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New Clean Energy Bill Presents Big Opportunity for Lighting Control Industry in California

Posted by Matt Sedlock

Oct 28, 2015 11:20:22 AM

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On October 7th, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015 (SB 350). This new bill provides ample opportunity for those in the lighting control arena as it has committed the state of California to use renewable energy for half its electricity and make existing buildings twice as energy efficient in just 15 years.

SB 350 will allow Californians to continue to save money through rebates and subsidies as they purchase electric vehicles, replace inefficient light bulbs and appliances, and install solar panels or double-paned windows. Perhaps the biggest change those in the lighting control industry will notice will come with the new update to Title 24 in 2016. Title 24, which dictates the minimum standards of new and retrofitted buildings, is updated every 3 years to reflect the capability of new green technologies.

The Clean Energy and Pollution Act has presented a huge opportunity for the lighting control industry. Making buildings twice as energy-efficient means investing in light control. Not only does light control increase comfort and productivity, it saves energy. Here are just a some of the many options that can provide energy-saving benefits for commercial applications:

 

Xeleum-Stairwell-Isolacted-Side1_NewXeleum Athena Series LED Stairwell Fixtures: 

The Athena Series LED Stairwell is specifically designed for use in stairwells where the space is often unoccupied for long periods of time. It reduces energy usage by up to 80% by automatically providing fully ON light levels only when the space is occupied and returns to power saving dim levels with the space is unoccupied. These fixtures function equally well in hallways, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or any area that is frequently unoccupied.

 

Lutron Whole Building Centralized Control Solutions:

Lutron whole building solutions like Quantum and GRAFIK 7000 allow facility managers to conveniently manage both electric light and daylight right from their desktop. Control, configure, monitor, and report on the lighting for any space in your building for maximum energy efficiency, comfort, and productivity.

 

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Daylight Autonomy from Lutron:

Shading solutions coupled with window sensors regulate daylight to optimize comfort and lower energy costs by harvesting daylight and reducing the load on HVAC systems. Window sensors automatically adjust shades in a space throughout the day based on the sun's position to prevent glare and enhance views.

 

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Cree ZR Series:

The Cree ZR Series LED troffer delivers superios quality in an ultra-slim, sleek package at an affordable price. The ZR Series troffer can reduce energy consumption by more than half, and with standard 0-10V dimming or Cree SmartCast controls, can accelerate its already rapid two-year payback. 

 

These are just a few of the product solutions we can recommend. Most of the lines on our line cards have products that are compliant with new standards. For help with your project call us at 858-564-0233. 

Title-24-Compliant-logoBLACKWestern Lighting & Energy Controls is your best resource for information on new legislation and Title 24 requirements, and all the associated product solutions. We offer live local training to educate industry professionals about the benefits of lighting control so they have the necessary tools to determine the ideal solution for any customer and any space. Download the Title 24-2013 Commercial Application Guide for a summary of code requirements for lighting controls and receptacles, or watch our video of a training session on the newest Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards. 

If you'd like to see what other training classes Western offers, check out our Training Schedule, or let us know if you'd like us to alert you to Training Schedule updates for Title 24 in 2016.

 

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Topics: Lighting Control, Energy Efficiency, energy savings, saving energy

Lutron Lighting products that are helping schools save energy

Posted by Natalie Young

Mar 12, 2014 12:33:00 PM

greeen learning lighting solutions for classrooms
 
 
This article is the second in a 4 part series on Prop 39 Funding. 
The California Clean Energy Jobs Act, known as Prop 39, was adopted in December 2013. The bill allocates funding to support energy efficiency and alternative energy projects, as well as improvements and repairs to help cut down on operating costs and improve health and safety conditions in public schools.
Over five years, schools will receive about $2.5 billion through the act.

 

With recent studies proving the advantages of high efficiency lighting in classrooms, school administrators can benefit from a thorough description of the various components of these systems. Proper lighting is tied to student performance by various studies that measure standardized test scores both before and after LED installation. Here are some Lutron products that are helping schools by increasing student productivity, making teachers’ jobs easier, and decreasing energy costs.

1. PowPak Dimming Module with EcoSystem

This device, mounted in classroom ceilings, automates the dimming controls of an LED lighting system. It reads the information communicated by various wireless sensors and responds by lowering the illumination at certain times of the day. Factors that cause it to take action are based upon room occupation, or other designated factors. The module can be integrated with your HVAC system to provide seamless environmental controls and a reduction in energy costs. 

2. Pico Wireless Controls

There are Lutron products that are helping schools automate their lighting systems, but manual operation may be necessary at times. Pico wireless controls can be conveniently located on the desks of teachers or administrators, or they can be mounted to the wall nearby. They're easy to use and modular, so they can be an add-on component as school administrators deem necessary. These devices give staff the freedom to adjust lighting levels based on classroom activity or other factors.

3. EcoSystem H-Series Digital Ballast

These strips are the focal point of Lutron lighting solutions, providing superior dimming capabilities to fine tune illumination in the classroom. They’re easy to install and maintain, resulting in lower costs for broken bulbs and replacement costs. The ceiling mounted EcoSystem H-Series apparatus is compact and light, so it’s non-intrusive in the classroom. It also enables schools to decrease energy costs by up to 60%.

4. Radio Powr Savr Daylight and Vacancy Sensors

The Daylight Sensor reads light levels in a space based upon the natural rays entering through windows and doors. It communicates with the PowPak Dimming Module to increase or decrease light in the classroom automatically when it's needed. Similarly, the Vacancy Sensor reports to the Dimming Module as it reads occupancy in the area. Both sensors lower costs by reducing or turning off lights when they're not necessary in the room. The sensors can be overridden if users prefer the manual Pico Wireless Controls.

5. PowPak Contact Closure Output Module

While there are Lutron products that are helping schools lower costs by controlling light levels, they can also benefit from automating their HVAC systems. The PowPak Contact Closure Output Module integrates with your heating and air conditioning components to regulate temperature at optimal levels. Third party systems can be adjusted to respond to the wireless commands as directed by the Lutron modules, thereby automating HVAC functions.

All the components work together to streamline lighting, heating and air conditioning in classrooms. By combining manual and automatic operation, this Lutron system is a cost effective way to regulate the teaching environment and reduce energy costs.

 

lighting specifierschool administrator lighting

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Topics: lutron, prop 39, lighting for schools, schools, saving energy, light control

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