LiteSource

Philips Lighting Solutions has joined a Standard Bank programme that helps companies sell carbon credits they create by using energy efficient lighting. The programme provides a mechanism through which companies can save up to 80% on their lighting costs and simultaneously generate revenue through the sale of carbon credits. Read More

Of the 90% of Americans who have used LED or CFL light bulbs to save energy and cut costs, most use CFLs, according to a Consumer Reports study released Thursday. Almost 75% of consumers who have switched from incandescent bulbs currently use CFLs. About 25% use LEDs, or light-emitting diode bulbs, even though LEDs use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, last as long as 25 years, brighten immediately and often offer better light quality than compact fluorescents. Read More

Cost and functionality have traditionally been two big hurdles for the widespread use of LED lighting technology in commercial buildings. With technical improvements and increasing awareness of LED energy efficiency beneits, there has been some limited adoption in parking and exterior applications. Read More

The State of Connecticut has launched an innovative energy savings performance contracting program that allows state agencies and municipalities to enter into performance contracting agreements with energy service companies. This program will upgrade facilities, reduce energy costs for the state and municipalities, create jobs, and drive investment in Connecticut's economy. The program has a number of support mechanisms - like pre-approved contractors, on-call advisors, standardized contract templates, and targeted financial assistance - which will help ensure that state agencies and municipalities see positive results from this program. Read More

"It doesn't sound glamorous, but it is a place for building energy savings," NREL Energy Efficiency Research Engineer Jennifer Scheib said. "A garage typically uses 15% of the energy that the building that it is designed to support uses. Many would say it's only 15% of the energy, but we'd say it's still 15% that can be improved on. For every watt you save in the building, that's $33 worth of photovoltaics you don't have to buy when you are targeting net-zero energy." A net-zero energy building produces as much energy as it uses over the course of a year. Read More