'We Went LED' is Not Sufficient: The Place of Lighting in Our Low-Carbon Future

We're over ten years into the LED revolution, but mythology still motivates decision-making. Energy professionals need to know that "let's just go LED” leads to sub-optimal results. LED efficiency varies greatly, even within EnergyStar or DesignLights Consortium listings. As we’ll discuss, variance is at least 40% and up to 80%. Amazing federal programs that helped modulate the LED industry and track it are suddenly gone, so how do we judge? Smarter controls (and/or technicians) offer huge potential for commercial/industrial, but are still a challenge in residential. After a phenomenal success (57% drop nationally in energy for residential lighting 2001-18), there are still substantial savings available, and lighting loads will persist in low-carbon buildings. We'll also report the latest in inane “light bulb wars.”

Session Speaker(s): 

Session Chair(s): 

Event Time: 

Friday, August 14, 2020 - 8:00am to 9:00am

Room / Location:
Marina III

Experience Level: 

1 (no prior experience/knowledge needed)

CEU Information: 

AIA 1.0 LU/HSW
BPI 1.0 hour
GBCI BD+C, ID+C, O+M, WELL 1.0 hour
MA CSL 1.0 hour, Energy

Learning Objectives:

  • Differentiate (using tools discussed) between standard LED fixtures and the most efficient LED fixtures
  • Specify highest efficiency lighting fixtures so as not to lose 40-80% savings opportunities.
  • Appreciate the 57% drop nationally in energy consumption for residential lighting 2001-18.
  • Understand the potential impact of lighting control options (when appropriate).

Session ID: 

BOS20-203