LED Lights Save Energy for Atlanta and Your Home

Cree, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE), a U.S.-based leader in Light Emitting Diode (LED) solid-state lighting components, and the City of Raleigh, NC,  have formed a joint initiative to test, deploy and promote LED lighting technology. The “LED City” initiative is designed to create a “living laboratory” to deliver the economic, environmental and usage benefits of LED lighting to the residents of Raleigh. As part of the commitment to creating an “LED City,” Raleigh plans to deploy LED lighting, through its living-laboratory initiative, to serve a number of lighting applications, including garage and parking lot lights, street lights, architectural and accent lighting, portable lighting and pedestrian and walkway lighting over the next 18 months.

LEDs are one of the world’s most energy efficient light sources and the newest models deliver approximately 70 lumens per watt, using approximately 17% and 50% of the energy consumption of incandescent and compact fluorescent (CFL) lamps, respectively. The LED's, with a lifetime of over 50,000 hours, last more than 20 times longer than incandescent and 5 times longer than CFL bulbs, which lowers maintenance costs. Cree's LEDs are now used in products for residential as well as commercial and industrial use.

Cree claims their advantage is in the materials they use. Cree LEDs combine highly efficient InGaN materials with proprietary G•SIC® substrates that they claim deliver superior price/performance for high-intensity LEDs.Their LED's are claimed to handle more power in a smaller space while producing less heat than other available technologies, materials and products.

The first project in Raleigh is focused on validating both the cost savings and technology capabilities of LEDs through an installation of LED lighting in the City’s Municipal Building parking deck. Cree, the City of Raleigh and Lighting Science Group Corporation (OTCBB: LSGP) of Dallas, TX, announced initial results of this project. LED-based lighting fixtures were installed in the Raleigh Municipal Building parking deck in December 2006; the floor equipped with LED lights uses over 40 percent less energy than the standard lighting system and the quality of light in the garage is greatly improved. It's expected the energy savings will result in a payback of about three years, even though the lights cost far more than conventional fixtures.

“The economic benefits for municipalities to invest in LEDs are clear – they save energy, reduce environmental impact and improve the quality of light.” stated Charles Meeker, Raleigh mayor. “We believe that the cost savings and benefits of LED lighting are real and achievable today.”

“Raleigh’s progressive commitment to becoming the first ‘LED City’ will no doubt serve as a model for other cities seeking to improve energy consumption and reduce negative impacts on the environment. We commend Cree and the City of Raleigh for helping support our mission of achieving a healthier economy, a cleaner environment and greater energy security” commented Kateri Callahan, president of the Washington, D.C.-based Alliance to Save Energy (ASE).

LED Lighting Fixtures Inc. (LLF) produces, available late spring 2007, a six-inch down light for residential and commercial markets using XLamp XR-E power LEDs from Cree. LED technology generates light in a new way and LLF’s product is the first LED recessed down light to deliver approximately 650 lumens from a fixture at 10-12 watts. The product also features excellent color rendering, can to be used in a standard six inch recessed housing and it is dimmable.

Neal Hunter, LLF’s CEO, stated, “Our introduction of a viable LED product for general illumination will have historic implications for the lighting industry. This is the first lighting fixture to rival the output, appearance and lighting quality of a 65 watt incandescent product while offering a justifiable cost of ownership. We believe LED lighting for the mainstream has finally been enabled and LLF has invented a way. This unprecedented technology will not only change the industry, but also reshape the way the average consumer views lighting.”

Approximately 22 percent of the electricity consumed in the United States goes toward lighting, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. If 25 percent of the lightbulbs in the United States were converted to LEDs putting out 70 lumens per watt, the country as a whole could save $55 billion in utility costs, cumulatively, by 2025. That would alleviate the need to build 65 new coal-burning power stations. Future LEDs are expected to have twice the efficiency lumens per watt doubling these savings. This is one of the easiest ways to save energy, why don't we see more efforts in this direction?

Thanks to Tyler at Clean Break for the tip.

