Light pollution is everywhere. The glow on the distant horizon of an approaching town or city. Attempting to look at the stars on a perfectly clear night only to see a few when you know a thousand points of light should be visible. Flying at night and gazing out the window to see dots of […]
Covid-19 presented a rollercoaster 2020 year for the environment. While a global pandemic wreaked havoc on the economy, the planet received a much-needed break from emissions-intensive sectors. Not only did large cities see some of the clearest skies in decades, but a surging trend in renewable energy could pave the way to similarly clear skies […]
DLC Releases Version 2.0 Updated Draft for Horticultural Lighting New horticultural lighting standards are addressed in DLC’s 2.0 version. With a proposed effective date of January 4, 2021, Design Light Consortium (DLC) seeks comments by Tuesday June 16, 2020 for revisions to the proposed standard. Input should be submitted via the V2.0 Comment Form or by email to comments@desgnlights.org. DRAFT Technical Requirements for LED-based Lighting: Version 2.0 […]
An Introduction to America’s Strategy for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs arose from the 1976 creation of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Administered by the National Science and Technology Council the legislation is the principal means the Executive Branch of the United States […]
Powering the Blue Economy The U.S. Department of Energy continues to promote a series of competitions focused on Powering the Blue Economy. As the name implies these competitions tackle a range of ocean related business development opportunities. The competition “seeks innovators to integrate marine renewable energy with ocean observation platforms, ultimately revolutionizing our capability to […]
Understanding rebate program requirements from utilities or government backed programs can be a headache. The gambit of obstacles requiring navigation are numerous and time consuming to address. Understanding Rebate Roadblocks Rebate programs typically have set budgets. Once the money’s gone program incentives are either concluded or suspended until monies are reauthorized. The types and mixture […]
So, are the extension and/or expansion of tax breaks forthcoming for the renewable energy industry? This is a possibility if draft legislation proposed by the House Ways and Means Committee is passed. The impetus driving the legislation is supporting and investing in technologies that combat climate change. The proposed bill builds on existing tax incentives […]
Do you remember a time when there was a break between one weather related natural disaster season to another? A typical calendar year started with blizzards, to flooding, to tornados, to hurricanes, to fire storms then back to snow and ice. Even though these cycles continue there is a merger of disaster seasons where a […]
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) 2018 report on Wind Power electricity generation shows a booming industry year. The report addresses costs and performance for three installation sectors including land based, offshore and distributed wind. Distributed wind is categorized as small and localized wind powered systems providing electricity to homes, farms, businesses, public facilities and the […]
DesignLights Consortium Light Quality Considerations for V5.0 DesignLights Consortium (DLC) is a voluntary certification program focusing on energy efficiency in the LED/SSL industry. It operates as a resource for the lighting industry, utility companies and others striving to improve higher LED performance. Product information is used by North American utility companies to establish criteria for […]