CEE launched an initiative for High-Performance Commercial Lighting Systems in November of 2004.

The initial focus of the High-Performance Commercial Lighting Systems Initiative is national coordination in defining efficient, high-performance lighting products. At the outset, the initiative is addressing higher lumen, 4-foot, 32-watt T8 lighting systems. Future efforts will address reduced wattage T8 systems as well as other technologies.

For the long term, CEE proposes to enhance energy savings by:

• Evaluating opportunities to support efficient lighting technologies and practices
• Encouraging the adoption and promotion of common specifications for high-performance lighting systems
• Developing effective program approaches to increase market share of high-performance lighting equipment

In addition, design and efficiency considerations regarding a new construction versus retrofit situation differ greatly based upon the fixture layout scheme. As a result, national, state and regional programs encourage the use of energy-efficient lighting technologies through a multitude of program approaches and measures to attain energy savings.

To develop a comprehensive initiative strategy, end-user and decision-maker needs will be evaluated and researched based upon the barriers that hinder the rapid market penetration of high-performance commercial lighting systems. These barriers include (1) a higher initial costs, (2) product availability and/or longer lead times, (3) lack of understanding and (4) market confusion regarding application.

For further information about CEE's High-Performance Commercial Lighting Initiative, contact Afroz Khan at 617-589-3949, ext. 208.

Resources/links

Presentation by Tom Coughlin, National Grid:
High-Performance T8 Lighting Systems Specification Draft

CEE Newsletter story:
Stakeholders discuss proposed Commercial Lighting Initiative