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Square D Lighting Control - Industry Associations & Updates

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Legislative Updates:

New National Energy Standard Named by the Department of Energy

On December 30, 2008, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) determined that the provisions of the ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2004 - Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings - would achieve greater energy efficiency in buildings subject to the code than the 1999 edition of the standard. The DOE has determined that switching to 90.1-2004 would generate site energy savings of about 12% and national source energy savings of 14% of commercial building energy consumption. Standard 90.1-2004 will become the new national energy standard on December 30, 2010- which gives each state sufficient time to review the provisions of its commercial building code regarding energy efficiency and certify that its code meets or exceeds ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2004.

ANSI - American National Standards Institute
ASHRAE - American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
IESNA - Illuminating Engineering Society of North America

The 2004 Standard includes the following updates in the lighting section of the Standard: changes to recognized methods for automatic lighting shutoff and new exceptions, addition of occupancy sensor requirements, new exit sign wattage requirement, complete replacement of interior lighting power density allowances, and revised exterior lighting power density allowances.

The requirement for automatic lighting shutoff in commercial buildings larger than 5,000 square feet provides three methods – time of day schedule control, occupancy sensing, or signal from other systems indicating space is unoccupied. Exceptions are given for buildings with lighting intended for 24-hour operation, lighting in spaces where patient care is rendered and places where safety would be compromised.

Space control requirements are stipulated in Standard 2004 as each space that is enclosed by ceiling-height partitions shall have at least one space control device to control an area up to 2,500 square feet for spaces 10,000 square feet or less, or an area up to 10,000 square feet for spaces greater than 10,000 square feet. Examples of compliant space controls are: An occupancy sensor that turns lighting on and off with occupancy in offices, restrooms, conference rooms, employee lunch rooms and classrooms; For lighting on a time-of-day schedule control, a switch to override the schedule for up to four hours during the off schedule; and Multi-scene controls in classrooms or conference rooms.

Standard 2004 remains the minimum requirement to qualify for the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design® (LEED) certification program as administered by the U.S. Green Buildings Council.

For additional information on Standard 90.1-2004 please visit the Lighting Controls Association website.

-H.R. 6, Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 was signed by President George W. Bush December 19, 2007. The goal of the Act is “to move the United States toward greater energy independence and security, to increase the production of clean renewable fuels, to protect consumers, to increase the efficiency of products, buildings and vehicles, to promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options, and to improve the energy performance of the Federal Government, and for other purposes.” Vist the below sites for additional information:

-H.R. 3221, New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act and H.R. 2776 Renewable Energy and Conservation Tax Act of 2007 both passed Saturday, August 4th by the House of Representatives. These important pieces of legislation extend commercial buildings tax deduction through the year 2013 and set new federal energy standards for lighting. Read more.

-Receive up-to-date Legislative Updates concerning the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005, provided by Schneider Electric and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. Stay informed and take an active role in monitoring the latest news in your tax deduction for energy-efficient commercial building properties.
Schneider Electric Energy Efficiency Solutions for Federal Government

http://www.efficientbuildings.org/legislative_update.html

http://www.lightingtaxdeduction.org

Industry Associations:

• Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA)
   http://www.cedia.net/

• Habitat for Humanity – corporate member
   http://www.habitat.org

• Home Lighting Control Alliance
   http://www.homelightingcontrol.org/

• Illuminating Engineering Society of North America
   http://www.iesna.org

• Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC)
   http://www.ieci.org/

• Lighting Controls Association (LCA)
   http://www.aboutlightingcontrols.org/

• National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
   http://www.nahb.org/

• National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED)
   http://www.naed.org

• National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
   http://www.nema.org/

• National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
   http://www.necanet.org/

• United States Green Building Council
   http://usgbc.org

• Zigbee Alliance
   http://www.zigbee.org