Office

PIER-sponsored research, development and demonstration (RD&D) has focused on development of integrated lighting systems for shared occupant spaces such as classrooms and conference rooms. These systems combine energy-efficient luminaires, multi-level scene control, occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting to create optimized lighting systems tailored for the modern learning space. 

Lighting accounts for about a quarter of California’s electricity use, and installing energy-efficient lighting can lead to significant energy, maintenance, carbon, and economic savings, according to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). In September 2010, the CPUC adopted a plan to achieve a 60–80% reduction in statewide electrical lighting consumption by 2020.

The California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) partnered with Finelite, Inc. and Adura Technologies to develop and demonstrate a unique, wireless task/ambient office lighting solution ideally suited for the retrofit market. The system consists of two key elements: a task/ambient lighting system and advanced, wireless lighting controls. The combination provides substantially reduced energy use, improved lighting quality, and personal lighting control for individual work spaces, without the need for any additional wiring or rewiring of existing luminaires or lighting circuits. 

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) implemented the IOLS in a planned multiyear renovation of its 520,000-square-foot headquarters in Sacramento, CA. The original lighting goal was to provide more uniform task lighting and higher visual comfort. Original designs fell short of these goals. The IOLS, in contrast, met design objectives and increased energy savings. 

Lighting California's Future – Lighting controls systems are readily available in the market that turn lights off when spaces are unoccupied or when sufficient daylight is available. However, installing these systems involves new wiring or rewiring and can be an expensive proposition to retrofit existing buildings. Adura Technologies, in partnership with the California Lighting Technology Center, developed a wireless integrated photosensor and motion sensor system that communicates wirelessly through radio frequency to circumvent this issue.