News Updates for the Week of March 17

 1.     LEDs Chart a New Path for Tunnel Lighting - LEDs are proving their benefits in most outdoor area lighting applications, but the point sources integrated in solid-state lighting fixtures are an especially good match for tunnel applications. The words "dark" and "dingy" appropriately describe many highway tunnels around the world. So when you see a tunnel that is brightly illuminated, with no shadows or dark spots, you may wonder why all tunnels are not well lit. In fact, new installations in many parts of the world demonstrate that well-specified LED tunnel lighting helps a driver's eyes adjust easily and quickly, keeps disruptive maintenance to a minimum, and saves energy while improving light quality. http://www.ledsmagazine.com/articles/print/volume-11/issue-2/features/ssl-outdoor-ssl/leds-chart-a-new-path-for-tunnel-lighting-magazine.html

2.      NEMA’s Lighting Systems Index Gains Traction During Fourth Quarter - Increasing by 1.8 percent compared to the previous quarter. The index increased 4.7 percent on a year-over-year basis. Index components for emergency lighting, fixtures and miniature lamps posted gains, while ballasts and large lamps retreated q/q. Overall performance during calendar year 2013 placed the index nearly 17 percent above the depressed level of the recession during 2009. http://www.nema.org/News/Pages/Lighting-Systems-Index-Gains-Traction-During-Fourth-Quarter.aspx

3.      The ENERGY STAR Lighting Road Mapping Web Page Is Now Live - The page offers meeting materials including a high level summary of discussions from the January 30, 2014 meeting at NEMA headquarters. Stakeholders can visit at: www.energystar.gov/products/specs/lightingroadmapping To facilitate ongoing engagement on the topics addressed in the first meeting, Alex Boesenerg of NEMA will be setting a series of conference calls, beginning March 27, 2014 from 1:30-3:00pm ET. If you are interested in participating, contact Alex.Boesenberg@nema.org

4.      DOE Announces $10 Million Funding Opportunity for Innovative Commercial Building Technologies - To help demonstrate and deploy energy-efficiency technologies for commercial buildings, including projects that will bring next-generation building systems and components to a broader market faster. Under this opportunity (DE-FOA-0001084) , DOE seeks to fund demonstration and deployment activities for technologies that are ready for market. Applicants must submit a concept paper by March 31, 2014, in order to be eligible to submit a full application by May 19. More information can be found at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov

5.      DOE Announces New Energy Efficiency Standards for MH Luminaires by Craig Dilouie - The U.S. DOE recently issued new energy efficiency standards for ballasts sold as part of new metal halide luminaires. (To be clear, replacement ballasts are not covered.) The new rules strengthen current standards while expanding their scope, and will affect availability of 50-1000W luminaires. The deadline for compliance is Feb. 10, 2017. The new DOE energy efficiency standards will shake up the metal halide category, promoting efficient pulse-start options, particularly electronic ballasts. http://lightingcontrolsassociation.org/doe-announces-new-energy-efficiency-standards-for-mh-luminaires/ http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/product.aspx/productid/49

6.    UL Launches Enhanced Type TL LED Driver Certification Program - UL has announced an addition to its UL Recognized Component Program that is meant to simplify the process of modular LED driver selection for solid-state lighting (SSL) product development teams. The optional Type TL Program places some minimum requirements on modular LED drivers that would allow a luminaire manufacturer more flexibility in swapping from one driver to an alternative assuming both had the Type TL certification. http://www.ledsmagazine.com/articles/2014/03/ul-launches-enhanced-type-tl-led-driver-certification-program.html

7.      Totally Tubular: Linear LEDs - With an urgent demand for energy efficiency, lighting continues to stake its claim as a solution. T8 and T5 fluorescents—both important evolutions in improved lamps and ballasts—have been landmark offerings and have successfully illuminated interior spaces for decades. Now lighting installers have a new option: a number of major and smaller lighting companies offer linear LED tubes, some with retrofit kits.  Their chief advantage has been their lumens-per-watt, sometimes bettering high-quality fluorescent lamps. http://www.ecmag.com/section/lighting/totally-tubular-linear-leds

