upcoming DLC Controls Summit, October 15-16, in Milwaukee, WI. Confirmed are: October 16, 2024 9:25am-10:30am PANEL/Q&A: PATHWAYS TO CONNECTED LIGHTING AMY DICKERSON, LEAD ENGINEER, NATIONAL GRID DAVID MCCAMMANT, SENIOR EFFICIENCY MANAGER, MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY CHRIS PRIMOUS, EVP OF SALES & MARKETING, [...]

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has adopted a new version of the Bluetooth Core Specification (v6.0). The new v6.0 BT Core Spec includes a variety of new features and enhancements: Bluetooth® Channel Sounding: This feature enables distance awareness, for Find My solutions, making it easier and faster to locate lost items. Decision-Based Advertising Filtering: Decision-based advertising filtering [...]

Networked lighting controls (NLC) enable many useful functions, including dimming, high-end trim, occupancy/vacancy sensing, scheduling, and daylight harvesting. A recent article by Levin Nock of the Design Lights Consortium (DLC) in EC&M argues that a NLC function of growing importance is demand response (DR). Demand response is when end-users voluntarily reduce electricity usage at peak [...]

  Earlier this year, the U.S. General Service Administration (GSA) published LED Lighting and Controls Guidance for Federal Buildings. The guide was authored by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The document provides guidance for Federal agencies to select the most cost-effective and energy-efficient lighting systems available. It [...]

  Trying to decide if you will attend The DLC Controls Summit this fall? Here are some highlights from the recently published event agenda. Wednesday, October 16, 2024 Panel/Q&A: Pathways to Connected Lighting The DLC’s new playbook will help efficiency program members learn from each other’s experiences. This session will explore how the playbook will [...]

The Design Lights Consortium (DLC) has released their final version of v5.1 Networked Lighting Control technical requirements (NLC5.1). NLC5.1 is a minor revision that contains updates to the policy’s energy monitoring and cybersecurity requirements. There will not be a delisting associated with the policy. Existing listed v5.0 NLC will continue to be DLC listed. Cybersecurity Updates: Now [...]