Comments

[donb]

I do applaud Cree's work in LED lighting.

However, I have a 30 year old Westinghouse Lighting Handbook that indicates that fluorescent lamps (e.g., 4 foot long tubes) back then had equal or better efficiency than these LEDs, even allowing for 20% energy loss in the ballast. I am sure lamp efficiency has improved since then, especially when run from electronic ballasts, and ballast losses have dropped as well.

High pressure sodium lamps used for lighting roadways and parking lots are nearly twice as efficient as fluorescent lamps.

The equal or higher efficiency of readily available, lower cost conventional lighting is why LED lighting has not yet taken the world by storm. But there is still a lot of room for efficiency improvements on LEDs.

[Doug]

Excellent point Don. I look around most offices and they're already using fluorescent tubes for lighting. So, assuming modern tubes are no worse than 30-year-old versions, a lot of that electricity used for lighting isn't going to be saved by switching to these LEDs. Still, at home these industrial light sources aren't viable, so that's where LEDs will help the most. It would be interesting to know what fraction of the electricity pie goes to home lighting needs.

[Harvey D.]

The florescent twisted mini soft white lamps we're using also produce 69 lumens/watt and uses 70% less electricity than normal incadescent lamps (manufacturer claims.

The cost of the mini-florescent are less than 1/10 that of equivalent LED units.

However, since LEDs last 10 times longer.... the total life duration cost may be almost the same, if you're around long enough (60+ years of normal home use versus about 6+ years for the mini florescents)

[Mike@HCVN]

Just Googling around, I found some 8 foot fluorescent bulb specs:

7,650 lumen, 110 W = 69.5 l/W here, but CRI = 62 = BAD!
5,800 lumen, 110 W = 52.7 l/W here, and CRI = 84 = Good
6,225 lumen, 75 W = 83 l/W here, and CRI = 84 = Good

The Cree datasheets don't quantify the CRI, so it's hard to compare that element of it.

Mike

[JJ]

What's a CRI?

[Stephen Boulet]

A CRI of 92 is mentioned in the press release:
http://www.ledlightingfixtures.com/pr_020707.pdf

"""
Lighting Fixtures Inc. (LLF) today
announced its first product, a six-inch down light for residential and commercial markets. LED technology generates light in a new way and LLF’s product is the first LED recessed down light to deliver approximately 650 lumens from a fixture at 10-12 watts
(approximately 60 lumens per watt). The product also features excellent color rendering, (CRI of 92), a unique installation mechanism that allows it to be used in a standard six inch recessed housing and it is dimmable. The down light will be available in two color temperatures, 2700K and 3500K, for warm and cool white applications. LLF will begin shipping these products in the second quarter of 2007.
"""

Looks very good. I've put a reminder to myself to look into this in late spring. I'll definitely keep it in mind when we renovate. It's interesting that they see recessed lighting as the first place to enter the market for general household lighting.

Stephen

Oh, CRI is color-rendering index. See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_rendering_index

[Reality Czech]

Future LEDs are expected to have twice the efficiency, doubling these savings.

Twice the efficiency does not double savings.  If you improve efficiency from 5% to 25%, you cut energy requirements by 80%; a further doubling from 25% to 50% efficiency only adds another 10% savings over the original.

[Jim from The Energy Blog]

Sorry, I goofed, I meant to say they expect to double the output per watt, not double the effiency. The post has been corrected.

[scott]

Owning commerical realestate,one of the biggest costs of the lighting is the labor required to change them when they burn out and the loss of light output as the bulbs age. I personally hate to change out the flourscent tubes. So while the LED lighting costs may be higher initially, there are many other savings factors to consider, including the upkeep and maintenance as well as the energy needed to cool the rooms using conventional lighting. A flourscent fixture can be quite warm

[Rod]

Its a very exciting time for LEDs lighting. In addition, to Cree's 70 lumen/watt in commercial products they have demonstrated 130 lumen/watt in lab prototypes. The current generation of Cree LEDs produce 130-140 lumens using 3 watts. There are already flashlights from multiple vendors using these chips.

