Lighting Design & Daylighting
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
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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The Evolution of Exit Signs (and Why the Latest is a Bad Idea)
Feature
Searching for reliable, energy-efficient exit signs, EBN's Alex Wilson explains why photoluminescent exit signs, one of the newest "energy-saving" devices, are one of the worst from a total-energy-use standpoint. The article reviews current technology, including LED and electroluminescent exit signs, and offers recommendations.
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Historic Preservation and Green Building: A Lasting Relationship
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Rehabilitation of existing buildings is important to sustainability in buildings, but with historic buildings, green building and preservationism can diverge. With attention to preservation standards and suitable application of green strategies, however, those agendas can be aligned.
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Controls Go Wireless
Feature
Particularly for lighting and ventilation controls in retrofit situations wireless systems offer potential energy, money, and resource savings. The technology is still new, however, and potential drawbacks like health risks, interference, and even the potential for increased energy consumption need to be examined.
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Rethinking the All-Glass Building
Feature
Is it time to end our love affair with the all-glass building? A lot of proponents of high-performance, green design certainly think so-while other respected architects, including some leading green designers and energy experts, argue that all-glass can work well if done right.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Post-Occupancy Evaluations: Ignorance Isn't Bliss
Explainer
POEs tell you everything you ever wanted to know about your buildings. Don't be afraid to ask.
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Circadian Rhythm and the Role of Lighting
Explainer
LEDs with color tuning are now being sold, but do we really have the light formula for waking us up and putting us to sleep?
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Designing for Daylighting
Explainer
In addition to making your space more pleasant visually, daylighting reduces the need for electric lighting.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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Reflector LED Lamps from Lighting Science Group
Product Review
A manufacturer has introduced the first full-dimming LED lamp bright enough for general illumination.
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LED Downlight from LLF-Most Efficient on the Market
Product Review
A new LED downlight module from LED Lighting Fixtures, Inc., offers high efficacy and good light quality using a unique way of producing a diffuse, white light.
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Sealed Blinds from Unicel Offer Flexibility, Low Maintenance
Product Review
Vision Control sealed interpane louvers, available with any type of glazing, offer numerous benefits, including energy savings and reduced maintenance compared with other blinds.
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The First Practical Heliostat
Product Review
Practical Solar has introduced a simple heliostat system to reflect sunlight into buildings for lighting and space heating; future applications will include water heating and electricity generation.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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2007 Energy Bill Promotes High-Performance Buildings
News Analysis
Although several important provisions were stripped from the federal energy bill, key improvements to appliance standards and building energy-efficiency standards remain.
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Energy Star Labels for LED Lighting
News Analysis
Energy Star ratings for LED light fixtures, to become effective in September 2008, provide assurance that products have been tested to meet a wide range of performance and durability specifications.
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LEDs Get Energy Star Label, Amid Controversy
News Analysis
Just before a Department of Energy standard for Energy Star LEDs becomes effective, the Environmental Protection Agency announced its own standard, taking the industry by surprise.
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LED SkyCeilings Introduced
News Analysis
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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