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The Future of Energy is Connectivity
Networked Lighting Controls (NLCs) are the Key to Untapped Energy Savings
NLCs have the potential to save 49% more energy after an LED retrofit and, when paired with HVAC, 10% of an entire building’s energy usage. Energy efficiency initiatives have often overlooked small to medium-sized buildings, which make up a significant portion of building stock and whose optimization can lead to more than 30 TWh per year of potential savings. Tapping into these savings presents a great opportunity for both decarbonization and business growth among stakeholders in the industry. The DLC aims to simplify the processes around NLCs so we can realize these savings.
Learn more about how NLCs can level up energy savings. >
This is a Critical Time for Networked Lighting Controls
First generation LEDs are starting to be replaced and the lights that are installed and programmed today will still be operating in 2040. Networked lighting controls (NLCs) are the solution for capturing the most energy savings over the next 10-20 years. Getting NLCs into smaller buildings is crucial for decarbonization goals, but adoption has been slow.
The DLC is working toward a solution that will enable stakeholders to capitalize on the massive savings potential in small to medium-sized buildings. This solution will:
- – Maximize energy savings and lower carbon emissions
- – Pave the way for new NLC incentives and programs
- – Build confidence in savings reporting
- – Lower the barriers to NLCs so they can be installed at scale
- – Streamline installations and help electricians sell more NLC projects
- – Reduce the number of site visits required for trade allies and utilities
- – Help facility managers keep records of control systems and a standard sequence of operations to ensure decades-long savings
- – Notify building occupants of lighting changes to manage expectations
Time to Level Up Your Energy Savings
The DLC is developing a tool that helps streamline NLC installations and reporting to amplify savings across many small to medium-sized buildings. This tool will help incentive programs evaluate projects and help electrical contractors order, install, and program a networked lighting control system. Though the tool will primarily be used by installers, the report generated by the tool will benefit energy efficiency program managers, building owners, installers, utilities, and building occupants. The DLC is currently piloting this program to gain valuable feedback for refining the report and tool capabilities.
Learn more about the pilot program. >
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