Despite strong, on-going sales of 4-ft. T12 fluorescent lamps, the magnetic ballasts commonly used for the lamps’ operation will start becoming relics of the past on July 1, 2010, when their continued manufacture for commercial and industrial applications becomes prohibited by DOE ballast efficiency regulations. According to the National Lighting Bureau, the July 1, 2010 [...]

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has revealed the results of new market research that provides a clear picture of America’s need for information about energy and cost saving through modern lighting systems. The research, conducted in conjunction with Today’s Facility Manager magazine, focused on nonresidential building owners and managers. Findings indicate that 41% of [...]

  Facility managers are increasingly seeking sustainability solutions for buildings, emphasizing energy efficiency to enhance value. Green financing programs, such as power purchasing agreements (PPA), efficiency service agreements (EaaS and ESA), and property assessed clean energy (PACE) financing, offer opportunities to integrate green technologies like efficient lighting retrofits, solar panels, co-generation, efficient HVAC systems, and [...]

Very happy new year, and thank you for being a LightNOW reader. To create a summary of the 2023 economic outlook, I’ve reviewed several forecasts, both from inside the electrical industry and beyond. Here is my summary: Nonresidential Construction: AIA’s consensus forecast for the 2023 nonresidential construction market calls for a 6% increase. 7% increase [...]

Congress is now considering the Energy Act of 2020, which contains numerous provisions related to energy production, distribution, and more-efficient end use. Looking at the highlights, I didn’t see anything directly related to lighting. I’m hoping at least the Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction will get another extension.

Construction spending for nonresidential buildings is projected to increase 4% this year and continue at that pace of growth through 2019, according to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast. Click to see the numbers.

Seniors represent the fastest-growing segment of the population with over 40 million Americans over 65 (U.S. Census Bureau, The Older Population. 2010), with over 10,000 Baby Boomers turning 65 every day. The over-40 population represents approximately 89 million people and of those, 63% have vision problems (National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health [...]

Republication of Postings from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solid-State Lighting Program by Jim Brodrick, U.S. Department of Energy 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 [...]

Eighty-five percent of building owners and operators globally depend on energy management to drive operational efficiency, according to the 2012 Johnson Controls Energy Efficiency Indicator, a global survey of 3,500 building owners and operators. This represents a 34-point increase in the last two years. Energy cost savings and financial incentives are leading this shift, but [...]