News Updates for the Week of January 6

      1.      Colorful Start to 2014 Planned at Times Square - The sign, made by lighting company Philips, will light up the "14" in multiple colors using 207 LED bulbs which have more than 16 million color options each. A global TV audience of over one billion viewers is expected to watch this year's New Year's Eve Times Square celebration.

2.      NEMA Publishes ANSI_ANSLG C78.901-2013 American National Standard for Electric Lamps—Single-Based Fluorescent Lamps—Dimensional and Electrical Characteristics -ANSI_ANSLG C78.901 sets forth the physical and electrical characteristics required to assure interchangeability and to assist in the proper application of single-based fluorescent lamps. Single-based compact fluorescent lamps, both self-supporting and those requiring auxiliary support, are specified. Information for luminaire design is given for certain lamp types.  http://www.nema.org/

3.      Luminaire Manufacturing Industry Valued at $10 Billion - IBISWorld’s Lighting Fixtures Manufacturing Market Research Report (NAICS 33512), published in October 2013, provides an analysis of the commercial and residential luminaire industry. Valuing the industry at $10 billion in sales, the report forecasts growth due to healthy prospects for residential construction and government intervention driving demand for energy-efficient lighting. The four largest manufacturers represent about 45% of industry revenue. http://www.lightnowblog.com

4.      This is Your Brain on Lighting - “Cognitive & Emotional Responses to Lighting: THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON LIGHTING” is an excellent whitepaper about psychological responses to light (and lighting), written by Robert G. Davis, PhD, FIES, Director, Product Innovation & Marketing for Litecontrol. The whitepaper covers what we currently know and don’t know, summarizing a wide range of research. http://www.litecontrol.com/emotional-responses-to-lighting

5.      NEMA Reports LED A-Lamp Shipments Increased 71.9% in 3Q13 - NEMA’s index for LED A-line replacement lamps increased for the second consecutive quarter in Q3 2013. Shipments rose 60.2 percent on a year-over-year basis. Halogen A-line lamp shipments improved as well, eclipsing the level during the same period last year by 140.7 percent. Sales of incandescent A-line lamps returned to positive territory during the quarter, following declines in the previous three quarters, advancing by 16.2 percent. However, the index declined 14.8 percent versus Q3 2012. The index for CFLs dipped on both a quarterly and annual basis, declining by 2.8 and 11.2 percent, respectively. www.nema.org

6.      Demand for Lighting Equipment Slips During Third Quarter - NEMA’s Lighting Systems Index subsided from a five year high posted in the previous quarter, decreasing by 1.6 percent on a quarter-to-quarter (q/q) basis during 2013Q3. However, demand remains robust compared to a year ago. On a year-over-year basis, lighting equipment shipments improved for the fourth consecutive quarter, increasing by 4.7 percent. Miniature lamps were the only component of the index in positive territory, while fixtures, emergency lighting, large lamps and ballasts declined q/q. www.nema.org

7.      2014 DOE Solid-State Lighting R&D Workshop January 28–30, 2014 • Tampa, Florida -  Join DOE at the 11th annual SSL R&D workshop. This gathering of SSL R&D professionals is where industry, government, and academia meet to learn, share, and shape the future of lighting. View the workshop agenda: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/ssl/rdworkshop14-agenda.pdf Register at: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ssl/rdworkshop14.html

8.      LED Phosphor Intellectual Property (IP) LED Phosphors and Down-Converters Patent Investigation Report 2013 - Phosphor IP is a major force in the LED industry. With more than 40 litigation cases, it is also used as leverage by companies which have negotiated close to 70 licensing and supply agreements to date. The report identifies the key players with the most relevant IP. It provides an overview of phosphor related IP litigation and licensing, that has shaped the industry since the mid-90s, as well as a detailed analysis for the major players involved. For more info: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/publication/m3ikev4/led_phosphor_intellectual_property_ip_led_p  

      9.      Solar May Reach 49 Gigawatts in 2014 - http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/

10.  Ford to Debut C-Max Solar Concept Car at Consumer Electronics Show - Ford plans to unveil at this month's International CES gadget show a solar-powered concept car that offers the same performance as a plug-in hybrid but without the need for a plug. The C-MAX Solar Energi Concept car uses a gasoline engine combined with a gizmo that acts like a magnifying glass to concentrate the sun's rays on the vehicle's roof-mounted solar panels. The automaker says the vehicle's estimated combined city-highway mileage is 100 mpg. 1/02 LA Times

