The DesignLights Consortium (DLC) has announced the final version of its new performance standards for commercially-targeted solid-state lighting (SSL). Mark McClear tops the chart for recent executive moves, taking the job of COO at BIOS LLC, while RAB Lighting and LSI also make executive changes. The Hong Kong Lighting Fair will be delayed due to the coronavirus while other industry events prepare for impact.
Commercial lighting QPL
The DLC release of the V5.0 and V5.1 performance standards will be the next gate for commercially-targeted fixtures to rebates and other utility and municipal incentives. The two standards will establish guidelines for a qualified products list (QPL) with improved color performance, reduced glare, more uniform light distribution, enhanced controls capability, and maximum energy savings — essentially improving the quality of lighting products on the QPL. For an example or the DLC’s prior work, see our coverage of their horticultural policy.
“These new requirements ensure that we’re in step with advances in lighting technology, driving solutions for people and the environment by optimizing the benefits of quality of light and controls,” said Christina Halfpenny, executive director and CEO of the DLC.
The V5.0 policy goes into effect immediately and is focused primarily on more controls utilization and improved satisfaction for people working under LED lighting. The V5.1 policy will add more strict quality angles and will come into play Jul. 1, 2020. “Our phased approach incorporates the useful feedback we received from an array of stakeholders — ensuring that movement of the market in this important new direction is both expeditious and realistic,” said Halfpenny. Detailed information is available on the DLC’s website.
Executive moves
Mark McClear, meanwhile, is among the most well-known and high-profile executives in the LED and SSL sectors. Most recently, he ran the North American operations of Seoul Semiconductor. And McClear delivered a keynote presentation at Strategies in Light 2018. McClear will report to CEO Sean Tegart at BIOS, a company deeply involved in designing lighting for health and wellbeing.
General lighting manufacturer LSI Industries has named Jeff Davis president, reporting to CEO Jim Clark. “The hiring of Jeff is an important milestone in our efforts to position LSI for long-term, sustainable growth and profitability,” said Clark. “His experience and professional acumen will be assets to LSI, and we look forward to the many contributions he will make to the company’s success.”
At architectural lighting provider RAB Lighting, chairman Richard Barna has announced his retirement with current CEO Ross Barna taking the chairman title. The company described the move as the culmination of a succession plan. “RAB has demonstrated that a customer-focused business strategy, when combined with product innovation, quality, and great execution, can result in an outstanding organization that serves its stakeholders with integrity and delivers significant value,” said Richard Barna. “Over the last 9 years as CEO, Ross has stayed true to the values that have made RAB unique and led exceptional growth.”
SSL industry events
Moving to the coronavirus, we remain hopeful for all of society that the malady can be quickly controlled. But the outbreak continues to impact the LED and SSL sectors. A number of companies are warning of delayed product shipments. We have also just learned that the Hong Kong Lighting Fair Spring event will be postponed from April until Jul. 25–28.
Our own Strategies in Light event was also impacted last week. The conference went off as planned with excellent attendance and a compelling roster of speakers. But the coronavirus impacted both exhibitors and unexpectedly exhibit-only attendees. Meanwhile, the industry calendar includes a number of other upcoming events that could be impacted.
