Residential mesh networking systems (MNS) are gaining traction as a superior alternative to traditional single-router setups, offering seamless Wi-Fi coverage through multiple interconnected nodes. CLTC recently completed a study that analyzed 60 products from eight manufacturers. The final project report highlights key trends, including the rise of Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, a shift toward internal antennas for sleeker designs, and the cost benefits of three-node bundles, which lower the per-unit price despite a higher upfront investment.

A study at UC Davis' "The Barn" has shown that integrating building systems into a centralized Building Automation System (BAS) can significantly cut energy use. Researchers tested seven control strategies over a year, examining how lighting, HVAC, shading, and plug loads could work together for better efficiency.

As buildings become increasingly integrated with advanced control technologies, cybersecurity concerns have risen significantly. This is particularly true for networked lighting systems, as cybersecurity has become more important due to their growing integration with IP networks and other building IT and operational technology (OT) systems. Historically, electricians have focused on physical and electrical installations, occasionally handling system commissioning. However, the advent of networked control systems in modern buildings requires electricians to acquire a new skill set.

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.

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.

When it comes to physical training, the environment individuals choose can significantly enhance their performance. A recent study by Professor Dongwoo Jason Yeom and Ph.D. student Seonghyuk Son of Arizona State University and Professor Jae Yong Suk of the California Lighting Technology Center at the University of California, Davis explores indoor lighting and its influence on physiological signals in humans during exercise.

According to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting accounts for 18% of the energy used by commercial buildings in the U.S., making lighting upgrades with controls a significant opportunity for energy savings. When properly designed, today’s LED technology pairs well with advanced controls. One example of a lighting control strategy typically used in circulation spaces for commercial buildings like offices and schools is occupancy sensing, which automatically turns lights off when spaces are unoccupied and turns lights on when spaces are occupied.

The California Lighting Technology Center’s Residential Lighting Guide assists builders and lighting industry professionals in navigating the residential lighting portion of California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24, Part 6 or Energy Code). The 2022 iteration of the Energy Code took effect on January 1, 2023.