# Unlocking the Potential of Light Center: Energy-Efficient Lighting

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/08/uc-davis-green-lighting-center-gets-bigger-smarter-and-10-million-in-new-grants/
- Published: 2011-08-08T16:02:13-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

In 2010 the California [Lighting Technology Center](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/uc-davis-lighting-center-breaks-down-their-funds/)
at UC Davis had so many successful projects under way. Yet one that has moved into
a new facility. I mean with twice the space.

## Now they host open houses to show off their Green Lighting.

Moreover and prove they did their own [Do It Yourself Home Energy Audit](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/11/do-it-yourself-home-energy-audits-we-need-to-talk-about-this-book/)(
if you know what I mean)!  Best part is coming soon: the homes, offices, businesses,
and even parking lots.

![In 2010 the California Lighting Technology Center at UC Davis had so many successful
projects under way. Yet one that has moved into a new facility. I mean with twice
the space.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/30861102-
7A40-4E00-A132-B899EEA071B5.png?resize=736%2C312&quality=50&ssl=1)

_“Energy-efficient lighting has never been more important or more achievable,” said
center director Michael Siminovitch, a professor in the UC Davis Design Program.“
We have innovative products for every lighting need that can cut electricity use
by up to 50 percent, which saves consumers money while helping the environment.”_

### Some of the new products on view or in development at the center include:

#### _Offices_

_Energy-efficient systems focus light on the task at hand, automatically respond
to available daylight, report energy use to the larger office community through 
Web-based energy-monitoring software, all of which reduce energy use;_

#### _Classrooms_

_Designed with teachers in mind, the Integrated Classroom Lighting System improves
classroom light quality while reducing energy consumption and features occupancy
sensors that turn off lights in empty rooms. The lighting center is also working
on energy-saving retrofits that will let schools improve upon the common practice
of replacing aging T-12 fluorescent light fixtures with more efficient T-8s._

### _Kitchens_

_There are 800 million downlights in use in the United States, and they are a design
staple in kitchens. The California Lighting Technology Center is demonstrating the
benefits of LED downlights that are dimmable and come in a range of color temperatures.
That’s as well as a variety of traditional and contemporary designs. Currently on
the market, and on view in the lighting center LED Kitchen, are the Cree LR-6. Also
Progress EverLume and the Cooper Halo. With an average input power of 10-12 watts,
these downlights save more than 75 percent over incandescent lights.

_The lighting center also is showcasing a next-generation product prototype. One
that shines light up into the can fixture and then down into the room. Up to 10 
of these downlights can be linked to one wall switch on low-voltage cable. Installation
with this system requires less labor than the traditional housings. The lights are
called Lighting California’s Future Advanced LED Downlights._

#### _Home living areas_

_The center demonstrates LED lighting for the home that takes advantage of the intense
bright light offered by LEDs but tempers it for use in a ceiling fan, wall sconce
or [bathroom vanity](https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/uc-davis-green-lighting-center-gets-bigger-smarter-and-10-million-new-grants).
Four next-generation prototypes are on display in a model living room sponsored 
by Progress Lighting._

#### _Stairwells_

_Bi-level stairwell lighting gets bright when people are on the stairs, and then
dims when they’re gone. Modernizing this often-overlooked area can reduce annual
stairwell energy use by 40 percent to 80 percent._

### _Warehouses and big-box stores_

_Smart high-intensity-discharge (HID) lighting is both dimmable and controllable.
Daylighting sensors for skylights can automatically dim electric lights when there
is enough daylight._

#### _Parking lots and garages_

_Lights with motion sensors use half the energy of conventional lights when the 
space is unoccupied but provide greater safety, while reducing light pollution and
waste. The California Lighting Technology Center is showcasing the diversity of 
lighting options for exterior use, including systems that use LED, induction, plasma
and hybrid light fixtures with bi-level capabilities._

#### _Streetlights_

_One product, the BetaLED “Edge” series, reduces light pollution spilling into homes
by focusing the light onto the street and sidewalk._

Source: [UC Davis](https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/uc-davis-green-lighting-center-gets-bigger-smarter-and-10-million-new-grants)