8.      Staples Buying into LED Lighting - The decision did not come without a great deal of research and testing, after which the company realized that LED technology could provide the most effective option for its needs at its corporate headquarters, a 650,000-square-foot building in Framingham, Mass. Staples replaced more than 150 parking lot lighting fixtures in its three parking lots—two employee lots and one for visitors—on campus. The project resulted in a 14 percent energy reduction from the retrofit and was so successful that the company is rolling out LED retrofits elsewhere at its corporate headquarters, as well as at Staples facilities nationwide.  http://www.facilitiesnet.com/lighting/article/Staples-Buying-Into-LED-Lighting--14821

9.      2014 Star of EE Award Nominations - The deadline for the Alliance’s Star of Energy Efficiency Awards competition closes Friday, March 28th. These prestigious awards honor those entities who have demonstrated a significant and tangible commitment to the cause of energy efficiency. This year’s awards will be presented September 24, 2014 in Washington, DC at the Alliance to Save Energy’s 22nd Evening with the Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Dinner. http://www.ase.org/dinner/nomination

10.  tED Magazine Celebrating Its 50th Anniversary - As part of the celebration, tED magazine will have a special section each month throughout 2014. They are also asking for your contributions to a year-long series of stories. As a first step, they are asking that you to visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tedmagazine or Twitter page at www.twitter.com/tedmagazine

11.  Smarter, Brighter, Faster, Stronger - In a fast-evolving industry full of data with few who understand it, Lumigent provides clients with the tools to become their own lighting experts with its audit-to-proposal platform. What Lumigent offers is software that makes lighting specifications and report-generation quick and easy so that building owners can more easily understand the benefits of implementing an energy-efficient lighting and controls project.  http://gbdmagazine.com/2014/26-lumigent/

 

      12.  This Is What Lighting Will Look Like in the Future Thanks to OLED Technology - OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) is an extremely thin light emitting technology already making its way into cell phones, televisions and other electronics. How soon the technology will be more affordable is unknown. Here is a YouTube video showing the Plus Pendant in action: http://www.designntrend.com/articles/11500/20140310/this-is-what-lighting-will-look-like-in-the-future-thanks-to-oled-technology.htm

13.  Better Materials for OLED Lighting - LEDs have been replacing traditional lighting at a rapid pace, offering longer life, more efficiency, lower cost, etc. OLED lighting promises to complement LED lighting by offering better color performance, power efficiency, unique shapes and designs, as well as a thin, lower weight and elegant profile. To enable OLED technology in this emerging lighting market, there is a need to replace traditional materials with new, better-performing materials such as silver nanowires. See more at: http://www.ledjournal.com/main/blogs/better-materials-for-oled-lighting/#more-9722

14.  UV-LED Advancements Extend the Promise in Curing - The year 2013 witnessed an expansion of LED usage in UV curing applications with higher-power emitters enabling faster cure times across a variety of life science and industrial applications. http://www.ledsmagazine.com

Training Programs

1.      SMUD 2014 Tubular LED (TLED) Pilot Program - TLED workshop on April 2^nd, similar to the one held last December.  https://usage.smud.org/etcstudent/classlist.aspx

 

2.   LCA Offers Updated Energy Codes Course - The Lighting Controls Association has updated EE203: Lighting & Commercial Energy Codes, a course in its popular Education Express program. Authored by Craig DiLouie, LC, this revised course provides general introductory knowledge about the lighting control requirements imposed by the 2010 version of ASHRAE/IES 90.1 and the 2012 version of the IECC (as initially published, without addenda). AIA, NCQLP (LC) credits. http://aboutlightingcontrols.org/Education_Express/welcome.php

2.    Boost Proficiency with Technical Education from UL - Enhance technical competencies and build consistent and up-to-date knowledge with UL's Regulatory and Compliance Essentials. This first-of-its-kind eLearning suite and reference library delivers critical product safety and regulatory information, equipping organizations with the knowledge they need to design, build and sell safer and more sustainable products around the world. http://info.ulknowledgeservices.com/