Lumileds have also announced 100+ lumen per watt lights that are more linear in the amount of light they produce with increased power.

The amount of power in white light at 250 lumens is roughtly 1 watt, so the vendors are only a few generations of products away from this, assuming the current pace continues. I'm waiting for 3w LEDs to replace 20w halogens, 3 X 130 lumens/watt = 400 lumen halogen.

A good place to follow latest product releases and highest lumen/watt press releases is:

http://members.misty.com/don/led.html

for commercial lighting LED assemblies:

http://www.solidstatelightingdesign.com/news/

[Harvey D.]

LEDs have a bright future.

It seems that Nichia (Japan) will have a 150 lumens/watt white LED by spring 2007 and a 200 lumens/watt by mid 2008. Others will follow.

Pakaging has to be improved and diversified, cost has to be lowered ten folds, from current $0.075+/lumen to less than $0.0075/lumen to compete with domestic type mini-florescents. This should happen within about 3 to 5 years.

Inherent ruggedness and multi-colors + extra long life make LEDs attractive for commercial and industrial applications (parking garages, street signal lights, vehicle break and park lights etc) at the current high price and much more so in a few years when price tumbles down and efficiency keeps going up. Many other applications will follow.

In 2003, about 25% of the electricity used in USA and Canada was for lighting. Imaging what billions of 200 lumens/watt LED could do.

[SamuM]

Research labs have "announced" 150 lumen/watt leds.

These are NOT the same as commercial production LEDs that are still trailing (@ 2/2007) at 50-80 lumen/watt.

Further, that commercial led lighting efficacy is not the actual system efficacy for LED lights. Currently the best fixtures operate at c. 75% efficiency making best LED lamps (80 lumen/watt) come down to 56 lumen/watt total system efficacy.

And that's just the BEST version, which is outrageously expensive.

So, while the future of LED lights does indeed look very bright and the technology is constantly improving, we are still a few years off from total revolution.

We need the 150-200 lumen/watt LEDs go to mass production at a cheap price.

We need fixtures to improve.

We need several suppliers and price competition.

Then we can start dreaming about replacing all the billions of incandescent and compact-fluorescent lights out there, which have a huge installed base and a differing fixture infrastructure (compared to that of an optimal LED fixture infra).

So, it's not all fine and dandy. Lots of work to be done still.

And do NOT believe all the crap you read from these companies. The press kits are written by economists with no training in physics (and usually very little understanding of the value of truthfulness).

cheers,
Samu

PS As for CRI, for any critical color work you can basically forget about any source with less than 96 CRI. And for true luminous power (for humans), one should not decide illumination based on photopic lumen/watt, but on scotopic lumen/watt. This on the other hand throws the cheapest LEDs down to the dirt-pile again, because their true luminous quantity for human viewers is MUCH worse than that of best full-spectrum CFLs, which have much better spectral distribution and thus, much better scotopic luminous power.

[Amy Falzone]

I work for a Local Atlanta Distribution Company for CREE LEDs. Please contact us with your LED needs:

LED Lighting Supply is the distributor for Cree XLamp products for Eastern USA, Eastern Canada and Mexico. In addition to supplying XLamp, LED Lighting Supply can help with your selection of PCB, secondary optics, drivers, etc. as well as reflow soldering and LED handling. If you wish we will quote on a complete assembly of your design. Our job is to help you achieve a complete solution using Cree XLamp LEDs. Cree XLamp documentation and more is available at www.LEDLightingSupply.com for your review.

[Dave]

Hi all! I have read with great interest the opinions of contributors to this blog. Frankly, I am amazed that the real possibility exists that when it comes to commercial and industrial lighting, many of us are simply "missing the boat". Much has been written regarding LED and fluorescent lighting. However, little if any, has been noted regarding a real,viable, and currently available alternative to conventional (high pressure), fluorescent, and high output LED's for commercial and industrial lighting. Have you heard about magnetic induction lighting?

