October 27, 2023
5 Things to Know: Week Ending October 28
Signify's new science project in China. Plus, Lucifer Lighting sets up shop in Manhattan.
Here's a roundup of some of the week's happenings curated to help lighting people stay informed.
1. Signify Supports Biodiversity Research in China
Lighting company Signify has embarked on a scientific investigation project for biodiversity conservation in Yunnan province, China, as reported by China Daily. This initiative marks the company's latest effort to contribute to ecological protection in the region.
Collaborating with Chinese organizations, botanists, and zoologists, the project focuses on the interplay between light and biodiversity at the Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park and the Yunnan Baima Snow Mountain National Nature Reserve. Data from this study will guide Signify in enhancing ecological lighting solutions, aimed at fostering the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Yao Mengming, general manager of Signify Greater China, highlighted the significance of minimizing artificial light's impact on biodiversity. He reiterated the company's commitment to a 'green switch,' focusing on low-carbon lighting and ecological preservation. Industry experts underscored the increasing attention towards biodiversity conservation, anticipating mandatory corporate disclosures on nature conservation in the future.
2 . Lucifer Lighting Sets Up Shop in NYC
The Tribeca Citizen is reporting that Texas-based Lucifer Lighting is set to illuminate Manhattan with its new showroom space at 11 Jay Street, which previously housed the Lymbr stretching studio. The stretching studio, it seems, may have closed during the pandemic after opening in 2018.
As noted by the Citizen, with Halloween around the corner, the timing of Lucifer Lighting's arrival seems apt. New York lighting agent International Lights serves as the company's New York metro area representative, as indicated on the Lucifer Lighting website.
3. NYC construction is on an upward trajectory
A recently published report by the New York Building Congress offers an optimistic view of present and future construction in New York City. The organization predicts $261 billion in spending for 2023 to 2025, topping the level from before the pandemic.
- Overall Construction Spending:
- New York City construction spending is forecasted to reach $83 billion by the end of 2023.
- This shows a growth of $13 billion in inflation-adjusted dollars from the previous year.
- Compared to 2019, spending has increased by a significant 10%, which equates to an uptick of $7.7 billion in inflation-adjusted dollars.
- Three-Year Outlook:
- The construction spending for the 2023-2025 period is anticipated to be $261 billion.
- Year-wise breakdown: $88 billion in 2024, increasing slightly to $89 billion in 2025.
- This represents a boost of $40 billion when compared to the 2017-2019 pre-pandemic period.
- Construction Volume:
- In 2022, 66 million gross square feet (GSF) were built.
- 2023 is expected to see a 10.6% year-over-year increase, culminating in 73 million GSF.
- Future projections: 82.6 million GSF in 2024 and 88.8 million GSF in 2025.
- Residential vs. Non-Residential Construction:
- 75% of the floorspace construction in 2023 will focus on residential developments, mainly alterations and renovations.
- However, new residential unit construction is expected to drop significantly.
- Non-residential spending, which encompasses various sectors, is projected to reach nearly $115 billion between 2023-2025. This is a noteworthy 32% increase compared to the 2017-2019 pre-pandemic era.
- The share of non-residential construction is set to climb from 34% in 2022 to 42% in 2023.
- Non-Residential Development:
- It remains the dominant force in construction spending, poised to close the year with approximately $34.9 billion in new starts and alterations, supported by robust investment.
Related: NYC lighting market »
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5. WAC Lighting Complaint Inspires USITC Investigation
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain smart ceiling fans, components thereof, and associated systems and software thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by WAC Lighting of Port Washington, New York. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain smart ceiling fans, components thereof, and associated systems and software thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:
- Minka Lighting, LLC, of Newport News, Virginia;
- Tech Lighting LLC of Skokie, Illinois; and
- VC Brands, LLC, of Skokie, Illinois.