News Updates for the Week of May 27

1.      New Energy Secretary Moniz is All About Energy Efficiency - During his first speech after being sworn into his new post, Moniz said energy efficiency would be one of his top priorities.  New Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz vowed Tuesday to help advance a big bipartisan energy efficiency bill that’s moving through Congress and make conservation a major priority using his existing authorities. The Energy Department posted Moniz’s 11-minute speech on YouTube: http://grist.org/news/new-energy-secretary-moniz-is-all-about-energy-efficiency/

2.      New DOE Report Estimates LED Savings in Common Lighting Applications - DOE has released a much-anticipated new report that estimates the savings from using SSL in applications where LEDs compete with traditional sources. Entitled Adoption of Light-Emitting Diodes in Common Lighting Applications, the report not only estimates how much energy is being saved due to current levels of LED penetration, but also projects what the savings would be if those markets switched completely to LEDs from incandescent, halogen, high-pressure sodium, and certain types of fluorescent sources. http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/ssl/led-adoption-report_2013.pdf

3.      Two-Part Webinar on Adaptive Street Lighting Controls - On Tuesday, June 11, and Wednesday, June 12, DOE's Municipal Solid-State Street Lighting Consortium (MSSLC) will host a two-part series of 90-minute live webinars on the use of adaptive street lighting controls. Industry experts anticipate that by 2020, the majority of all streetlights sold in the U.S. will be LED, and a growing number of these will be equipped with adaptive control components. Each webinar will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. Eastern (10:00 a.m. Pacific) and will include a 60-minute presentation, followed by a 30-minute question-and-answer session with attendees. For more information, or to register, visit the DOE SSL website

4.      How Cree Perfected the 20-Year Light Bulb - This North Carolina maker of light emitting diodes aims to kill off the incandescent light bulb. LED performance is a big reason Cree now boasts $1.3 billion in sales and $70 million in earnings. Its market cap of $7 billion has doubled in less than a year; investors foresee broad adoption of LEDs once federal lighting standards force the phaseout of 40- and 60-watt incandescents in 2014. Nationwide, of roughly 6 billion lightbulbs in American homes, 3.6 billion are incandescents. Lighting sucks up roughly 14% of America’s electricity; replacing all those Edison bulbs with LEDs could cut that demand in half. See the Cree ad burying the incandescent bulb: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZik9qwSyHE 5/22 Forbes

5.      Market Revenue for Drivers in LED General Lighting Applications to Triple from 2012 to 2015 - A new report, “LED Driver ICs–World–2013” from IMS Research, now part of the IHS global consulting firm. According to a press release publicizing the report, the market governing LED driver integrated circuits (ICs) for lighting will surge to $666 million in 2015, up from $214 million in 2012, as shown in the figure. Growth will moderate somewhat during the following years, but revenue is expected to continue to expand, reaching $810 million in 2018. http://www.imsresearch.com/

6.      New Ohio Efficiency Resource Fund to Help Upgrade Buildings - The new Ohio Efficiency Resource Fund provides otherwise hard-to-get financing for small and medium-sized businesses to make energy-efficiency improvements, with no upfront costs and no risk. This innovative approach bridges the funding gap that has stymied small- and mid-sized retrofit projects--thousands of buildings statewide. Here's how it works: The Fund signs an Efficiency Services Agreement (ESA) for up to 10 years with a building owner, purchases the new equipment, and hires contractors to design, install, measure, and maintain the energy-saving improvements. As a result, the customer sees a reduction in its total utility bill, while the building becomes more functional, productive, and comfortable. The Fund recoups its investment by billing customers for their actual realized efficiency gains. Since the useful life of the energy-efficiency equipment continues well beyond the life of the contract, customers continue to save for years to come. 5/23 PRNewswire

7.      NJ AEE CEM Course & Exam (Registration Deadline extended to May 31) - The NJ Chapter of the Association of Energy Engineers (NJAEE) announced the following dates for the 5-Day preparatory course and exam for Certified Energy Manager (CEM®) Professional Certification. Date: June 17-21, 2013 - from 8:00 – 5:00. The exam is offered on the 5th day, Friday, June 21. Location: Rutgers EcoComplex in Bordentown, NJ http://www.eventbrite.com/event/6743773809

8.      Consumers Energy Awards $4.3 Million to Help Michigan Businesses and Schools Save Energy and Money - Consumers Energy’s Business Solutions program to fund 835 projects in the first quarter of 2013 to help Michigan businesses and schools become more energy efficient. Business Solutions is one part of the company's comprehensive energy efficiency program, launched in accordance with Michigan's energy reform law. www.consumersenergy.com

