Controls

  The DesignLights Consortium (DLC) has introduced a new toolkit aimed at enhancing energy savings in commercial buildings by promoting the integration of networked lighting controls (NLC) with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This resource addresses a significant opportunity for energy conservation, as research indicates that integrating lighting controls with HVAC can reduce [...]

Editor’s correction: The original version of this story listed a simple payback calculation based on the project’s cost divided by annual energy cost savings. I’ve since learned the energy savings figures were based on lighting and controls savings only. The HVAC energy savings have not yet been determined for this project, and will require more [...]

  The DesignLights Consortium (DLC) hosted the 2024 DLC Controls Summit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, focusing on the integration of networked lighting controls (NLC) with HVAC systems to unlock further energy savings and reduce carbon emissions. The summit brought together manufacturers, lighting experts, and energy efficiency professionals to discuss strategies and resources for advancing NLC-HVAC integration. [...]

EDGE-TO-CLOUD: Edge-to-cloud in building automation systems is a modern computing paradigm that integrates edge devices with centralized cloud infrastructure to optimize building operations and management. This approach combines the benefits of edge computing’s real-time processing capabilities with the cloud’s scalability and advanced analytics. In building automation systems, edge-to-cloud architecture consists of several key components: Edge [...]

  TDK Corporation has launched full-scale production of its InvenSense SmartSonic ICU-30201 ultrasonic time-of-flight (ToF) sensor, in January 2025. This sensor enhances contextual awareness for various applications requiring accurate presence, proximity, and distance measurements, including robotics, drones, alarm devices, door locks, camera devices, and other smart building systems such as lighting. Its enhanced maximum range, [...]

  Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR) offers significant benefits for the lighting industry, particularly in extending the reach and capabilities of smart lighting systems: Extended Coverage: ZWLR provides a maximum wireless range of up to 1.5 miles when operating at full power. This extended range allows for the integration of lighting systems across larger properties, including [...]

The global industrial smart building market is set for significant growth, with deployments expected to reach $14 billion by 2026, a 95% increase from $7 billion in 2024. This growth is primarily driven by sustainability initiatives and the need for cost reductions in building management. Key Drivers and Trends AI-based Solutions: Artificial Intelligence is becoming [...]

As Networked Lighting Controls (NLC) systems gain more capabilities, NLC Commissioning Tools are becoming more advanced. One example is the Eiko SEN-S1-RC3 Commissioning Tool, pictured above. A partial list of its capabilities includes: turn on sensor reset to factory default settings tests dimming setting daylight harvesting dim level set target lux level for daylight harvesting [...]

By Bagwat Mohan, Technical Operations Manager, DesignLights Consortium As energy efficiency and sustainability continue to shape the future of commercial buildings in the U.S., Networked Lighting Controls (NLC) have emerged as a transformative technology in the lighting industry. The 2020 Lighting Market Characterization Study, published by the Department of Energy reports that lighting consumes approximately [...]