News Updates for the Week of June 24

1.      ACEEE: Energy Efficiency Still Cheaper Than New Generation - Energy efficiency programs continue to be the lowest-cost resource for utilities. Efficiency programs cost around 2.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared with 7 cents and more for new generation, the organization said—meaning investments in energy efficiency continue to be an effective way to keep rates down for customers.The numbers came out of the ACEEE report "Leaders of the Pack: Utility Energy Efficiency Programs Innovate, Evolve, and Expand," released on June 20. The organization conducted similar reviews in 2003 and 2008 to publicize effective utility energy efficiency programs. http://aceee.org/blog/2013/06/leaders-pack-utility-energy-efficienc

2.      UL Expands Zhaga Testing Capabilities For LED Light Source Interchangeability - Underwriters Laboratories (UL) recently announced that it has been named an authorized testing laboratory for three new Zhaga Books—Zhaga Interface Specification Book 4: high-intensity LED light engines; Zhaga Interface Specification Book 7: indoor light engines with separate electronic control gear; and Zhaga Interface Specification Book 8: socketable LED light engine with integrated control gear (85 mm base). http://www.ul.com/global/eng/pages/offerings/industries/lighting/index.jsp

3.      Los Angeles Has Swapped Out 140,000 Street Lights for Highly Efficient LEDs - A move that could save the city $10 million annually. The effort was the largest such street LED light replacement program in the world. The replacement program cost an estimated $57 million over the four years. It was funded through a $40 million loan and $16 million in rebate funds. Since Los Angeles started the program, the practice of mass conversion to LED has been sweeping across the country. In 2012, Baltimore completed its conversion of 70,000 street lights, which saves roughly $2 million a year. Portland, OR is launching a retrofit this year. Other major cities like San Francisco, San Antonio and Seattle are looking into swapping street lights as well. 6/20 The Daily Beast

4.      Hawaii Vows to More Than Double Energy Savings - Hawaii wants to more than double the energy it saves over the next two years by retrofitting government buildings with new lighting, air conditioning and other energy saving equipment. The plan is expected to cost about $300 million which will be paid for by savings gleaned from reducing energy use. Potential targets include Hawaii's 15 airports, the public safety department's prisons and jails, 30 buildings on the University of Hawaii at Hilo's campus and Honolulu's largest wastewater treatment plants. 6/14 AP

5.     Valoya Claims Additional Benefits for LEDs in Horticulture, Bees Like SSL - LED grow-light manufacturer Valoya has announced that horticultural research focused on growing tomatoes under artificial lighting at PlantResearch in Made, Netherlands has revealed additional benefits attributed to solid-state lighting (SSL) technology. The study revealed that the pollinator bumble bees, which are necessary for crops such as tomatoes and strawberries, are very active under SSL whereas with legacy high-pressure sodium (HPS) sources, the bees are only active when there is also some level of natural light. http://ledsmagazine.com/news/10/6/13

6.      Walgreens to Expand Solar Energy Installations to More Than 200 Stores - Walgreens, the nation's largest drugstore chain, together with Chicago-based solar developer SoCore Energy, today said they will build more than 200 new solar installations at Walgreens drugstores throughout California, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. This latest expansion will bring the number of completed solar installations at Walgreens stores to more than 350, making the company the leading retailer in number of solar powered stores. 6/19 BUSINESS WIRE

7.     The LED Show Named the Top 25 Fast-Growth Shows in EXPO’s Annual List for 2013 - The LED Show 2013, offers an intense two day conference with a pre-conference workshop.  The conference will deliver education on a broad spectrum of essential LED technologies, trends and innovations. Speakers will reveal new technological advances for LEDs in manufacturing, design, testing, color definitions, controls, and final assembly. The latest in LED fixtures from multiple sources are featured on the exhibit floor enabling attendees to make informed specifying or purchasing decisions. http://www.theledshow.com/conference.html

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP: AUGUST 13, 2013
CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION: AUGUST 14 - 15, 2013
RIO ALL SUITE HOTEL & CASINO 
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, USA

 

