Commercial Architecture October 2016 - 11

FEATURE controls "What Internet of Things means is that different devices can learn about a space and work together to create better experiences for the people that are in them," Trott said. "It used to be that building intelligence was tied to the building HVAC system, but I think we're going to see that change to where it's quite possible that lighting could end up being the driving force of intelligence in the building-just because it is in every space, in every room, and uniformly spaced," Trott added. The market is becoming more aware of what control systems can do for them, explained Kaynam Hedayat, vice president of product management and marketing, Digital Lumens, Boston. Occupancy sensors can do more than turn lights on and off. With sensors you can gain a lot of insight into what's happening in your space-when the space is used, when it's not used, how often it's used, how busy it is, and, based on that, you can do a lot of planning in terms of space management," Hedayat said. "We can tie into your HVAC system to maximize energy savings, and we can tie into security and fire-safety systems as well. I would say the market requires controls. It's no longer a nice-to-have feature." "LEDs are quickly becoming a default light source on many projects, due largely to their energy-saving properties and expanding op- Above. Lighting-control applications in mixed-use facilities range from simple occupancy control in public areas and restrooms; to high-performance dimming and shade automation in retail, hospitality, and office areas; to smart-home control in residences. Courtesy Svigals & Partners, Robert Benson Photography tions for performance, color tuning, and building integration. As customers get more familiar with the benefits LEDs offer, they also have higher expectations for light quality and performance, and a strong desire to recreate the kind of dimming performance tradition- Below. Intelligent lighting controls also are favored for warehouse applications, where they control not only lighting but can interface with inventory-management systems. Photo: Digital Lumens ally available with incandescent lights," said Lutron's Eric Lind. COMPLIANCE There are two aspects to lighting control today. One has to do with regulation and the other with customer needs, specifically energy savings. "On the regulatory side, there is more and more regulation coming for controls, either from municipalities, state governments, or from consortiums that are supported by utilities. For example, the DesignLights Consortium, Lexington, MA, is supported by utilities and provides guidelines to lighting manufacturers. Last year, they introduced a control standard that people don't have to follow, but those who follow it can be eligible for utility rebates," said Hedayat. Lighting retrofits are often associated with code-compliance and energy-savings initiatives, both of which are critically important to a company's bottom line, but they can also play a major role in creating a more pleasant, comfortable work environment. Smart lighting-control systems support these goals by doing double duty, helping to meet and exceed building codes while contributing to one of the most important aspects of commercial buildings-satisfied, productive building occupants. Building owners are becoming aware of the important role total light-management control systems play in creating sustainable, high-value buildings," Lutron's Lind said. sent the transformation in the lighting world from analog to digital." "With the adoption of LEDs, lighting has become digital," Daintree's Proudian said. "This means lighting is now a network on which LEDS MADE IT POSSIBLE to attach digital devices and sensors that can be controlled. These While a degree of control was possible with conventional lighting, provide data/information that can be used to unlock other value-add- LEDs have made today's control innovations possible, opening the ed applications and services. The wireless lighting network is now a door for future applications as well. platform to more easily extract lots more data out of a building that Controls are not new, Hedayat commented. In fact, they've devel- can be used for many different applications," he said. oped in tandem with LEDs. "LEDs and controls go hand in hand," "LED is extremely malleable and used as a replacement for exist- he said. "We have never manufactured a luminaire without controls. ing lighting and in new form factors, which opens up new doors in LEDs have accelerated controls into the market, because LEDs repre- lighting design. Concerns with past light sources, like fluorescent fixcommercialarchitecturemagazine.com OCTOBER 2016 COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE 11 http://www.commercialarchitecturemagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture October 2016