9.      Leviton Receives NAED Industry Award of Merit - Leviton received the 2013 Industry Award of Merit at the National Association of Electrical Distributors' (NAED) national meeting in Boston on May 6. As part of NAED's Annual Achievement Awards, which recognize individuals and companies that embody the industry's highest standards, Leviton was honored for the company's active role in promoting and supporting the wholesale electrical distribution industry. "This award is a true testament to our valued relationships with Leviton's loyal distribution channel alliances," said William Marshall, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Leviton. http://www.leviton.com

10.  AEE Training Programs for Energy Professionals - www.aeeprograms.com/realtime

High Bay Lighting Advances: How to Choose the Right Technology	Fast Track CEM Preparatory Course for Energy Managers
Instructed by Stan Walerczyk, L.C., C.L.E.P. 4-Hour Distance Learning Seminar Earns 0.4 CEU / 4 PDH Presented in two 2-hour live online sessions New Program Starts June 10	Instructed by Clint Christenson, C.E.M. 12-hour Distance Learning Seminar Earns 1.2 CEU / 12 PDH Presented in six 2-hour live online sessions New Program Starts June 20

11.  Solar’s Great Recovery: Photovoltaics Reach $155 Billion Market in 2018 - The solar photovoltaic (PV) market is poised to rise from the ashes of its 2011 crisis to grow to $155 billion in 2018, as market forces engineer a turnaround to a healthy 10.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), says Lux Research. In the most likely scenario, the PV market will grow at a modest clip to 35 GW in 2013 before rapidly ramping up to 61.7 GW in 2018. Lux Research analysts used a detailed levelized cost of energy (LCOE) analysis in 156 separate geographies, accounting for 82% of the world’s population, to determine the viability and competitiveness of solar in each market. www.luxresearchinc.com

News Updates for the Week of March 25

1.     Webcast on Life-Cycle Assessment of LED Lighting Products on Thursday, March 28 - DOE will host a 60-minute live webcast on its recently completed three-part study of the life-cycle energy and environmental impacts of LED lighting products relative to incandescent and CFL alternatives. The reports for Parts 1 and 2 were published in February 2012 and June 2012, respectively, providing a literature review and life-cycle assessment (LCA) for lamps utilizing these three light source technologies. The Part 3 report is slated for release by late March.  The webcast will begin at 1:00 p.m. Eastern (10:00 a.m. Pacific). For more information, or to register, visit the DOE SSL website.

      2. Lighting Science Group Recalls LEDs - Lighting Science Group has recalled 554,000 LED light bulbs, which can overheat during use, posing a fire hazard. Consumers should remove the bulbs from sockets    and lamps and contact Light Science Group for replacement bulbs.  The 120-volt LED bulbs, sold as 6- or 8-watt bulbs were marketed under the brand names Definity, EcoSmart, Sylvania and Westinghouse. The model numbers A19, G25 and R20/PAR20 are found on the packaging and on the light-colored circular neck above the base of the bulb where the date code is also printed. The bulbs were sold at various retailers, including hardware and lighting and electrical supply stores. 3/19 HCN  For the full list of 24 date codes: http://cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/LED-Light-Bulbs-Recalled-by-Lighting-Science-Group/

3.      Top U.S. Cities with the Most ENERGY STAR Buildings - For the fifth year in a row, Los Angeles continues to hold on to first place with 528 buildings. Washington, D.C., with 462 buildings, is a competitive front-runner. In third place with 353 buildings is Chicago, a city that has risen through the rankings each year, starting in sixth place in 2008 and increasing the number of buildings certified by an average of 32 percent each year. New York, which recently required its commercial buildings to publicly disclose their energy use, secured fourth place.  Phoenix broke into the top 10 for the first time, with 202 buildings. Boston, a newcomer to the list last year, held on to 10th place, with 11th place Philadelphia not far behind. Complete list of Top Cities: http://www.energystar.gov/ia/business/downloads/Top_Cities_chart.pdf

4.      Congress Considers Increasing Incentives for Commercial and Multifamily Building Energy Efficiency Retrofits - Commercial buildings consume 36 percent of all U.S. electricity each year and costs $190 billion. The EPA estimates that 30 percent of this energy used is wasted.  An existing federal tax deduction—Section 179D of the tax code—provides building owners with a tax incentive to help offset the costs associated with increasing the energy efficiency of commercial buildings but is set to expire in 2013, is insufficient to incentivize retrofits, and cannot be utilized by a wide range of taxpayers. Various stakeholders, including the Real Estate Roundtable and US Green Building Council, have developed legislation to address the weaknesses of the current law. A bipartisan group of Senators introduced the “Commercial Building Modernization Act” or CBMA to make Section 179D more effective: http://www.natlawreview.com/article/congress-considers-increasing-incentives-commercial-and-multifamily-building-energy-