8.      May Delivers Robust Existing-Home Sales - On the heels of promising housing starts figures from last month, May's existing-home sales also experienced a sizeable year-over-year bump, according to the National Association of Realtors.  May's total existing-home sales rose 4.2% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.18 million, up from 4.97 million in April and delivering growth of 12.9% from May 2012's 4.59 million rate. This is the highest it's been since the tax stimulus of November 2009, with sales staying above year-ago levels for the past 23 months. 6/20 HCN

News Updates for the Week of August 27

1.      Merger of Progress Energy and Duke Energy Created Largest U.S. Electric Utility - The July 2, 2012 merger of Duke Energy and Progress Energy created the largest electric utility in the United States (measured by number of customers). Now called the Duke Energy Corporation (Duke), the new company has over 7 million retail customers spanning six states. It also owns about 67 gigawatts of generating capacity across the eastern United States. This merger follows the recent merger between Constellation and Exelon, which created the third largest utility in the United States. http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=7650

 

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, based on SNL Energy.

 

2.      Romney Says He Will Introduce Energy Plan Next Week - Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney told a luncheon gathering of about 125 people that his No. 1 priority as president would be "to take full advantage of our energy resources." Romney assured his listeners at the high-dollar fundraiser, that he tells Ohio audiences the same thing he tells Texas audiences about the importance of energy. He also said he would be introducing a comprehensive energy plan during a visit to New Mexico next week. 8/21 Houston Chronicle

3.      What Lamps Will Be Phased Out? - Results of a recent survey of energy-efficient lighting professionals across the country in December by Hudson, Wis.-based Precision-Paragon (P2), an online source for lighting retrofit systems and information, reveals the demand for energy-efficient lighting is growing, despite the sluggishness of the recovery of the general U.S. economy and the severe downturn in the construction industry. Although most respondents disclosed they don’t expect growth to occur until after the first quarter of 2012—predicting the second and third quarters will be the most lucrative—they are confident this year will be even better than last year. More than 80% of survey respondents predict increased opportunities for growth, both in the industry as a whole and in their individual companies. http://ecmweb.com/content/what-lamps-will-be-phased-out

4.      NEMA Asks DOE to Set Motor Efficiency Standards - The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Rosslyn, Va., its members who manufacture electric motors and a coalition of other groups filed a petition August 15 with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommending both new and more robust energy-efficiency standards for the types of electric motors used in commercial and industrial applications such as pumps, conveyors, and fans. The petition seeks increased standards for some motors and a significant increase in the scope of motors that will be covered by efficiency standards. http://livewire.electricalmarketing.com/

5.     Bay Bridge to Outshine ‘That Other Bridge’ - Ea rly in 2013, the public will be allowed to revel in The Bay Lights, an art installation that will turn the classically gray Bay Bridge into a spectacular display of flashing, pulsating and moving lights. Created by artist Leo Villareal, the Bay Bridge’s west span will be dressed with more than 25,000 energy-efficient, individually controlled white LED lights that will play out mesmerizing patterns without repeating. The display won’t be a one-night or even six-month event. It will last from dusk to midnight every day for two years. The $8 million project was the brainchild of Ben Davis, the founder of San Francisco’s Words Pictures Ideas creative agency that branded the Bay Bridge east span. http://sfbay.ca/2012/08/19/bay-bridge-to-outshine-that-other-bridge/

6.      City Converts Streetlights to Energy-Saving LEDs - Going block by block, crews in bucket trucks are converting 70,000 city streetlights from sodium vapor lights to long-lasting, energy-saving LEDs. The bright side: Baltimore expects to reap an annual savings of $1.9 million on its electric bill and $275,000 in maintenance costs. Also, advocates say the lights produce less glare and are more focused, meaning less light pollution that drowns out the night stars and can disrupt ecosystems. The dimmer side: Critics say the new lights don't illuminate the area as well. The first phase of the three-year project is about 80 percent completed, with 8,000 new lights in place. Switching the 10,000 city-owned streetlights was the first step. Next up are the lights owned by Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. 8/17 The Baltimore Sun

