Articles

Fast Company ​— The United States generates more energy than any other country in the world -- and wastes more than half of it. Efficiency, it turns out, can be a rich resource. Those riches are being exploited by a kind of alchemy that combines science with business.

Lighting Controls Association — The California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) organized a study in eight private offices at the University of California, Davis in 2008 to attempt to generate useful data related to these questions.

CLTC Study Demonstrates Major Energy Savings for Bi-level Occupancy Sensors

Macworld ​product review — Full Spectrum Solutions' Berkeley Lamp II provides provides both downward-focused task lighting and upward-facing ambient lighting with two independent, dimmable fluorescent bulbs. The energy-efficient office lighting solution is also designed to prevent eyestrain and glare.

New York Times ​Green Inc. column — Changing efficiency standards for light bulbs in Europe and elsewhere raise questions about the quality of CFLs and other alternatives to incandescents. Commentary from CLTC Director Michael Siminovitch sheds light on the manufacturing and market launch of CFLs.

Light Bulbs Poised for a Big Change

New York Times ​— Irritation seems to be rising as more consumers try compact fluorescent lamps which now occupy 11 percent of the nation's eligible sockets, with 330 million lamps sold every year. Consumers are posting vociferous complaints on the Internet after trying the lamps and finding them lacking. In California, where CFLs have been heavily encouraged, utilities have concluded that they will not be able to persuade a majority of consumers to switch until compact fluorescents get better. That is prompting them to develop specifications for a better lamp.

Electrical Contractor Magazine — Lighting standards already exist for performing tasks such as reading, threading a needle, cooking and grooming. However, older adults need much more light than the standards currently call for. This has strong implications when planning to light kitchens, bathrooms, clothes closets, entrances and stairways. 

Smart Planet — What types of smart lights will power our homes and offices in the next five to ten years? At the California Lighting Institute at UC Davis, Professor Michael Siminovitch shows us a giant integrated sphere that acts as an advanced light meter. He also discusses an array of LED and fluorescent lighting technologies including, down lighting systems for residential use, and exterior LED lighting for garages and parking lots.

SF Gate — As California lawmakers push to stop the sale of incandescent light bulbs in the foreseeable future, now might be the time to start looking for new ways to light up the home.

Sacramento Business Journal — Rising energy prices have given a free marketing boost to any product or service that cuts usage of watts and therms.

UC Davis —​ CLTC designed a low-wattage light fixture that saves energy and improves safety, particularly for elderly people. JoAnn Smith, who resides in an independent living facility in Sacramento, says the new lighting system is much better than what she had before.