Integrated Lighting Campaign encourages sustainable building initiatives (UPDATED)

--UPDATE-- The Integrated Lighting Campaign has extended the deadline for lighting controls projects submissions to Apr. 15, 2022! 

Recently, LEDs Magazine conducted an email interview with Axel Pearson, whom our audience may know from his past affiliation with the DesignLights Consortium and industry speaking engagements on energy efficiency and market transformation programs designed to increase adoption of efficient technologies. Pearson has moved on to the position of energy efficiency project manager, with responsibilities for economics, policy, and institutional support at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Now I know sometimes the DOE organizations and programs can be a bit of a maze to follow. So here is my understanding: DOE funds PNNL as an agency-driven research institution. DOE operates programs such as the Better Buildings Initiative with support from the public and private sectors (including PNNL). The Better Buildings Initiative, in collaboration with multiple organizations and associations, organizes the Integrated Lighting Campaign to recognize the use of advanced lighting controls and adoption of energy-efficient lighting systems. Part of Pearson’s job is to increase awareness of and participation in ILC by industry stakeholders to submit lighting controls and lighting/building systems integration projects. Read on for more details about the ILC — who should enter, why, and how they can raise the profile of energy-efficiency technologies for the built environment.

LEDs Magazine: When and why was the ILC launched? What are the main objectives of the ILC?

Axel Pearson: The Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Initiative introduced the Integrated Lighting Campaign (ILC) in 2020 to encourage facility owners, operators, and managers to adopt advanced lighting systems or system integration to save energy and contribute to occupant comfort. More efficient lighting benefits everyone…the occupants, the planet, and the bottom line. So, the ultimate goal is helping building owners and facility managers (i.e., participants in the ILC) realize the benefits of lighting, controls, and integration.

LEDs: How does the campaign help to further the adoption of advanced lighting systems and controls?

Pearson: That’s a great question. Well, first, ILC serves as a resource for sharing the latest research on advanced lighting controls and systems integration. The campaign is managed by a team of advanced lighting experts at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory who are passionate about energy efficiency, design, and functionality. They are available to provide third-party, expert guidance to ILC participants to support them in choosing, deploying, integrating, and managing their lighting system. We’ll consult on best practices from commissioning to installation to maintenance.

This initiative also offers technical resources and support to participants. It also highlights how participants are integrating lighting with other building systems to achieve energy and nonenergy benefits. We’re creating a suite of case studies in collaboration with recognized participants describing their specific projects, the strategies they used, as well as outcomes and lessons learned. We’re hoping they serve as inspiration to other building owners taking on similar projects.

LEDs: What do participants and supporters need to do in order to be part of ILC?

Pearson: To participate all you need to do is join the campaign as a Participant or Supporter. You’ll be joining a dedicated cohort of building owners and industry leaders just like you who are championing innovation and establishing a standard of excellence in lighting. Your participation could help shape future lighting projects as well.

We also encourage participants to submit their projects for our recognition program by completing a short application form (submission deadline is March 30). We only ask that you provide building location and size with a brief description of the building, the lighting system, and the reported benefits and outcomes.

Visit our website to read more about our recognition categories. We included two new categories this year, “Integrated Lighting and Horticultural Controls” and “Innovative Maintenance, Operation, and Financing Service Models.” We’re excited to see the projects submitted in our second year … and conferring recognition on exemplary ones!

LEDs: Tell us in brief how you envision ILC contributing to improved lighting and its accessibility across various sectors.

Pearson: At the very heart of what we’re doing is trying to make lighting, lighting controls, and integration of lighting with other building systems accessible for buildings of all sizes and all sectors. We’ve recognized participants from higher education, healthcare, municipalities, retail, and office spaces. Today’s lighting technology is not just for lighting anymore. By integrating lighting with other building and business systems, you can improve energy efficiency, reduce energy/operating costs, and create comfortable spaces for occupants. The benefits of efficient lighting should be accessible to everyone. This year, we also introduced a special new Supporter recognition category. Through the “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion” category, we’re seeking to recognize organizations, or individuals, using advanced lighting, incentives, or grants to support diversity and equitable outcomes for underserved communities and underrepresented groups.

Visit integratedlightingcampaign.energy.gov/join for more information.

Get to know our expert

AXEL PEARSON joined Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in 2022 as an energy efficiency project manager, supporting the Energy Efficiency Technologies team with a focus on energy efficient lighting and controls. Prior to PNNL, he worked for the DesignLights Consortium leading the Solid-State Lighting Program and developing DLC's technical requirements. Pearson also has experience with codes and standards development, lighting auditing, utility incentive programs, and energy education. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado in Environmental Studies, a master's degree in Environmental Management from the University of San Francisco and is Lighting Certified by the NCQLP.

CARRIE MEADOWS is managing editor of LEDs Magazine, with 20 years’ experience in business-to-business publishing across technology markets including solid-state technology manufacturing, fiberoptic communications, machine vision, lasers and photonics, and LEDs and lighting.

*Updated Mar. 31, 2022 12:00 PM for ILC project deadline extension.

For up-to-the-minute LED and SSL updates, why not follow us on Twitter? You’ll find curated content and commentary, as well as information on industry events, webcasts, and surveys on our LinkedIn Company Page and Facebook page.