5.      'Green' Lighting Company Moves Jobs from China to Chattanooga - Two hundred fifty jobs are coming from China to Chattanooga to make all of the city's street lights more energy efficient. Global Green Lighting is moving jobs to a 1,800 square foot facility in Hixson, TN. Chattanooga will have all new LED street lights before long, and it's now up to local workers to make that happen. http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/21723178/green-lighting-company-brings-jobs-from-china-to-chattanooga If you're interested in applying for one of the jobs, Global http://www.globalgreenlighting.com/ is using a local staffing company for the application process at: http://ikruitstaffing.com/

6.      Updated DOE SSL Website - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has updated the Solid-State Lighting (SSL) website with a fresh look, expanded content areas, and a new focus on SSL Program news and events. Check out the homepage links for News & Events, plus SSL Postings, Technology Fact Sheets, Roadmaps, Studies & Reports, and Tools. You can still find reports on CALiPER testing, GATEWAY demonstrations, and Municipal Consortium activities and get the basics in this expanded section: Why SSL, LED Basics, OLED Basics, Using LEDs, R&D Challenges, and Market Challenges. Visit: www.ssl.energy.gov

7.      Global Smart Lighting Market (2013 – 2018) - Smart lighting is an advance technology in lighting that makes use of intelligent lighting control systems to intelligently control light based on various parameters like occupancy, movement, color temperature, amount of natural/daylight etc. Smart lighting market is growing at a phenomenal way and main drivers for this growth are energy efficiency, development in electronics and sensor technology, eradication of incandescent lamps, favorable government policies and evolution of novel wireless technology. Entry barriers are low for this market and many new players are arriving in this market. This NanoMarkets’ research report categorizes the global smart lighting market, based on lighting type, components, connectivity technology and applications; it also covers the forecast revenue from 2013 to 2018. http://www.researchandmarkets.com/publication/rk85qn/global_smart_lighting_market_2013_2018_by

8.      NJ Town Fines Businesses for Leaving Lights On - Businesses in Paramus, New Jersey are getting tickets when they leave their sign lights on. Paramus has a quality of life ordinance that fines businesses $200 or more, plus $33 in court costs, if their signs don't go dark after 11 p.m. All stores must close by 11 p.m. in Paramus. 40 businesses have received fine notices so far in 2013. http://www.myfoxny.com

9.   Ohio’s FirstEnergy Corp. Ordered to Offer CFL Bulbs - FirstEnergy is also preparing to give direct subsidies to retail stores in the region that sell CFL bulbs, expand cash rebates to consumers who turn in old appliances and offer incentives to small business to upgrade to more efficient lighting.  Efficient lighting and rebates are all part of the company's new three-year comprehensive energy efficiency program approved Wednesday by state regulators. http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2013/03/firstenergy_corp_ordered_to_of.html

10.  Missouri Offering $5M in Low-Interest Loans for Energy Efficiency - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is making $5 million in low-interest loans available to schools, governments and not-for-profit hospitals to complete energy-efficiency and renewable energy projects. The department is accepting loan applications for projects costing between $5,000 and $500,000 through August 31.Loans are repaid from energy savings achieved. http://www.dnr.mo.gov/energy/financial/loan.htm

11.  Next Generation Luminaires Design Competition Announces 2013 Indoor Winners - Winners in the Indoor category of the fifth annual Next Generation Luminaires^TM Design Competition were announced today at the LEDucation 7 conference in New York. Out of 99 indoor entries, 28 were recognized as winners this year, meaning they were considered worthy of specification. Three of this year's winners were designated as Best in Class:

• Juno Lighting Group for its Trac-Master T254L Cylindra^TM track-mounted accent luminaire
• Digital Lumens for its XLE-3-10 Xpress high-bay industrial luminaire
• Acuity Brands/Lithonia Lighting for its W Series LED stairwell luminaire

More information on all the winning entries is available at www.ngldc.org.

12.  Solar Market Soared in 2012 - The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has released a study showing that photolvoltaic (PV) installations grew 76% in 2012 over 2011 to total 3,313 megawatts (MW) with an estimated market value of $11.5 billion.With another record-breaking year, solar is the fastest growing energy source in the United States, powering homes, businesses and utility grids across the nation. The report is based on a study by GSM Research and SEIA titled “U.S. Solar Market Insight: Year in Review 2012,” an analysis of solar power markets in the United States. http://www.seia.org/research-resources/us-solar-market-insight