Well, it is real and induction lighting is a viable alternative. Some of the highlights of the capabilities of induction lighting lamps and fixtures are utterly amazing. The induction lamps, ranging from 40w to 400watts, 1.) have an average rated life of 100,000 hours, 2.) are flicker-free and are "instant on/off", 3.)are low EMI rated and comply with FCC standards, 4.)operate at 5200K which equates to a Color Rendition Index (CRI) of 94, 5.)are currently available at 100 lumens per watt and the next generation (undergoing testing) of induction lamps are currently producing 110+ lumens per watt, 6.)the temperature operating range of induction lamps range -30 degrees C to +90 degrees Celsius, 7.) are UL tested and approved, 8.) are EPAct 2005 compliant and can reduce electrical usage, when compared to conventional metal halide commercial and industrial lamps/fixtures, from 50% to 60% which qualifies induction fixtures for the Energy Tax Credit of $.60 per square foot of lighted area (the maximum possible for lighting)and, most importantly, 9.)utilize a 100% solid-state electronic generator (ballast) and are very friendly to the environment by not posing issues with hazardous waste, and 10.)are warranteed by the manufacturer (Efficiency Fixture Corp., Inc., Redlands, CA) for ten years.

Sound interesting to you? It sure does to me!

Induction lamps are "electrodeless" high-efficiency and hermetically sealed lighting that easily either outperform or outlast metal halides, fluorescent, and/or LED commercial and industrial lamps and fixtures. Induction lamps maintain 85% of their output/lumens over 90% of the 100,000 hours of their average rated life. Total life-cycle savings approach 60%, or approximately $2,000 for a single commercial induction lighting high-bay fixture. The savings in labor associated with maintenance and upkeep of conventional lighting systems can be incredible. Induction lighting is a great value. The return on investment (without incentives) from electrical savings alone is approximately thirteen months. EPAct 2005 provides for a tax credit which, when utilized to replace conventional high pressure lighting systems, can pay for a complete replacement of metal halides with induction lighting fixtures.

Now do you understand what I mean when I say that many of us may simply be "missing the boat" on energy-efficient commercial and industrial lighting? ? ?

Phillips Osram, Sylvania, and Adaptive Energy Systems (Los Angeles), all have induction lighting products.

Check it out for yourself, visit the manufacturer's website: efixture.com to view their commercial products. These are the folks that have the ten-year warranty on their induction lamps and fixtures. For pricing, send an email to: [email protected], they are exclusive distributors of Efficiency Fixture Corporation, Inc., products.

Thanks for all, and please feel free to give me some constructive feedback. I look forward to responding to your questions.

Dave

[Dave]

Regarding the above blog which I submitted on April 15, please be advised that I gave you the incorrect web site for Efficiency Fixture Corp., Inc. in Redlands, CA. Their correct web address is: efixturecorp.com

The email address for one of their exclusive distributors and price information is: [email protected]

Thanks again, Dave

[Gig]

Do you think LED lighting is really efficient and save energy? I think all LED lighting companies such as http://www.lunaraccents.com try to target it in the different way. The idea is LED lighting last longer than the regular kind of lighting. That is the best way to target this kind o lighting but the price is also higher. If we really compare for long term using. We spend about the same amount of money. The only good thing is to save us time for replacement and have a better color!

[Geoff Ling]

As of June 2007, the most efficient power LEDs on the market have about the same efficiacy as compact fluorescent lamps, when the total luminaire efficiency is considered. However, LEDs are expected to surpass compact fluorescent before the end of the year.

In the meantime, LEDs have several other advantages: (a) much longer life, (b) more compact form factor allowing innovative fixture designs, (c) better compatibility with occupancy sensors (LEDs don't mind frequent on-off cycling), and (d) no mercury. Stay tuned!

