News Updates for the Week of November 11

1.      LEDucation 8 Expands SSL Educational Expo to a 2-day Format and New Location - The Designers Lighting Forum of New York announced that due to outstanding response of exhibitors and attendees alike, LEDucation 8 has expanded to a 2-day event and will be held at a new location to accommodate more exhibitors.  LEDucation 8, historically known as the largest single day exhibition and educational event dedicated solely to the ever-evolving LED market and technology, will return to New York City on March 18-19, 2014 in a new 2-day format and in a new venue–the Sheraton NY Times Square hotel. http://www.leducation.org/

2.      LEED Remains Preferred Rating System for Federal Buildings - The GSA concluded that the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED green building rating system can and should be used in government buildings to advance energy efficiency and to save taxpayers’ money. GSA issued its recommendation based on the findings of the EISA §436(h) Ad-Hoc Review Group on Green Building Certification Systems. More than 1.5 million square feet of space is certified using LEED every day, making LEED the most widely used high-performance building program for the design, construction, maintenance and operations of green buildings. More than 55,000 projects are currently participating in the commercial and institutional LEED rating systems, comprising 10.4 billion square feet of construction space in more than 140 countries and territories. http://www.edcmag.com/articles/95298-leed-remains-preferred-rating-system-for-federal-buildings

3.      Traditional Light Bulbs Are Dead, Long Live LEDs - The humble Edison light bulb has enjoyed a long lifespan, seeing only modest changes while technologies like television and radio have been drastically revised over time. But the familiar bulb's long, uninterrupted reign could finally be under threat as LEDs appear poised to become the new standard. 11/07 USA TODAY

4.      Little Fanfare for the Texas $7 Billion Clean-Energy Project - The last legs of a 3,600-mile system of transmission lines bringing wind-generated electricity from West Texas to the state's urban areas will be finished by the end of the year with little or no fanfare.  The project -- perhaps the state's largest clean-energy investment -- is getting little public notice from state authorities because of past controversies that helped add $2 billion to the cost, or that the final verdict on the overall benefit is still out because the 18,450 megawatt system comes on-line at half capacity.  Or perhaps officials don't want to draw attention to the $5 to $10 monthly increase that is coming to the electricity bills for the millions of customers of the state's primary electricity grid.  11/02 American-Statesman

5.      The Most Energy-Efficient U.S. States - The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) issued its annual scorecard for each state based on multiple factors, including reductions in greenhouse gas, energy codes for buildings and switching to cleaner fuels. The top five include: Oregon, New York, California, Massachusetts and Connecticut http://aceee.org/state-policy/scorecard

6.      DOE Publishes New Pricing and Efficacy Trend Analysis for Utility Program Planning - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has published a new report, SSL Pricing and Efficacy Trend Analysis for Utility Program Planning. The report was created in response to requests from utilities and energy efficiency organizations for information to help them forecast the order in which important SSL applications will become cost-effective and estimate when each “tipping point” will be reached. It includes performance trend analysis from DOE's LED Lighting Facts^® and CALiPER programs, plus cost analysis from various sources. www.ssl.energy.gov/techreports.html

7.      DOE Publishes New CALiPER Report on Subjective Evaluation of LED PAR38 Lamps - The U.S. DOE has published the first in a series of four special investigations intended to extend the findings of CALiPER Application Summary Report 20: LED PAR38 Lamps, which was published late last year. The new report, CALiPER Report 20.1: Subjective Evaluation of Beam Quality, Shadow Quality, and Color Quality for LED PAR38 Lamps, focuses on a subset of the lamps from Report 20, which were separately assessed by members of the IES.  The results suggest that many of the LED products compared favorably to halogen benchmarks in all attributes considered. The report is available online at www.ssl.energy.gov/reports

8.      DOE Publishes New Report on Dimming LEDs with Phase-Cut Dimmers - The U.S. DOE has published a new report, Dimming LEDs with Phase-Cut Dimmers: The Specifier's Process for Maximizing Success. The report was created in response to issues raised about dimming by energy efficiency organizations and specifiers, and is based on experience from CALiPER testing and GATEWAY demonstrations.  The new report reviews how phase-cut dimmers work, how LEDs differ from the incandescent lamps these dimmers were originally designed to control, and how those differences can lead to complications when attempting to dim LEDs. Such complications are often due to incompatibility between the LED source and the dimmer, rather than to any shortcomings in the LED source itself.  The report: www.ssl.energy.gov/gatewaydemos_results.html

