News Updates for the Week of August 8

1. Landmark US Building Codes Finalized - The changes represent the largest single-step efficiency increase in the history of the national energy code. It requires homes and buildings to achieve energy savings 30% higher than the 2006 code. Since homes and buildings produce fully half of US greenhouse gases and use over 75% of the electricity generated from power plants, the new code is a very significant energy policy decision. The upgraded International Energy Conservation Code is expected to save American homes and businesses $40 billion annually in energy costs by 2030, says the Alliance to Save Energy. The code will also eliminate the need for about 47 coal plants. The International Codes Council is comprised of about 500 state and local building code officials from around the country, who meet every three years to consider updates to the International Energy Conservation Code. Last October, they voted overwhelmingly to approve the stronger codes, which were finalized by the IECC last week. http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/

2. McKinsey Releases Lighting Market Report - McKinsey & Company was commissioned by Osram to draw up a market report with an independent perspective on the global lighting market and its likely evolution. Based on a worldwide survey of lighting professionals and consumers, as well as other input factors, McKinsey has developed a lighting market model that estimates the size of the global lighting market through to 2020, differentiated by application, geography, and light-source technology. Projections show that the global lighting market is expected to have revenues of approximately EUR 110 billion in 2020 – comparable to the global TV market. The advent of LED technology – only the fourth lighting technology in the history of human mankind – is set to transform this industry. Figures suggest that estimated global revenues from the LED lighting market will grow at 30% per annum, amounting to almost EUR 65 billion by 2020 – close to 60 percent of the overall lighting market. The three most relevant sectors in lighting are general lighting, automotive lighting, and backlighting. This market report covers these 3 major sectors with a deep dive in general lighting: this is the largest sector, accounting for approximately 75 percent of the total lighting market. http://www.ledsmagazine.com/news/8/8/5 Download McKinsey’s lighting market report (PDF, 1.2 MB)

3. Retail Shoppers Respond to Lighting with Superior Color Rendering - A recent study by an independent researcher evaluating the attention-grabbing potential of retail displays determined a correlation between color-rendering ability and lure-ability. San Jose, CA-based Xicato, a manufacturer of LED modules, commissioned a study from independent researcher Colette Knight in order to evaluate the effect of lighting quality on the attraction towards, appreciation of, and sales of, merchandise. The experiment found that shoppers and lighting designers were more attracted to retail shoe displays that used spot lighting with better color-rendering ability, in particular enhanced rendering of deep reds. http://www.ledsmagazine.com/news/8/8/4

4. Five Things You Didn't Know About LED Light Bulbs -

1) LEDs are cooler

2) You get instant full light

3) LEDs don't attract bugs

4) LEDs come in funny shapes

5) You will need to learn some lighting lingo

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-20084337-54/five-things-you-didnt-know-about-led-lightbulbs/?tag=mncol;mlt_related

5. Department of Energy Announce Philips as Winner of $10 million L Prize Competition - The U.S. Department of Energy today announced that Philips has won the 60-watt replacement bulb category of the Bright Tomorrow Lighting Prize (L Prize) competition. The DOE’s L Prize challenged the lighting industry to develop high performance, energy-saving replacements for conventional light bulbs that will save American consumers and businesses money. If every 60-watt incandescent bulb in the U.S. was replaced with the 10-watt L Prize winner, the nation would save about 35 terawatt-hours of electricity or $3.9 billion in one year and avoid 20 million metric tons of carbon emissions. Submitted in 2009, the Philips LED bulb successfully completed 18 months of demanding field, lab, and product testing to meet the rigorous requirements of the L Prize competition – ensuring that performance, quality, lifetime, cost, and availability meet expectations for widespread adoption and mass manufacturing. http://www.forummedia.us/philipslprize

6. Cree Prototype Exceeds DOE’s 21st Century Lamp L PrizeSM Requirements - Demonstrating the future of lighting, Cree, Inc. unveiled a concept LED light bulb from its lighting research and development team. Redefining what is possible with high-performance LED lighting, the lamp delivers more than 1,300 lumens at 152 lumens per watt (LPW) using Cree TrueWhite® Technology. Cree’s prototype LED light bulb exceeds the performance goals set by the DOE for the 21st Century Lamp, the third category in its L PrizeSM competition. For more information about this concept LED light bulb, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWx_2fqhzOQ

7. Cree Demo LED Bulb Turns Up Dial on Efficiency - The company yesterday 8/2 unveiled a demonstration LED bulb that meets the stringent efficiency requirements of the L Prize, a DOE-sponsored contest. Cree doesn't plan to release the prototype as a product. The bulb, which Cree is calling the 21st Century Lamp, gives off more than 1,300 lumens, or more than a 75-watt incandescent light, and consumes 8.7 watts. It's shaped to give off even light, making it suitable for all sorts of applications, rather than just spot lights or ceiling lights placed in recessed cans. The color rendering index is over 90. http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-20086780-54/cree-demo-led-bulb-turns-up-dial-on-efficiency/#ixzz1TtCHJabn

