Lighting Design & Daylighting

Photo: Adrian Grycuk. License: CC BY-SA 3.0

Energy-efficient lighting is seriously misunderstood by many in the green building industry. Long associated with CFLs and poorly lit spaces, today’s energy-efficient lighting uses state-of-the-art LEDs, controllers, and optics to direct light just where you need it.

Outdoors, LED streetlamps use advanced sensors and are optimized for maximum efficiency, yet they produce little light pollution that could disrupt local wildlife.

Indoors, LEDs can be integrated into DC power systems via power-over-ethernet cables. The color can be changed to help increase worker productivity, improve patient moods, or mimic natural outdoor light to help maintain our natural circadian rhythms.

New forms of LED and OLED lighting are revolutionizing how we light our buildings.

Lighting Design & Daylighting

Deep Dives

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  • Is Using Smart Glass Smart?

    Feature Article

    Electrochromic glazing holds the promise of less glare and better energy efficiency with fewer attachments. The reality is much more complicated.

  • Lighting Design for Health and Sustainability: A Guide for Architects

    Feature Article

    A report providing architects guidance on how to design sustainable lighting that supports health and wellness while reducing energy use.

  • The Death and Rebirth of DC Power

    Feature Article

    Direct current is replacing AC in microgrids and other setups that maximize the efficiency of lighting, HVAC, and onsite renewables.

  • Doing Daylighting Right

    Feature Article

    Harvesting daylight is a popular way to save energy and promote productivity. But getting it wrong is all too easy-and can have the opposite effects.

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  • CFLs Aren't Perfect

    Op-Ed

    The lifespan of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) is shortened by frequent switching on and off, but in most applications they're worth using anyway.

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  • Is Using Smart Glass Smart?

    Feature Article

    Electrochromic glazing holds the promise of less glare and better energy efficiency with fewer attachments. The reality is much more complicated.

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