This report from the Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL) summarizes 5 field evaluations conducted with the DesignLights Consortium demonstrating the potential energy saving capability of a sampling of advanced lighting control systems in real-world environments.

This resource assists decision-makers in understanding how networked lighting control system attributes can satisfy project objectives at an appropriate cost and functionality. It is intended for members of the project team involved in the design and selection of lighting control systems, especially team members with limited-to-moderate controls experience.

Success with lighting controls depends on establishing clearly defined objectives and taking a disciplined approach to design and implementation. This practical guide describes four common use cases for lighting controls and outlines the implementation process, from planning through maintenance. These recommended best practices reflect the experience of practitioners and serve to reduce complexity and the likelihood of problems when installing and using lighting controls.

Connected lighting systems provide a platform where integrated control of lighting and other systems can enhance building performance. With detailed information, coordinated systems can deliver lower operating costs and improved return on capital, as well as enhanced occupant wellbeing and productivity.

GSA's GPG program commissioned LBNL to assess wreless ALC at two federal sites in Northern California.  Results showed 54% normalized energy savings for GSA when fluorescent lamps with dimmable ballasts were retrofitted with wireless ALC, and 78% when the wireless ALC retrofit was coupled with LED fixtures. Wireless ALC integrated with LED fixtures is recommended for new construction and renovations, with simple payback between 3 and 6 years. It should also be considered for retrofits in facilities with minimal existing controls, high lighting energy usage, and high electricity costs.

GSA’s Green Proving Ground program recently assessed the potential of wireless sensor technology to provide a cost-effective and facilities-friendly way of helping data center operators visualize and implement system changes that reduce overall energy consumption. Findings include significant cost savings, as well as a substantial reduction in cooling load and CO2 emissions.  Sensors utilizing a wireless mesh network and data management software to capture and graphically display real time conditions for energy optimization were installed in a demonstration project.

This ZNE Technology Application (TA) Guide provides an overview of luminaire level lighting control (LLLC). The full LLLC approach provides controllability at each fixture with real-time energy tracking and data collection, and it aligns with current trends and interests in space utilization, occupant satisfaction and productivity. This TA guide describes the system, features and benefits, energy performance from both modeled and measured results, application considerations, costs and trends.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory staff who lead the U.S. DOE’s Better Buildings Lighting Systems Technology Research Team invited viewers to join and hear from Integrated Lighting Campaign Participants who were recognized for their integrated lighting systems. Shanna Olson of IMEG Corp. and Adam Hutchinson of Denver Water will share insights and recommendations related to their installations a year after being Recognized. Attendees experienced an interactive session and provided input on how DOE resources can help more buildings install systems like these and provide the most valuable impact.

Over the past year there has been increased awareness of the critical role that buildings play in our personal health & wellbeing. As we build back many are now rethinking about how to approach health in commercial spaces. Learn from experts at the University of Washington’s Integrated Design Lab and the University of Oregon’s Energy Studies in Buildings Lab as they discuss how Luminaire Level Lighting Controls (LLLC) have the potential to revolutionize how we monitor and respond to environmental factors that impact human health.

Willdan Energy Solutions has a $4M grant program – Bundle-Based Energy Efficiency Technology Solutions for California (BEETS for California).  This project demonstrates three innovative bundles of pre-commercial technologies. The technology bundles for Chilled Water Plants, Office and Exterior Space LED fixtures, and Advanced laboratory ventilation were strategically developed through a systems-level approach to address the most energy-intensive areas in commercial buildings.

NextEnergy's Lighting Technology Energy Solutions (LiTES) Program, a three-year public-private partnership with the DOE, DTE, Consumers Energy, and IBEW.
The LiTES Program sought to reduce energy use in small and medium commercial buildings by accelerating the adoption of advanced/networked lighting controls (ALC/NLC) through contractor training and technology deployment. Leveraging recommendations already outlined by the Design Lights Consortium Commercial Advanced Lighting Controls (DLC CALC) project, NextEnergy led an effort to train contractors, evaluate the experience of ALC/NLC demonstration projects, identify opportunities to reduce market barriers, and accelerate the increased adoption of ALC/NLC technologies within SMCB, which represent 90% of the U.S. commercial building stock.

In May 2024, GSA updated its P100 FACILITIES STANDARDS FOR THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS SERVICE to no longer allow Type B TLEDs, which have internal LED drivers and are wired directly to line voltage. The update is due to safety and incompatibility concerns. Green Proving Ground has updated and published a new version of the “LED Lighting and Controls Guidance for Federal Buildings” document to reflect this recent P100 guidance.