Technology Reviews: Lighting Systems

This assessment examines several lighting technologies that have the potential to significantly impact the energy use for lighting in commercial buildings over the next five to ten years. The technologies are divided into four categories: sources, controls, and lighting quality. This is not a comprehensive list of every available new lighting technology. Energy-efficient technologies that are currently considered standard practice (e.g. energy efficient core coil ballasts for fluorescent lamps) are not included. In addition, technologies that are not projected to reach the market before 10 years are not included. The intent of this assessment is to highlight some of the most promising new technologies that appear to the have the largest widespread applicability in most commercial buildings. The fact that a particular technology does not appear on the list should not be construed to mean that the technology has no potential.