COVID-related absenteeism has cost US employers an average of $1 Billion per week since the pandemic began. Concern about the spread of infections in the workplace has driven many building operators to increase outside air ventilation at a significantly increased energy cost. Recent research from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and others finds that well-designed germicidal UV systems can be more effective and far more energy efficient than increasing ventilation to prevent the spread of airborne illness. The Better Buildings Lighting Systems Technology Research Team shared insights on germicidal ultraviolet radiation and its impact on both energy use and airborne pathogens. PNNL’s Lighting Research Engineers Gabe Arnold presented the latest research on GUV technology and how it compares to other methods of indoor air disinfection. Additionally, continuing from the last Lighting Systems Technology Research Team meeting in June, attendees can provided input on how DOE resources can provide the most valuable impact.

UV lighting has become a hot topic with the pandemic as a means to disinfect buildings and surfaces from viruses and bacteria. Mark Lien, Industry Relations Manager of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), presents on germicidal ultraviolet (UV) lighting. Mark separates some of the facts from fiction and highlights key safety considerations in applying this beneficial technology. There's also an update on two new DOE lighting initiatives: the Integrated Lighting Campaign, and the IoT-Upgradeable Lighting Challenge.

This fact sheet covers the potential for deeper energy savings and occupant comfort through the integration of lighting controls and automated shading. Research conducted by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found an annual energy savings up to 30% in controlled zones compared to a baseline lighting system. Furthermore, occupant comfort (i.e., non-energy benefit) potential was identified, as the system maintained an acceptable level of Daylight Glare Probability at almost all times and maintained illuminance at the workplane at all times.

This report collected, aggregated, and analyzed zone- and fixture-level energy monitoring interval data from networked lighting controls (NLC) systems in 114 buildings across a variety of building types in North America, representing over 1,200 zones with an average of 60 days of monitoring data per building.

The Better Buildings Plug and Process Load Technology Research Team hosted two technical presentations from recently published studies that describe novel approaches for better understanding device-level energy consumption in buildings.

The Lighting Controls Association offers free, comprehensive online education about lighting controls technology and application.

This course, available through Lighting Controls Association, an ILC Organizing and Supporting partner, is offered via its Education Express program.  Learn more about the Education Express program by filtering “Webinars | Training” on the right panel.

The Better Buildings Lighting and Electrical Technology Research Team discusses takeaways from 13 advanced lighting system projects recognized in DOE’s Integrated Lighting Campaign and resources needed to support the uptake of connected lighting systems. The team also shared how to get involved with the Lighting Prize (L-Prize).

This class examines examples of integrating lighting controls with other building controls, primarily HVAC. Rather than presenting a set of established best practices, it reviews a few notable case studies of commercial and institutional buildings where integration has been both successful and challenging. Presenters describe the design process, how key decision points were identified, and how issues were resolved. They also cover Owners Project Requirements, Basis of Design, and Sequence of Operations, and report on commissioning and post occupancy evaluations.