By Emily Lai Fifty years ago, a scrappy group of engineers and visionaries decided to shake up the lighting world — starting from a basement, because, well, garages were already taken. They aimed to make theatrical lighting control intuitive, powerful, and, above all, reliable. Fast forward five decades and ETC has not only done that,…
By Michael “MJ” Johnson, founding partner, Global Lighting & Controls | Sales and Marketing If you’ve been in the lighting industry in North America for any length of time, you’ve probably heard people discussing (or arguing) why, in the U.S., 0-10V is our de facto dimming technology instead of DALI, as it is in Europe….
By Jeffrey Dross [It has been brought to my attention that I transposed a point of data in my paragraph concerning Long Term Performance of UV-C LED when this post was initially released 3-3-2025. I incorrectly stated that there was a 76% loss, when in-fact the product maintained 76% of its initial output. I have…
The LEDucation 2025 Virtual Conference featured an insightful presentation by Dr. Forest Flager, CEO and Co-Founder of Parspec, titled “AI Lights the Way: The Future of Product Selection and Procurement.” The session explored the role of artificial intelligence in the lighting industry, highlighting its current applications, challenges, and potential. Understanding AI’s Role in Lighting Specification…
While some analysts report that rent prices in the multifamily sector have been flat, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For example, Nareit (National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts) recently reported that Multifamily REITs performed well in 2024, outpacing the broader REIT market. The supply side has now pretty much caught up with demand…
By Emily Lai, LC Lighting control systems are becoming an essential component of modern commercial and residential construction projects. With energy codes growing increasingly stringent and clients demanding smarter, more sustainable buildings, contractors are being tasked with not just installing lighting but also ensuring the controls meet both performance expectations and code compliance. This article…
By Matthew Fracassini, MIES, LEED AP BD+CAssociate | Sustainability Leader at The Lighting Practice Lighting designers have a responsibility to implement sustainable practices into their work. These can take the form of attention to lighting power density, advanced lighting controls, and use of long-life sources. However, since the major green building ratings systems, like LEED, do…
The countdown is on for the 2025 LEDucation Trade Show and Conference at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City. The event begins with 15 virtual sessions March 13 &14 and continues with in-person exhibit halls and 30 sessions March 18 & 19. With 400+ exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations and a rich…
Looking for a creative way to generate a business opportunity? Give thought to companies that have flowering plants in their facility to beautify space and ask them “would you like your flora to flower better”? Or maybe it’s pursuing the niche of local flower shops? This article in The Produce News highlights a study by…
Building codes set construction standards to ensure safe living and working conditions, with energy codes focusing on boosting energy efficiency. North America’s major energy codes include ASHRAE 90.1, IECC, Title 24 Part 6, and NECB. Key Energy Codes Code Updates Codes are updated frequently – typically every 3 years – as new technologies, products, and…
For the residential lighting sector, the Lightovation show – held in January and June at the Dallas Market Center – is the bellwether for styles driving the consumer market. This year more manufacturers presented cross-over products for the architectural/office market due to requests from lighting showrooms expanding into the category. Here are the key trends…
By Emily Lai, LC In the world of commercial building design and construction, lighting controls often occupy a gray area of understanding. They are highly technical systems that promise energy efficiency, enhanced user experiences, and compliance with stringent building codes. Yet, despite their benefits, lighting controls can be one of the most challenging aspects to…
By Andrew Boerschig, Guarantee Electrical Company – Facility Solutions Project Manager As an electrical contractor working in the lighting industry, Guarantee Electrical’s work tends to focus primarily on function over form (versus the latter) on a regular basis for our clients. However, we are able to provide additional capabilities that most of the market is…
Lighting is one of the most critical aspects of creating a successful sports facility, whether it’s a brand-new installation or a retrofit project. Proper lighting enhances the experience for players and spectators, promotes safety, and provides consistent, high-quality visibility. As facilities increasingly focus on upgrading to efficient LED lighting, there are important considerations to keep…
When Dani Luna-Fuller joined US Lighting Trends’ staff as a contributor her first article was titled “Horticulture Lighting – It isn’t all Cannabis!” Since then, she has authored a number of articles explaining the role lighting play in supporting horticulture. But yes, cannabis is a part of horticulture. More importantly, it is possible to learn…
By Dr. Matt Zakreski I’m a full-time professional speaker and clinical psychologist who specializes in working with gifted and neurodivergent people — such as those with ADHD, Dyslexia, OCD, Autism, and gifted, etc. There’s a common misconception that neurodivergent folks are a tiny minority in society, but there are a lot more of them than…