In lighting news…
Journalist Tim Conneally wrote an informative, humorous take on LED technology in his article I left a light bulb on for one year straight, or: Why LED bulbs are about to change your life. He discusses his experiment comparing LEDs with CFLs for a year and talks about the implications of Philip’s new LED “replacement bulb.”
MIT is investing millions in a ‘living lab’ initiative to cut electricity usage by 15 percent in the next three years. About half of the reductions will come in the form of more efficient LED lighting systems.
John Bullough from the RPI Lighting Research Center in Troy wrote a great article on The Science Behind LED Technology. He explains the basics of LEDs and how they can be incorporated into homes.
A new sustainability rating and assessment system for landscapes/ greenscapes is being tested in more than 150 states. Developers hope the program, called SITES, will be used like the LEED system (but for landscapes).
The $2 billion Bank of America tower at 42nd St and Sixth Avenue has received platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council – the highest rating for environmental performance.
A great blog post from Mel Starrs titled Certifying Green Buildings Is No Substitute for Good Design explained why sustainable design must go hand in hand with LEED certification.
New lighting control technologies have the capability to automatically switch off lights in vacant rooms. The system will help eliminate energy-wasting offices that leave lights on at night.
Two companies have signed an agreement to distribute 330,000 LED lamps in the rural areas of the Indian state of Bihar. The aim is to distribute 10 million lamps in the next three years.
In lighting tips…
This post tells you how a potato can help you change a light bulb. Who knew?
From Kitchens.com, check out the article on Planning an Outdoor Kitchen. It’ll give you 8 ideas for enhancing your outdoor space. As the article says, “Good lighting keeps outdoor gatherings going past sundown.”
Ready for an upgrade? Read this Checklist for Kitchen Remodeling for tips.
Other cool sites…
Are You Energy-Wise or Are You An Energy Waster? Calculate your Personal Energy Meter on National Geographic’s site. You can even challenge your friends!