[Geoff Ling]

As of June 2007, the most efficient power LEDs on the market have about the same efficiacy as compact fluorescent lamps, when the total luminaire efficiency is considered. However, LEDs are expected to surpass compact fluorescent before the end of the year.

In the meantime, LEDs have several other advantages: (a) much longer life, (b) more compact form factor allowing innovative fixture designs, (c) better compatibility with occupancy sensors (LEDs don't mind frequent on-off cycling), and (d) no mercury. Stay tuned!

[amazingdrx]

Third try at this post....

Yep that on/off sensor feature is great! Automatic light on/off would allow most lighting to operate on solar power alone.

Flourescents take extra power in the turn on phase negating the possibility of saving energy with very frequent on/off cycling. LEDs do not have that problem.

Imagine you office or home lights, or even lights at a huge store or factory that is open 24 hours only turning on to illuminate the room or area with a human eye in need of light. That would be a huge energy savings.

The lights at big box stores on/off sensor LEDs on the shelf, instead of giant bulbs glaring down 24/7 from the cavernous ceilings. pretty signifigant savings for the Walmarts of this world. And GHG savings for the climate.

Another thought. walmart, the newly green conscious Walmart, is the main sales push behind compact flourescents. Could they do the same for human proximity sensing auto on/off LEDs? Make them plugin to wall sockets or existing lamp fixtures.

Use them in their own stores on their shelves and mass produce them to bring the cost down to consumers? And make a few more billion doing it? Yep.

Call me walmart if you need a consultant on this, and solar panels and batteries and utility net metering inverters and small wind systems that mount on roofs and telephone poles and electric cars and bikes and motorcycles with small backup generators... I work from home or wifi! hehehey.

[EnergyGuy]

If anyone is interested I came across a site that sells LED Lighting. This seems to be the way that lighting will eventually go.
www.lumenstarled.com

[EnergyGuy]

If anyone is interested I came across a site that sells LED Lighting. This seems to be the way that lighting will eventually go.
www.lumenstarled.com

[EnergyGuy]

If anyone is interested I came across a site that sells LED Lighting. This seems to be the way that lighting will eventually go.
www.lumenstarled.com

[EnergyGuy]

If anyone is interested I came across a site that sells LED Lighting. This seems to be the way that lighting will eventually go.
www.lumenstarled.com

[EnergyGuy]

If anyone is interested I came across a site that sells LED Lighting. This seems to be the way that lighting will eventually go.
www.lumenstarled.com

[Phillip]

see the difference between the HPS street lamp and the INDUCTION LAMPS IN THE DEALERSHIP. LOOK AT THE NIGHT COLOR RENDITION- EFIXTURECORP.COM

[James Urban]

Dave: Thank you for your comments on Induction lighting. I think induction is a great alternatives to almost all exterior lighting. Especially street and roadway lights. I read somewhere that street lighting in the U.S. represent approx. 50% of the total energy cost of cities and counties. Switching to induction can save 25% of th etotal energy cost with a very quick payback.

Question for you: What about lumen per watt? I thought induction have lower lumen per watt output, but I understand that the lumens from induction are not similar to the lumens from HID...is that correct?

Is the facility in Redlands open for tours or classes on induction? Thanks

[Charles Cone]

Southern Energy Solutions Now a Dealer of LLF Inc LED Lighting

The LR6 six-inch downlight LED fixture delivers 650 lumens at 12 watts

ATLANTA, GEORGIA, November 21, 2007 – Southern Energy Solutions of Marietta, Georgia, announced today that it has become a dealer of LED Lighting Fixtures Inc. (LLF) products. LLF’s LR6 fixture is the first LED recessed downlight to deliver 650 lumens from a fixture at 12 watts. The product also features excellent color rendering (CRI of 92), a unique installation mechanism that allows it to be used in a standard 6-inch recessed housing, and it is dimmable. The LR6 downlight is available with Edison base or GU24 base, in two color temperatures, 2700K and 3500K, for warm and cool white applications.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting accounts for approximately 30% of a building’s electricity consumption, its largest single demand. Lighting is responsible for approximately 130 million tons of greenhouse gases annually, about 7% of all carbon emissions.

