DesignLights Consortium (DLC) Quick Facts

Who We Are and What We Do

• Mission: As an independent nonprofit organization, the DLC provides decision makers with data and resources on quality lighting, controls and integrated building systems to reduce energy, carbon and light pollution.
• Vision: We envision a net zero future where lighting, controls and integrated building systems enable energy savings, decarbonization and sustainability for all people and the environment. Watch our “About Us” video here:

• The DLC is an initiative of Efficiency Forward, a 501(c)(3) with a 4/4 star rating on Charity Navigator.
• The DLC collaborates with energy efficiency programs and implementers, manufacturers, aligned research institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as state and federal agencies across North America to establish performance-based specifications and accelerate market transformation of advanced lighting and building controls.
• The DLC QPL is a trusted reference point as a publicly available database of verified product data vetted by a neutral, nonprofit entity.
• The DLC’s technical requirements for commercial LED lighting include indoor, outdoor, horticulture lighting and networked lighting controls, and these requirements evolve with market advancements.
• The DLC supports innovation by setting clear performance thresholds that encourage continuous improvement by updating requirements through open, transparent stakeholder input processes. These include internal and external committees and working groups, industry-led standards development, data-driven criteria and public comment periods.
• The DLC does NOT set rebate levels for energy savings, but the product performance metrics in the DLC QPLs provide validation for energy efficiency incentives.
• The DLC does not sell any lighting products.
• Listing fees for the DLC’s Qualified Products List cover program administration, operating and maintenance costs.

The Rigor Behind the QPLs

• The QPL’s simplicity on the front end reflects substantial rigor behind the scenes.
• Lighting products are evaluated through an independent, third-party review that verifies product performance using industry standard test reports and documentation submitted in the application process. This results in a vetted, standardized dataset called the Qualified Products List (QPL) that energy efficiency programs and industry stakeholders can trust without having to conduct their own product evaluation.
• Manufacturers complete applications and provide product information which must include specific industry standard test reports from accredited test labs to back up performance claims.
• Technical product performance is evaluated by trained application reviewers who assess product performance data and capabilities against current requirements.
• Data validation is performed using automated checks align submissions to technical requirements and any inconsistencies are clarified before the application can move forward.
• Issue resolution is managed through the application portal where applicants receive specific comments and resubmit applications and documentation as needed.
• Listing and publication of products: Approved products are published to the QPL with searchable fields and version tags. Delisted products are maintained in the QPL and are accessible using filters.
• Lifecycle maintenance: Listings are updated or re-qualified as requirements advance.
• Surveillance & integrity programs include conducting surveillance testing to confirm product performance and products that fail to maintain compliance are delisted.

How Policy is Created

• The DLC publishes a workplan that shows what we’re working on and why, with projected timelines for drafts and implementation.
• Policy is informed by multiple inputs including:
  • Requests from DLC members and stakeholders for additions and changes to technical requirements and policies.
  • Industry consensus-based standards that have been developed and approved by representatives from a variety of industry actors (ANSI, IES, NEMA, etc.). This ensures consistent processes for collection and reporting of product performance data, utilizing industry approved methods.
  • Research that includes analysis of trends in QPL data, manufacturer published data, published industry standards and standards in development, industry reports and independent peer-reviewed research and reports.
• Public comment periods include calls for input on policy drafts with six-week windows to respond and webinars to explain policy proposals. Policy drafts, timelines, and transition windows are public; and stakeholders engage via briefings, office hours, and written comments. Public comments influence nearly 30% of a technical requirement from the first draft to final publication. Stakeholder input is critical to the success of the DLC.
• Managed change is documented using versioning and effective dates to minimize disruption while lifting quality.

Industry Collaboration

• The DLC team participates regularly with programs and other lighting/energy organizations and nonprofits including the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), and nearly half of our team are active IES members.
• Conference presence: DLC staff participate at nearly every major utility and lighting conference, sharing information, gathering feedback, and supporting adoption.
• The DLC hosts annual summits or stakeholder meetings to provide in-person opportunities to engage on DLC policy development or implementation opportunities.
• Shared mission: The DLC collaborates across nonprofits, labs, utilities, and manufacturers to align market needs with verifiable performance.

DLC Committees & Working Groups

• All DLC committees and working groups operate under MOUs and/or simple agreement documents that set expectations, confidentiality, and basic protections for participants and the DLC—a standard practice across industry committees, working groups and roundtables.
• Charters for each committee and working group define purpose, membership, and deliverables; outputs are shared back to stakeholders.

How the DLC Works with Vendors

• Competitive sourcing: The DLC bids out vendor opportunities (RFP/RFQ) aligned to scope, outcomes, and expertise. This includes everything from technical work, to benefits, to accounting and finance.
• Board-approved budgets: Contracts are set against an annual budget approved by the Board of Directors; renewals are performance- and needs-based.
• Accountability: Scopes of work, milestones, and KPIs guide delivery; services adjust as program needs evolve.

Governance, Transparency & Financial Stewardship

• Board oversight: The Board reviews and approves the annual budget and key policies.
• Conflicts management: The Board of Directors and all DLC staff sign annual conflict-of-interest disclosures and follow the highest standards related to transparency.
• Annual reports: We post annual reports on our website with financial information organized by program perspective so stakeholders can see how resources support outcomes.
• Public filings: Our full independently audited tax returns are also public per IRS rules (e.g., Form 990 and related disclosures).
• Independent rating: We consistently earn 4 out of 4 stars for financial management, governance, and transparency by Charity Navigator.
• Separation of duties: Technical policy, listing operations, and vendor management follow written scopes and internal controls.

How Stakeholders Use the QPLs

• Rebate programs map QPL fields to eligibility and incentive tiers for fast, consistent decisions.
• Lighting professionals use searchable attributes (controllability, optics, spectra) to support better design and commissioning.
• Manufacturers & Test Labs follow predictable pathways with a consistent set of requirements to qualify products and plan for version updates.
• Distributors & contractors: Compare options reliably and are often beneficiaries of energy efficiency program rebates that help sell their projects.

Get In Touch With the DLC

• For questions on listings or requirements, please use our published communication channels; we log, triage, and respond.
  • Info@designlights.org is the best way to reach us as it provides a record of the request and response.
  • To keep up with the latest DLC news please subscribe to our newsletter 
  • All news and events are published with past events and slides on our News & Events page
• For suspected non-conformance: Providing any model numbers and evidence using the logo misuse and surveillance reporting form allows the DLC to investigate under the surveillance policy.
• Policy ideas: Participation is always welcome in public comment periods for technical requirements or email us to request a briefing. Substantive feedback informs revisions.

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