As buildings embrace advanced control technologies, cybersecurity has become a top priority—especially for networked lighting systems, now woven into complex IT and operational technology networks. Traditionally, electricians have focused on hands-on electrical work, but today’s connected systems demand an expanded skill set to guard against cyber threats that can compromise entire buildings.

CLTC is excited to share the findings of a new study on Residential Energy & Automation (REA) Systems, showcasing how this innovative technology can help homeowners save energy and cut costs through the use of intelligent energy management. REA systems integrate technologies like solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicles into smart, automated networks that optimize energy use—helping lower utility bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

CLTC is proud to announce the formalization of a strategic, research-focused Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korea Photonics Technology Institute (KOPTI) to advance international collaboration in addressing the growing challenges of light pollution in North America and Asia. This partnership is set to drive innovation in smart lighting technologies and carbon-neutral solutions, with a core focus on mitigating light pollution—an issue of increasing global concern.

The California Lighting Technology Center is honored to welcome Professor Jia-Ming Day from Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA) as a visiting scholar. His residency will take place from August 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, at the invitation of CLTC's co-director Jae Yong Suk.

The 15th Annual Asia Lighting Conference (ALC2024), a prestigious international forum dedicated to advancing academic exchange and technological innovation in the lighting industry across Asia, was held on August 22nd and 23rd, 2024. A highlight of the event was the keynote address titled Lighting the Future: Health & Environmental Innovations for a Better World delivered by Professor Jae Yong Suk, Faculty Co-Director at the California Lighting Technology Center.

CLTC is excited to announce the arrival of groundbreaking funding from the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy to develop a cutting-edge, human-centered lighting system for the global market, specifically targeting North America! This ambitious project, funded at approximately $3.5 million over 3.5 years, represents a significant milestone for CLTC.

Exterior lighting, predominantly powered by carbon-intensive fossil fuels during high residential usage hours, poses environmental and safety challenges when power outages leave communities in darkness for extended periods. In response, the California Energy Commission funded a sustainable exterior lighting initiative at the California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) at the University of California, Davis to develop and demonstrate Renewable Energy and Advanced Lighting (REAL) systems.

The California Lighting Technology Center is pleased to announce the release of its updated video series covering the 2022 Title 24, Part 6 lighting requirements. These videos aim to provide practical insights for implementing code-compliant lighting in both nonresidential and residential buildings across California.

The video series features five segments, each focusing on a specific aspect of the 2022 Energy Code, effective January 1, 2023:

When it comes to physical training, the environment individuals choose can significantly enhance their performance. A recent study Arizona State University and the California Lighting Technology Center explores indoor lighting and its influence on physiological signals in humans during exercise. This research aimed to understand the connection between different indoor lighting conditions, the body’s signals and physical training performance, while also considering the impact of gender.

The University of California, Davis and Korea Photonics Technology Institute (KOPTI) announced a newly formed global partnership, following the signing of an Agreement of Cooperation (AOC).

The California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) of UC Davis and Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Smart City Research Center proudly announce a partnership in research efforts, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Harnessing the combined expertise and resources of CLTC and KAIST Smart City Research Center, this alliance aims to accelerate joint research efforts towards energy efficiency and decarbonization in cities.

LEDs Magazine has highlighted the groundbreaking research conducted by the California Lighting Technology Center's Color Lab Initiative, shedding light on preliminary findings and the project's trajectory. The featured content explores the comprehensive investigation aimed at understanding the connections between light, color, and human well-being in our illuminated environments.

To read the article, please visit the feature on LEDs Magazine:

Happy holidays from CLTC!  We hope you have a season full of light and cheer.

Recent studies show that lighting still makes up 18% of the energy used by U.S. commercial buildings. This underscores the substantial potential for energy savings through lighting upgrades with advanced controls. Today's LED technology, when appropriately designed, pairs well with advanced controls. Despite this, dynamic dimming in lighting systems faces resistance in museums and retail stores where concerns about visual disruption and distraction prevail.

CLTC is pleased to announce the availability of our updated Lighting Best Practices Guides! These guides serve as valuable resources for builders and professionals in the lighting industry as they navigate California's 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24, Part 6 or Energy Code), which went into effect on January 1, 2023.