9.      DTE Energy, MI Adds Two Energy-Savings Tools to Web Site - The new Lighting Guide, meanwhile, takes a comprehensive look at modern lighting, showing which bulbs are the most energy efficient and cost effective. The Lighting Guide also shows where bulbs can be purchased at special DTE Energy discounted prices. The Guide is continually updated with new information. www.dteenergy.com/LightingGuide

10.  Lutron and Hubbell Announce Collaboration to Address New Building Codes - Hubbell will embed Lutron's Clear Connect radio frequency (RF) communication technology directly into Hubbell's Load:Logic plug load control products. This expands the interoperability of Clear Connect-enabled devices, provides the industry with a much-needed, code-compliant solution and allows installers to easily control electrical outlets in new and existing facilities without learning new systems or performing extensive commissioning. 11/08 HCN

News Updates for the Week of October 21

1.      Litek Retrofits Lighting in Venice, Customizes LEDs for Legacy Look - The historic city of canals, piazzas, and bridges now saves over 80% in energy usage with SSL retrofits installed in the existing fixtures that also match the warm color temperature and light distribution of the legacy lighting. Venice, Italy is one of  those historical cities where change is not necessarily welcome, especially if it changes the iconic look and the feel of the place. Litek’s retrofit project took four years of testing and has now retrofitted 7000 existing fixtures with LEDs. http://ledsmagazine.com/news/10/10/8

2.      PSFK Labs Report: “The Future Of Light” - Think tank PSFK Labs has published an independent report, The Future of Light, with support from Philips. Based upon expert interviews and more than 50 ground-breaking case studies, the report showcases how the new age of digital light will unlock significant health, well-being, sustainability and economic benefits for all aspects of society in the future. The report covers four key themes–'Luminous Relationships,' 'Illuminated Expression,' 'Enlightened Communication' and 'Light For Life'–which are broken down into 12 micro-trends. http://www.psfk.com/publishing/future-of-light

3.      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. It can also be argued that in the first half of the 2000 decade, the strict enforcement and lack of license grants for some fundamental IP related to the design and manufacturing of white LEDs might also have slowed down the progress of the industry by preventing more efficient competition that would allow prices to decrease. 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. http://www.researchandmarkets.com/publication/2dk562/led_phosphor_intellectual_property_ip_led_p  

4.      U.S. Expected to Become One of the Most Energy-Efficient Countries - The U.S. is on track to become one of the most energy-efficient countries in the developed world by the end of the decade, the International Energy Agency said Wednesday.  Based on current projections, by 2020 the U.S. could have the world's most extensive system of mandatory energy-performance standards for appliances and equipment, the world's largest energy-services industry and efficiency levels for cars and vans comparable to those in the European Union and Japan, energy efficiency policies and programs will triple the amount of energy the U.S. saves in 2020. 10/16 WSJ

5.      Pepco Energy Selected by Appalachian State University for Phase II Energy Efficiency Project - Pepco Energy Services, Inc. has signed a $16.3 million comprehensive energy savings performance contract with Appalachian State University. Pepco Energy Services will install $16.3 million of energy savings measures in 28 buildings that encompasses over 1.6 million square feet. All of the equipment and system improvements will be paid from energy savings over the 13-year contract term. Energy savings measures include building automation controls, building lighting including new LED lighting equipment, high efficiency chillers and air handlers, geothermal heating and solar thermal water systems, hot water conservation equipment, high efficiency data center infrastructure, Dark Sky compliant campus lighting and steam system improvements. 10/11 BUSINESS WIRE

6.      2013 DOE Solid-State Lighting Market Introduction Workshop November 12–14, 2013 • Portland, OR - http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ssl/portland2013_registration.html

7.      IALD Announces New Cities for Global Lighting Event 'Chase the Dark' on 14 Nov - New cities participating in IALD's 14 November's global 'Chase the Dark' event, during which architectural lighting designers will take to the streets to compose a series of temporary lighting installations, demonstrating the power of light in urban communities. These displays will be installed for just a matter of moments-the images of each light project will be captured permanently on camera and shared on Twitter using the hashtag #IALDchasedark all evening long. http://www.iald.org/

News Updates for the Week of March 19

1.      New Round of DOE Small-Business Funding Opportunities - The U.S. DOE Office of Science will sponsor another round (Phase 1, Release 3) of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding opportunities. Topics for this final round of FY12 funding can be found at http://science.energy.gov/sbir and include solid-state lighting (topic 3a, page 3). The full funding opportunity announcement (FOA) is expected on April 3, with pre-applications due May 1. Details of this new process, along with eligibility requirements for U.S. small businesses, will be shared on a webinar on Monday, March 19, at 2:00 p.m. EDT. For more information on the SBIR/STTR webinar, visit the registration page.

