The DLC is pleased to release the first draft of Horticultural Technical Requirements Version 3.0, with a proposed effective date of January 2, 2023. Please submit all comments using the V3.0 comment form linked below to comments@designlights.org by Thursday, May 12, 2022.

DRAFT 1 Horticultural Technical Requirements V3.0

Version 3.0 is a major revision that proposes four key updates to the Hort Technical Requirements, which will take effect January 2, 2023. These updates support the acceleration of energy efficient lighting in controlled environment agriculture. Additionally, Version 3.0 introduces a draft surveillance testing policy to the horticultural requirements, with a proposed effective date of October 2023. Below is a summary of the proposed changes in Hort V3.0:

1. Increased efficacy threshold: The V3.0 efficacy threshold has been increased to ≥ 2.30 μmol × J^-1. The new threshold is based on an analysis of all products listed on the Horticultural QPL on March 28, 2022, and is set at the value that allows the top 85% of products, in terms of photosynthetic photon efficacy (PPE), to remain listed. The DLC’s -5% tolerance on efficacy has not changed with this revision.   
2. Introduction of application information requirements: To support the development of prescriptive/midstream incentive programs, Version 3.0 proposes to collect and report application information of listed products to allow efficiency programs and QPL users insights into the intended controlled environment and lighting scheme for all listed products
3. Introduction of product-level controllability requirements: To enable additional energy savings, promote interoperability among CEA environments, and lay the groundwork for future demand response systems and programs, Version 3.0 proposes to require dimming for all products and require reporting of additional controllability details.
4. Introduction of Surveillance Testing Policy: To protect the integrity and value of the QPL for all stakeholders, Version 3.0 proposes the implementation of a surveillance testing policy to actively monitor the validity of data and other information submitted to the DLC Horticultural Lighting Qualified Products List. This draft policy outlines a proposed process for selection of products from the Hort QPL for surveillance testing.

Comment Form

Please submit all comments using the Hort V3.0 Draft 1 Comment Form to comments@designlights.org by Thursday, May 12, 2022.

Informational Webinar

The DLC will host an informational webinar to review the proposed requirements on Wednesday, April 13 at 1:00 pm ET.

If you have questions about Draft 1 Horticultural Technical Requirements V3.0, please contact horticulture@designlights.org. We look forward to engaging with you as we continue to develop the Hort program.