The LR6 consumes only 12 watts, saving 39% in energy over fluorescent and 83% over incandescent lighting sources. The LR6 is the most eco-friendly interior lighting product available today. The LR6 is manufactured using recycled aluminum, contains no hazardous mercury, emanates no noticeable heat, produces no UV, lasts 50,000 hours, and guaranteed for three-years.

U. S. Green Building Council LEED-NC Version 2.2 Credit Relevance:
• Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite 2 – Minimum Energy Performance
• Energy and Atmosphere Credit 1 – Optimize Energy Performance

The LR6 product family has been selected as one of BuildingGreen’s 2007 Top-10 Green Building Products by the editors of Environmental Building News and GreenSpec®. This annual award recognizes the most innovative and exciting green building products added to the GreenSpec® Directory during the past year or covered in Environmental Building News.

Marietta, Georgia, based Southern Energy Solutions is a dealer of sustainable building products including Conergy Solar PV panels, Evergreen Solar PV, Heliodyne Solar Thermal Water Heating, SolarsHeat Solar Heating, Southwest Windpower Skystream 3.7 Wind Turbine, Brac Systems Greywater Recycling, Hydronika HVAC, LLF Inc LED Lighting and LED Folio LED Lighting. Southern Energy Solutions serves Atlanta and all of Georgia.

Southern Energy Solutions
http://www.soenso.com
[email protected].

[R. Johnston]

On thing that has not been addressed here are stray voltage issues which is always an issue in city infastructure systems. In New York City, for example, each year a number of people (and pets)are injured from stray voltage which can electrify manhole covers and street lamps. A woman was killed after she stepped on a manhole casement which had been accidentaly electrified. There are many other cases involving injuries, some serious. In Northern cities, this is compounded with the use of salt on the streets in the winter. One clever solution to this issue is to have a real-time stray voltage warning system. Electrified Cover Safeguard technology (www.manholesafety.com), which holds the patent for real time on site stray voltage warning systems, might offer a solution to this issue.

[michael]

This is a response to Dave, Samu and Phillip.

Thanks to your posts on induction lighting. It is true that LED is the future, but it has a long way to go. Samu's excellent notes on true efficacy is the key - most LED manufacturers (in Japan, China and Taiwan) use a different standard as lighting companies such as Osram and Philips use when reporting on lumens per watt. What is worse, these numbers that the manufacturers are reporting are from naked LED's on chip - expect to lose 35%-50% lm/watt when you pack 30 or 50 LED's together tightly for a interior lamp, or, god forbid, 100+ LED's to get a decent roadside lamp (we're not even talking about highway lighting). And yet, we have not factored in the efficiency of the fixtures - which are usually cheaply modified from traditional fixtures so they are not optimized for LED lighting.

3U and CFL's all had the same problem where they increased the pressure inside the tubes to get more lumens in the sacrifice of lifespan, yet getting lowered lm/watt at the system level because the tubes are so tightly packed. Same problem with LED.

Induction lighting is almost ready for mass commercial and a few years out from consumer usage. That my mission with my company. But realistically, after a ten year horizon, LED has a shot at replacing all types of lighting sources.

My two cents,
michael

director, Amko SOLARA Lighting Co.
SOLARA Induction Lighting Systems

[Stephen]

Michael,

Thank you for your comments. Most think of LED as a great light source and it is or will be depending on the technology it is being applied to. For higher wattages, the LED technology is easily 2-10 years away from being applicable to the general public. There are some leaps that need to be made in the areas of heat management, etc.

Induction lighting is a current proven technology in the 40-400 watt range, but it does not get the hype that LED does because it is not a household name. While we wait for LED to advance, Induction usage will greatly increase and finally gain in popularity. If you have not seen one in action, check it out - it is awesome.