8. Energy audit advice delivered at Sam's Clubs in PA -A partnership between Pittsburgh-based remodeling company Legacy Remodeling and the Home Performance Network will arrange energy-audit consultations at Sam's Club stores in Western Pennsylvania. Consumers at area Sam’s Club stores will be able to talk to representatives from Legacy Remodeling about ways they can save on their energy bills and live a “greener” lifestyle by making energy-efficient improvements to their homes, according to the company. They can also register for complimentary home energy audits in which an expert will visit their home and present recommendations for saving energy. 8/2 HCN

9. Avista Mailing Out Energy-Saving Bulbs - Avista Utilities has begun mailing 350,000 kits with eight compact fluorescent bulbs to residential customers in Washington and Idaho. The kits should reach all customers by the end of November. It's costing Avista roughly $7.5 million to buy, package and mail the kits. The money for that project comes from a monthly energy-efficiency surcharge Avista collects from its customers. Washington customers pay $3.79 per month for an average of 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity; Idaho customers pay $2.58 per month. 7/30 The Spokesman-Review

10. Las Vegas Installing Energy-Efficient Streetlights - Las Vegas is lighting up the night with thousands of energy-efficient streetlamps. Crews are starting this week to replace 6,600 conventional streetlight bulbs with LED fixtures. City officials say the change will cut the Las Vegas energy bill by $400,000 each year and reduce the city's annual electricity use by 8 million kilowatt hours. The city plans to replace 50,000 bulbs in all six wards over the next four months. Funding comes from $2.9 million in federal energy conservation bonds and $400,000 from a state of Nevada federal stimulus grant. 8/1 AP

11. N.E. Buildings Compete in EPA's Energy Contest -Ten New England buildings have joined a program to encourage energy efficiency in buildings around the country. Teams from 245 buildings across the country are participating in the U.S. EPA’s "Battle of the Buildings" challenge to see who can save the most energy with help from EPA's Energy Star program. At the halfway point of this year's competition, EPA has recognized the teams who have reduced energy use the most in the 12 building categories. Of the top national contenders, the Colonnade Hotel in Boston is the highest-ranking hotel in the competition. Winners will be announced November 2, 2011. 7/31 AP http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=buildingcontest.index

12. NIPSCO to Offer New Electric Savings Programs - Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) received approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to expand its offering of energy efficiency programs designed to help electric customers save energy and manage their energy usage. Instant Savings on CFLs: Through a partnership with several local retailers, NIPSCO offers instant discounts when customers purchase select CFL lighting. No coupons or forms are needed. Simply visit a participating retailer and receive instant savings up to 90 percent off normal retail prices. 7/28 PRNewswire

13. Allentown's 'Green' Loans Get Few Takers -There's still plenty of money left in a loan program that aims to cut costs for energy-saving home and business improvements in Allentown. Since 2010, about 25 home owners and three businesses have taken advantage of the federal stimulus money available for low-interest loans for green building upgrades. The funding awarded amounts to a little less than a third of the $100,000 set aside for residential customers and about one-quarter of the $80,000 set aside for businesses, he said. The rest of the $750,000 U.S. Department of Energy grant has already gone toward lighting controls in City Hall, fuel catalysts that reduce the consumption of fuel in city vehicles and studies to make Allentown a more bike-friendly town. 7/26 The Morning Call

14. GE LED Replacement Lamps - GE Lighting’s full line of LED GE Energy Smart incandescent replacement bulbs are anticipated to be on store shelves within the next 16 months. This November marks the arrival of the 13W GE Energy Smart LED, a dimmable 60W incandescent replacement bulb. GE’s dimmable 75W and 100W replacement LED bulbs–likely 18W and 27W products, respectively–are expected to arrive on store shelves in late 2012. http://www.gelighting.com/na/

15. EPA Directive 2011-06: ENERGY STAR Verification Testing Supplement - Attached EPA Directive 2011-06, "ENERGY STAR Verification Testing Supplement: Selecting Products, Obtaining Products, and Reporting Results." This document provides additional guidance to EPA-recognized certification bodies on conducting verification testing. It is intended to serve as a supplement to EPA's general requirements for certification bodies. For general information on EPA's third party certification procedures for ENERGY STAR products, as well as a list of recognized laboratories and certification bodies, please visit: www.energystar.gov/3rdpartycert

16. Municipal Street Lighting Consortium to Hold Final 2011 Workshop in San Jose - The U.S. Department of Energy's Municipal Solid-State Street Lighting Consortium will hold its Southwest Region Workshop on August 25–26 in San Jose, California. Hosted by the City of San Jose, the workshop will be the Consortium's final regional workshop in 2011 and welcomes designers, consultants, utility and city representatives, government agencies, and energy efficiency organizations who evaluate LED street lighting solutions. For more information or to register, visit www.ssl.energy.gov/consortium_sw2011.html

