February 3, 2024
5 Things to Know: Week Ending February 3
Key factors for lighting and controls in government buildings. Plus, a celebrity throws shade on electric light.
Here's a roundup of some of the week's happenings curated to help lighting people stay informed.
1. “Blue Sky” ahead for Signify
China Daily reports how Signify is driving innovation in the lighting industry, focusing on sustainability and technological advancements in China.
The company reportedly dedicates 4% of its annual sales to research and development, emphasizing new lighting technologies, the Internet of Things, applications beyond traditional lighting, and artificial intelligence.
Signify has introduced products like the voice-controlled Philips Blue Sky G2 luminaire among other energy-efficient lighting products at November’s China International Import Expo. The Blue Sky G2 "attracted multitudes of visitors" according to China Daily. The luminaire can receive and "understand" users' voice descriptions for their desired lighting effects through a mobile application. It can accordingly simulate various natural light scenes such as aurora, sunrise and moonlit night.
Furthermore, Signify is investing in AI to create more intelligent lighting solutions and has launched a "low-carbon lighting transformation" program to support China's environmental goals, including a strategic partnership to promote horticultural lighting and green agriculture.
2 . Lighting & Controls Guidance for Federal Buildings
In collaboration with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has published “LED Lighting and Controls Guidance for Federal Buildings.”
The 60-page document serves as a comprehensive guide for federal agencies to choose the most efficient and cost-effective lighting systems, in line with the BRIGHT Act. It covers various aspects such as selecting LED lighting options like tubular LEDs, retrofit kits, and new fixtures, primarily for interior linear lighting which is prevalent in federal buildings.
The guide also delves into lighting controls, emphasizing the need for systems that meet legal and energy-saving requirements while enhancing performance. Additionally, it includes insights from real-world applications and evaluations by the GSA's Green Proving Ground, offering practical advice on implementing these lighting solutions effectively. The aim is to improve lighting installations in a way that benefits both the buildings and their occupants, considering health, comfort, and environmental impact.
GSA is hosting a webinar on February 8, 2024 to provide stakeholders with more information on this initiative. Webinar information »
3. New flicker research
In their newly published research article "Effects of Temporal Light Modulation on Individuals Sensitive to Pattern Glare," authors Jennifer Veitch and Naomi Miller explore how different lighting systems, which vary in their temporal light modulation (TLM), affect people. TLM is commonly referred to as flicker.
TLM can influence visual, cognitive, and behavioral aspects, yet guidelines for its acceptable levels in daily lighting are scarce, especially considering individual sensitivities. Their study, re-analyzing existing data, specifically looked at individuals with varying sensitivities to pattern glare as determined by the Wilkins Pattern Glare Sensitivity test. They found that people's reactions to TLM significantly differed even with brief exposure and limited view, emphasizing the need to consider personal sensitivities in lighting design.
4. David Duchovny throws shade on electric light
David Duchovny, known for his role in 'The X Files', prefers to avoid electric lighting as he believes it disrupts our mental and physical well-being.
WFMZ-TV in Allentown, Pennsylvania reports that Duchovny follows a natural routine, waking up at sunrise and sleeping when it gets dark, to align with what he feels is a more natural human rhythm. He finds this lifestyle suits him well and enhances his productivity, especially in the early hours, which he considers his prime time for creativity and work. Alongside his unique approach to daily light exposure, he maintains his fitness through Pilates, yoga, weight training, swimming, boxing, and tennis, aiming to stay game-ready rather than just fit.
5. Orion stock rebounds, dodges NASDAQ delisting
Orion Energy Systems, Inc., a Wisconsin-based company specializing in commercial and industrial lighting and electric vehicle charging solutions, has successfully avoided NASDAQ delisting by meeting the minimum bid price requirement.
After receiving a notice of non-compliance in December 2023 for its stock falling below the $1.00 threshold for an extended period of time, Orion's stock rebounded, maintaining a closing bid price at or above $1.00 for ten consecutive business days from January 11 to January 25, 2024.
On Friday, Orion’s stock price closed at $1.02 per share. The company is set to announce its Q3'24 financial results on February 7, 2024.