Regards, Stephen www.ecoparkinglights.com

[Yehuda Draiman, Energy Analyst]

ERV Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems Reduce Long Term Costs and Improve Indoor Air Quality

Is the indoor air your breathe is as fresh and healthy as it can be?

As building science professionals have known for some time, an effective ventilation strategy is an absolute requirement for all homes. Mechanical ventilators exchange air inside the home with fresh air from the outside. This helps to reduce indoor pollution levels, and greatly increases the comfort level inside the home.
Many ventilation designs are including Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) to improve the system efficiency. Besides providing controlled ventilation, ERVs are able to filter, humidify, dehumidify, heat, or cool the incoming fresh air. The most popular design of ERVs utilizes a desiccant wheel to remove both heat and a significant amount of moisture from the incoming air, which reduces the load on the air-conditioning system. But while ventilators and ERVs can add tremendously to the comfort and efficiency of a home, they must be installed correctly.

One of the more recent developments in the ‘green’ technology industry is the creation of environmentally-friendly buildings that use energy-efficient technologies to reduce power consumption.

Energy consultants point out that creating ‘green’ buildings and improving the air quality inside such facilities utilizing ERV can and do go hand-in-hand. ERV Systems that reduce demand for energy while improving ventilation are increasingly in demand.

ERV – Energy Recovery Ventilation systems saves energy, increases indoor air quality, reduces contaminates and odors.

The use of ERV technology “energy recovery ventilation systems,” or ERVs. Such systems are designed to reduce energy consumption and improve indoor air quality (IAQ) by capturing and recycling building energy to humidify, pre-cool or dehumidify incoming air.

ERVs, the research first said, are most popular in areas with more extreme outdoor temperatures, like Northern states where winters can get quite cold, or Southern states where very warm temperatures and high humidity demand more energy consumption to maintain comfortable indoor environments.

“The focus on IAQ is another key trend benefiting ERV, as people become increasingly conscious of the importance to maintain air quality through properly designed and managed HVAC systems,” Energy consultant said in the energy audit survey.

Market growth for ERVs, Energy consultant said, is driven largely by energy conservation policies that are challenging building custodians to reduce energy consumption for indoor climates. The firm cited as an example the 90.1 standard from American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) which currently dictates “energy recovery systems for applications of 5000 cubic feet per minute (cfm) and larger with 70 percent outside air (OA).”

ASHRAE 90.1 is a standard that specifies at least 50 percent total effectiveness for ERVs, Energy consultant said.

The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also have various standards and regulations regarding energy recovery and IAQ.

Energy Consultant said two main obstacles lie in the way of more widespread use of ERVs: lack of knowledge and the need to reduce operating costs in the short term. Since building owners and facility managers rely for the most part on contractors to select and install heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment, if the contractors are not up-to-speed on ERV developments they may pick products that aren’t as energy-efficient as they could be.

Also, Energy consultant noted, HVAC contractors work within budgets and therefore tend to buy equipment based on its price rather than long-term cost benefits. It therefore is important to educate contractors about ERVs, and some of that burden falls on manufacturers. The Green Building Council is also playing a role through its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program that evaluates buildings to determine the environmental performance during their entire lifecycle.

ERVs aren’t just good for the planet; they’re good for people, too.

“The focus on IAQ is another key trend benefiting ERV, as people become increasingly conscious of the importance to maintain air quality through properly designed and managed HVAC systems,” Energy consultant said in the report.

When IAQ isn’t managed properly, people living or working in unhealthy buildings can develop sick building syndrome from pollutants in the air they breathe.

“With half of all illnesses attributed to indoor airborne contaminants, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared IAQ a public health priority,” Energy consultant said. “Ventilation with outdoor air is the only strategy that can simultaneously reduce the levels of all indoor pollutants.”

Compiled by: Yehuda Draiman, Energy analyst – Northridge, CA

[Brighton Up!]

i really do think that led's are the way of the future. but i wonder when something better that will come out

[Led lights manufacturer]

LEDs are really one of the world’s most energy efficient light sources. I do hope that
everyone will be using leds.