17. LG, Philips, GE, Sharp and Toshiba LED Bulb Receive 5 Star Rating -
http://www.ledinside.com/led_bulb_lm_201107

News Updates for the Week of October 11

1. October is Energy Awareness Month - October has been Energy Awareness Month since a presidential proclamation in 1991. For more than 15 years, government organizations — in partnership with businesses, associations, and concerned citizens — have observed this month with activities and programs to promote public understanding of our energy needs and to reduce energy consumption in our everyday lives. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=energy_awareness.bus_energy_awareness

2. Lower Margins - The firms on EC&M’s 2010 Top 50 electrical contractors list reveal 2009 as a year of fierce competition for fewer projects with lower profits. In 2009, the effects of the recession, which officially began in 2008, took their toll on the total revenue for electrical and datacom services reported by the firms on this year’s Top 50 electrical contractors list. http://ecmweb.com/construction/top-50-electrical-contractors-20100901/

3. GE Lighting Commits to $60 Million Investment in Bucyrus Plant - In a ceremony this morning, GE Lighting committed to investing $60 million in the company’s manufacturing plant in Bucyrus, Ohio. GE Lighting, headquartered in Cleveland, named the production plant in Bucyrus GE Lighting’s global center of excellence for the manufacture of energy-efficient linear fluorescent lamps. Employment is expected to nearly double with more than 130 jobs added over the next few years as the Bucyrus plant ramps up production. The first fluorescent lamps made from the newly installed equipment will begin to roll off production lines in December. 10/01 Electrical Marketing

4. DEP: Advantage Grant Program Opens to Small Businesses Looking to Increase Profitability by Reducing Energy Costs and Pollution - Small- business owners in Pennsylvania seeking to improve energy efficiency to save money and prevent pollution can apply for a Small Business Advantage Grant through the Department of Environmental Protection. Businesses can apply for 50-percent matching grants of up to $7,500 to adopt or acquire energy efficient or pollution-prevention equipment or processes. 10/4 PRNewswire-USNewswire epadvantagegrant@state.pa.us

5. San Diego State University Selects Lithonia Lighting RTLED for First LED Lighting Project – The University took the first step toward LED lighting by installing 80 Lithonia Lighting RTLED in a new 215-person lecture hall general ambient lighting.. This is the first LED lighting project the university completed as a long-term solution to reduce energy, reduce costs, and achieve sustainability. http://ecmweb.com/news/lithona-lighting-rtled-20101005/

6. 10 Trends for 2011 and Beyond By David Gordon and Stan Rydzynski - The past few years' economic upheaval is changing how electrical distributors need to market and grow their businesses. While providing best-in-class service to existing customers will always be important, reaching new markets and new customers will be more important than ever. We have identified 10 ideas for distributors to consider for beyond 2010. Next month's article will explore ideas from electrical manufacturers.
1. Use the Snap-On tool approach
2. Sell strategically
3. Rethink your counter area
4. Recalibrate your inventory levels and stock management strategies
5. Beef up your data analysis
6. Rethink how you reach specific demographics
7. Think retail
8. Integrate your marketing and sales strategies so you can customize your sales pitches
9. Harness the power of social media and web-based marketing
10. Blend in new products with your existing basket of products

7. The City of Kenosha Lighting Project Goes to Amerlux - “Going Green” was the goal. Kenosha wanted to keep “the look” of their existing street lighting in the proposed area. Amerlux Exterior appealed to them early on because they proposed a “retro fit” engine allowing them to keep not only their existing glass acorns, but also the fitters and poles. As the ROI was being calculated it became clear that a “retro fit” solution was the path Kenosha wants to take. The order from The City of Kenosha via Johnson Controls in the amount of $459,000 was received on August 26, 2010.
www.amerlux.com

8. CPUC Adopts Plan to Save 60-80 Percent Lighting Energy Use Statewide - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today adopted a plan to transform the lighting market and achieve a 60-80 percent reduction in statewide electrical lighting energy consumption. This plan will be a new chapter of the California Long Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan. The CPUC said that lighting accounts for approximately one-fourth of California’s electricity use and promoting the widespread use of energy efficient lighting can lead to significant savings. For more information on the CPUC: www.cpuc.ca.gov

9. When Selling Energy Efficiency, Don't Say 'Retrofit,' Say 'Upgrade' -- Study In a study (pdf) of programs aimed at improving residential energy efficiency, researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found much to learn from. For starters, the researchers said, don't offer "audits" or "retrofits" -- customers shy away from the negative connotations. Instead try offering "energy assessments" and "upgrades," but focus messaging on health benefits, improved comfort, community pride or other benefits that consumers tend to care more about. 10/05 New York Times www.greenwire.com

10. DOE Municipal Solid-State Street Lighting Consortium - It's estimated that there are 35 million street lights in the U.S. They consume as much electricity each year as 3.9 million households, and generate greenhouse gas emissions equal to that produced by 8 million cars. Converting a significant portion of these street lights to LED technology could make a real difference, both in terms of energy savings and a cleaner environment. DOE's Solid-State Street Lighting Consortium is working to help cities make good decisions on SSL purchases, in order to maximize these benefits. To learn more about the Consortium, or to join, visit www.ssl.energy.gov/consortium.html.