2.      DOE Advanced Research Projects Agency Issues $150 Million Funding Opportunity - The U.S. DOE Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA-E) has announced a $150 million funding opportunity that may be of interest to the solid-state lighting community. Anticipated to be split up into anywhere from 60 to 80 awards of $250,000 to $10 million each, the funding opportunity is open to all transformational energy technologies. Notices of intent are due by March 30, and concept papers are due by April 12. PA-E's mission is to identify and fund research to translate science into breakthrough energy technologies that are too risky for the private sector and that, if successfully developed, will create the foundation for entirely new industries. For more information on solicitation number DE-FOA-0000670), visit https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov

3.      Webcast on L Prize^® PAR 38 Competition: A New Start - On Tuesday, March 27 at 1:00 p.m. EDT, the U.S. DOE will host a 60-minute live webcast on the newly reopened L Prize PAR 38 competition. Moderated by James Brodrick, DOE Lighting Program Manager, the webcast will feature a 30-minute presentation from Marc Ledbetter of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, followed by a 30-minute question-and-answer session with attendees. To register for the webcast: registration page To learn more about the L Prize PAR 38 Competition: http://www.lightingprize.org/

4.      Smart Lighting 2012 - This Research and Markets report provides an analysis of the worldwide smart lighting market and builds on NanoMarkets' extensive six-year experience of analyzing the solid-state lighting industry. The report shows how new value is being created in the lighting market by adding enhanced electronics and intelligent luminaires and how such product strategies will be able to build on the massive trend towards introducing CFLs, LEDs, OLEDs and other forms of energy efficient lighting. For more information please click on: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/product/b194b4/smart_lighting_2012

5.      Energy-Efficient Lighting Explained - Research and tips for businesses who want to take advantage of the existing policies and technology in the lighting industry to lower their energy use. Lighting is one of the most cost-effective energy efficiency investments. The Daily Energy Report and Real Energy Writers' "Energy Efficient Lighting Explained: A guide for business people who aren't lighting techies":  

• Educates you about your lighting technology options 
• Informs you about the political landscape and controversies surrounding lighting 
• Describes how you can take advantage of current lighting market conditions to cut costs and reduce your footprint.

     For more information: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/product/2b0893/energyefficient_lighting_explained  

6.      The Efficiency Boom: Cashing In on the Savings from Appliance Standards - Appliance, equipment, and lighting standards have been a cornerstone of U.S. energy policy since Congress enacted the first standards in the 1980s. They have significantly reduced U.S. energy consumption, providing large economic benefits for consumers and businesses. Taking into account products sold from the inception of each national standard through 2035, existing standards will net consumers and businesses more than $1.1 trillion in savings cumulatively. The ACEEE report finds that over the same period, cumulative energy savings will reach more than 200 quads, an amount equal to about two years of total U.S. energy consumption. http://www.aceee.org/research-report/a123

 

7.      Home Energy Efficiency Incentives Proposed - Several Congressional bills are in the works that address energy efficiency in the United States, but don't get your hopes up. About the only pending federal legislation that directly addresses tax credits for homeowners investing in energy efficiency upgrade is the Cut Energy Bills at Home Act.  According to the Alliance to Save Energy, the tax credit is based on annual predicted energy cost savings from heating, cooling, hot water and "permanent lighting" in a primary residence. For a minimum credit of $2,000, homes would need to reduce energy costs by 20 percent; for each additional 5 percent savings beyond that, the credit would be worth an additional $500. However the credit could not be greater than either $5,000 or 30 percent of the taxpayer's expenditures.  3/13 Earth Techling

8.      USGBC and Home Depot Launch New Database of Green Building Products - The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), in conjunction with The Home Depot, has launched an online green home products database. The database: www.leed.homedepot.com is a special microsite within www.homedepot.com that features products geared toward green home building, many of which may contribute towards earning LEED points and prerequisites for the LEED for Homes program, making it easier for homeowners and builders to find the products they need.  Currently, more than 2,500 products sold at The Home Depot are listed on the website.