[heiko]

led lighting is really the easiest way to save energy and our planet... Im glad that I can help aswell... My products (led pirnid, led lambid) http://www.eestiled.ee are just one way to save energy... Hybrid cars, solar panels: all of those we should use if we want our children to have the planet that we had...
Good luck to everyone...

[Radiant]

Radiant Technologies to design and deliver different types of elements like Silicon Carbide heating element, Silicon Carbide heaters manufacturers and Heating elements manufacturers across in India.for more details visit http://www.radianttechnologies.net/

[Landscape Lighting World]

Well, it's good to see that Atlanta is implementing LED lighting. Maybe more cities will follow.

[shane ping]

"The electricity used over the lifetime of a single incandescent bulb costs 5 to 10 times the original purchase price of the bulb itself.
***************
Shane ping

parking sensors

[NYC Hvac contractors]

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[Home Power Saver]

Nice article, but I can't help but notice its age. Did this site move elsewhere? Ever since I started my energy saving site www.homepowersaver.net, I've had trouble locating other like-minded sites that are actually still maintained. Any suggestions?

[Modern Lighting]

I have been trying to convince architects of new builds for ages that LEDs are the way forward, it reduces heat gain which means less air con, they also require very little maintenance which means cheaper maintanence contracts, and it fufills a green building policy.

[Account Deleted]

LEDs: So as an experiment because I am an engineer and expect LEDs to last up to the hype have come to the conclusion after several years of watching CFLs --

1) In the general case, it is not household wiring, although it is possible that this is your particular failure mode.
2) CFLs from variety of MFG companies (FEIT, Costco, GE, etc..) all failed in the upside down position within months.
3) LEDs from Costo (Manufacture- Lights of America) rated at 20,000 hours, purchased for $15 resulted in 4 months of reliable, bright light, until failures occured in different manufacturing LOT codes. Interestingly, I received a odd letter from Costco around the same time advising they observed a high failure rate with the LEDs I had purchased "in their testing" and to return them to the store for a refund.

My Points -
1) You get what you paid for it.
2) Companies have no interest (competitively or otherwise) in providing a reliable light bulb that provides 10 years of life.
3) Get Industrial grade light bulbs and pay the extra $$$. They are intended and designed for the application of being installed rarely. Otherwise, stop complaining.
4) You are being experimented on - do you get it!?
cotedazurvillarentals

[Garden Lighting]

Hi,
Thanks for the lovely post. I really like your concept of the post. It is very interesting and also it is good to see someone taking an initiative towards the depleting condition of our environment.
:)

[Heating elements Manufacturers]

Radiant Technologies to design and deliver different types of elements like Silicon carbide heating element, and Heating elements manufacturers across in India.

[Par 30 LED lights]

Yes it is true that using LED light save consumption of electricity and last long than ordinary bulb. That's why I prefer to use LED lights.

[plumbing supplies]

Lighting Sciences Group Corp., a Satellite Beach, Fla.-based company that specializes in LED lighting, will be showing several 100-watt-equivalent prototypes, including some that solve the problem of cooling the LEDs by using microscopic devices that move air over the chips, like miniature fans.

[Plumbing]

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) is directed toward the development of U.S. international training capabilities in energy efficiency and management in key manufacturing sectors worldwide.

[Jeff Ransome]

Government should be doing more to support the consumer and business purchasing LED lights

[JamesRobert]

LED lighting can be used in all the typical places we expect to see lights. For example, we can use them inside our homes and offices. We can use them for décor and we can use them to help us light workspaces and other important areas. We also see LED lights used outdoors, in garden or to light paths to the home or in front of the home or office.

[led light suppliers]

Led's have the future recently i was reading a post where it was mentioned that Newzealand Police cars get make over with led lights!!!
So now in countries the government org's are also adopting LED's !

[LED high bays]

LED stands for light emitting diode. LED lights are made of small semiconductor diodes that emit blue, green and red when electric current passes through them.