7.      Connecticut Debuts New Energy Program - State officials have announced the launch of a new program to make sure state buildings use less power, at the same time a Connecticut-wide program to promote residential energy enters its second year. Connecticut's energy savings program for government buildings allows state agencies and municipalities to enter into performance contracting agreements with energy service companies. The program will allow state and local government buildings to get energy-efficiency upgrades with no money paid up front. The cost of the upgrades are paid for through the energy savings that the service companies guarantee to their government clients. 8/10 New Haven Register

 

8.      NORPAC, BPA, and Cowlitz PUD Partner on Largest Ever Northwest Energy Efficiency Project - The project is referred to as a "Chip Pre-Treatment Interstage Screen Project."  Executives from Weyerhaeuser, Nippon Paper Industries, Cowlitz County Public Utility District, and the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) will gather today at the North Pacific Paper Corporation (NORPAC) facility to celebrate the largest industrial energy efficiency project in BPA history and one of the largest energy efficiency projects in the United States to date. When complete, the project is expected to save 100,000,000 kilowatt-hours per year. The first phase of the project was completed in June 2011 and the second and final phase is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2013. BPA will fund about $21 million and Cowlitz County PUD will contribute up to an additional $3.9 million towards the project. The money contributed by both BPA and Cowlitz comes from their respective conservation funds, which provide financial incentives to their customers for the development and installation of electrical energy savings projects. NORPAC is funding the remaining $35 million of the $60 million project. 8/09 PRNewswire

 

9.      LIGHTFAIR International 2013 Call for Speakers Deadline: September 7 - Submit to speak at the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference OR suggest a speaker or topic that you’d like to see at LIGHTFAIR International (LFI^®). There are 16 tracks to choose from OR you can select OFF TRACK to submit your own idea. http://www.lightfair.com/convdata/lightfair/brochures/lfi2013-cfs-brochure.pdf

10.  Philips and Daintree Take Lighting to the Next Level with Open Standards-based Wireless Lighting Controls - Daintree Networks, Inc. and Philips recently announced an agreement to develop advanced lighting controls products for commercial buildings through the use of open standards such as ZigBee, helping customers to avoid vendor lock-in and ensure that their lighting systems are interoperable today and well into the future. Building owners and managers will have access to a full complement of ZigBee-based products. http://lightingcontrolsassociation.org/

11.  City Project Helps Cut Energy Costs - From small laundromats and gas stations to residential complexes, Milwaukee Energy Efficiency is signing on city businesses looking to save on the bottom line. The program has 27 projects funded across the city, such as helping gas stations switch to energy-saving LED lights for their canopies. The program, known as ME2, has attracted strong interest for projects that deploy LED technology because the paybacks on the investment is so quick. A maximum of $300,000 is available for a large project that would generate energy savings of at least 25%. 8/15 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

12.  The Search for Energy Takes a Turn Underwater - The fearsome tides that sweep out from the easternmost shores of the United States have for more than 80 years teased engineers and presidents like FDR, who have dreamed of harnessing their force to make electricity. And next week, a device that looks a bit like an eggbeater turned sideways will be lowered into the water here to catch the energy of the rushing water, spinning a generator that, come September, is scheduled to begin sending power to the grid. The first turbine generator unit has a maximum output of 180 kilowatts, which would power about 30 homes. That is one-sixth the output of a typical wind turbine. Workmen lower a turbine to be placed in waters off Eastport, Me.

 

13.  One World Trade Center Under Construction - Virtually every inch of the 16-acre site is under construction, and every day brings new changes to the site, whether it’s the first steel columns for One WTC being raised or the concrete footings being poured for the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. http://www.panynj.gov/wtcprogress/progress.html

14.  UL Expands Capacity with New Lab - Underwriters Laboratories (UL), has opened a new 38,000 square-foot laboratory located in Allentown, PA. The Photometric Testing & Technology Center will be a testing and certification hub for all of North America. The lab conducts testing of lighting products to various global energy efficiency programs such as ENERGY STAR, DesignLights Consortium, Lighting Facts, Zhaga, California Energy Commission, CAP (MSHA) and National Resources Canada. The Allentown facility is also globally recognized as one of the first Zhaga-approved testing laboratories and offers testing to various IES standards, including LM-79. http://www.lightnowblog.com/