9.      Switch Lighting Debuts 100-watt Replacement - SWITCH Lighting™ www.switchlightingco.com/  announced the launch of the SWITCH100, an A series 100 watt-equivalent LED replacement lamp for select commercial channels. Key features include:

• Lifespan of at least 25,000 hours 
• Uses 20 Watts of input power, and produces 1600 lumens 
• Color temperature of 4100K 
• Can be used in any fixture, recessed or fully enclosed 
• Can be used in any orientation, with no compromise to driver function or lumen output 
• It is dimmable and turns on instantly 3/13 BUSINESS WIRE

10.  Energy Efficiency Incentives Improved - The New York State Public Service Commission set new financial incentives that utilities would be able to receive as a way to encourage electric and natural gas utilities to continue to make investments in energy efficiency programs. The Commission set up incentive pools totaling $36 million for electric utilities and $14 million for gas utilities, totaled over a four-year incentive period. The Commission's decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission's Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 07-M-0548 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number." 3/15 Post Star

11.  Rebate for CFL Bulbs Raised to $1.40 from $1 Each in Hawaii - The state's main energy efficiency program has boosted the instant rebate for CFLs to $1.40 from $1 for a limited time to encourage residents to replace their old incandescent bulbs. The program is funded mainly through a fee paid by electric utility customers. In addition to the CFL rebate, Hawaii Energy is funding a Blue Planet Foundation program that allows residents on Maui and Hawaii island to trade their incandescent bulbs for CFLs. 3/14 Star Advertiser

12.  GE Introduces Lumination LED Troffer - GE Lighting Solutions of East Cleveland, OH, has introduced its first commercial product in the Lumination brand line. It is a recessed LED troffer offered in 600x600-cm (2x2 ft) and 300x1200-cm (1x4 ft) versions with a panel thickness of only 14 mm (0.5 in). Both sizes are dimmable and offered in 3000K, 3500K and 4000K configurations. GE Lighting Solutions has stated that it expects to introduce more than ten new luminaires in the next year and a half including linear, suspended-fixture and surface-mounted troffers. http://www.ledsmagazine.com/news/9/3/13

13.  LEDucation 6 Is Expected to Draw More Than 1,200 Lighting and Design Professionals -LEDucation 6 will be held at the Hotel Pennsylvania on March 21st, 2012 in New York located between 32nd & 33rd Streets – across from Madison Square Garden.  Exhibit Hours have been extended and open at 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with LED presentations beginning at 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Online registration will remain open until Monday, March 19th at www.leducation.org

14.  March 27-29 for EE Global 2012 in Orlando - The SOLD OUT Solutions Showcase highlights the latest energy efficiency technologies, services and products from over 40 companies and organizations. Open all three days, you can walk the show floor and interact with global companies. http://www.eeglobalforum.org/

15.  March 30 is Deadline for NAED PAR Surveys - PAR provides members with an up-to-date picture of actual operations throughout the industry. Each year, industry statistics are compiled into a report from a confidential, financial performance survey administered by the Profit Planning Group - an independent third-party research provider. Participants have the option of receiving a personalized report comparing their operation with others of similar size and customer emphasis. Participate in NAED’s 2012 Performance Analysis Report survey before March 30. http://www.naed.org/PAR/

16.  Lighting Industry Launches Global Lighting Association - The global lighting industry has launched the Global Lighting Association, which is designed to be “the voice of the lighting industry on a global basis.” As a grouping of national and regional lighting associations, the Global Lighting Association represents over 5,000 lighting manufacturers and $50 billion annual sales. The primary mission of the Global Lighting Association is to share information. Originally founded in 2007 as the Global Lighting Forum, the new Global Lighting Association represents the same members, but with a renewed focus and a commitment to being active and influential participants in shaping how the world is illuminated. According to the Global Lighting Association, its priorities for 2012 include: energy efficiency, LED performance quality, and innovation. http://www.globallightingforum.org/

17.  LED Retrofit Kits for LED Troffers by Stan Walerczyk - The future of retrofitting recessed 2x4, 1x4 and 2x2 lensed and parabolic troffers will probably be LED kits, not LED T8s. Stan is helping develop specifications and pricing on LED kits and needs input from large end-customers, retrofit contractors, ESCOs, etc. regarding:

• Cost
• Wattage
• Lumens per watt
• Rated life
• Warranty
• Optional dimming
• Optional Kelvin changing
• Integral controls

If you are interested, contact Stan Walerczyk at stan@lightingwizards.com.