A new model code for constructing and remodeling buildings is expected to make buildings more efficient, reduce waste, and have a positive impact on health, safety and community welfare. The 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) will increase the energy-efficiency of structures, while providing direction and oversight of green design and construction, according to the [...]

The California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) at UC Davis will host James R. Benya and Deborah Burnett to share their fast-paced multimedia presentation, “A Perfect Circadian Day.” Benya and Burnett will discuss the latest findings in circadian science, including the health effects of living in a world full of windowless spaces, light-based electronic devices and [...]

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently released a comprehensive report which concludes that the major obstacle holding back job creation in the United States is the persistent lack of construction financing, despite record low interest rates. “This report should lay to rest any doubt about what is a key source for holding back job [...]

Following several months of relatively positive business conditions, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) fell almost three points in April. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the April ABI score was [...]

The Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey, produced by the Energy Information Administration at the Department of Energy (DOE), provides incredibly valuable information about how commercial buildings use energy and energy-using systems such as lighting and HVAC. If you wanted to know things like, “How many office buildings are in the Northeast?” or “What is the [...]

More than 10,000 homes across the U.S. have earned LEED certification through the LEED for Homes program, according to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED-certified home projects span the residential market, from multi- and single-family, to market rate and affordable housing. LEED for Homes is a national voluntary certification system that promotes the design [...]

Products from Cooper Lighting and Cooper Controls have been selected as 2011 Top Product winners by Building Operating Management magazine. The winning products are the Halo H7 LED Collection from Cooper Lighting and the Venergy Energy Monitoring Web Tool from Cooper Controls. The Top Product winners were selected using an e-mail ballot to readers of [...]

Market Segment Manager Kenall, a leading manufacturer of advanced lighting solutions for healthcare, research and other specialized environments, has an exceptional new career opportunity for a Market Segment Manager to work closely with Kenall’s sales, marketing and product management teams to develop business strategies, implement segment-specific marketing and communications plans and monitor key segment metrics. [...]

Room surface finishes can play a significant role in maximizing the efficiency of a lighting system because lighter finishes can produce relatively higher light levels and perceptions of brightness. In fact, in an existing space with a large area of dark surfaces can improve light levels and visual comfort almost immediately by simply repainting those [...]