***ABOUT LIGHTING ***

LIGHTING DESIGN: The lighting design process requires the combination of technical, aesthetic and experiential knowledge and aims to achieve the transformation of all types of spaces based on the experience of the users and their needs. It also aims to highlight the architecture or the main design elements to achieve an attractive and original result. Lighting is an essential part of our modern society, and is employed in all buildings and construction projects. A well designed and well managed lighting system reduces energy consumption, saves maintenance costs, reduces risk of injury and loss, improves security of people and facilities, and contributes to increased productivity of workers. Proper lighting serves both the public and private portions of our economy, and in appropriate applications can add drama and beauty to natural and man-made environments.

DLC CERTIFIED LIGHTING: DLC stands for the Design Lights Consortium™ -- a partnership of energy efficiency stakeholders throughout the US and Canada that promotes quality, performance, and energy efficient commercial sector lighting solutions. The DLC is a non-profit organization improving energy efficiency, lighting quality, and the human experience in the built environment. We collaborate with utilities, energy efficiency programs, manufacturers, lighting designers, building owners, and government entities to create rigorous criteria for lighting performance that keeps up with the pace of technology.  

ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED LIGHT FIXTURES AND LAMPS: Use 90% less energy than traditional models using incandescent light bulbs. Distribute light more efficiently and effectively — with custom design around the efficient light source to get the best performance. Come in hundreds of decorative styles including portable fixtures — such as table, desk and floor lamps — and hard-wired options such as front porch, dining room, kitchen ceiling and under-cabinet, hallway ceiling and wall, bathroom vanity fixtures, and more. Deliver convenient features such as dimming on some indoor models and automatic daylight shut-off and motion sensors on outdoor models. Last 15 times longer and come with a manufacturer-back warranty of at least three years

ILLUMINATING ENGINEERING SOCIETY: Established in 1906, the Illuminating Engineering Society is the recognized technical and educational authority on illumination. Their mission is to improve the lighted environment by bringing together those with lighting knowledge and by translating that knowledge into actions that benefit the public. They provide a variety of professional development, publications, networking and educational opportunities to their membership of engineers, architects, designers, educators, students, contractors, distributors, utility personnel, manufacturers and scientists in nearly 60 countries. Through their American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited process, they publish and maintain the Lighting Library®, with over 100 standards written by subject matter experts in their technical committees. They strive to improve life through quality of light.  

NATIONAL COUNCIL ON QULIFICATIONS FOR THE LIGHTING PROFESIONIONS: NCQLP is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 to serve and protect the well-being of the public through effective and efficient lighting practice. Through a peer-review process, the NCQLP establishes the education, experience and examination requirements for baseline certification across the lighting professions. 

LIGHTING CERTIFIED: The LC credential is a minimum multi-disciplinary qualification distinguishing practitioners in the specialized field of illumination. It is open to individuals who practice within the field of lighting who have met the qualifications of education, 8 years minimum experience and knowledge demonstrated by a 4 hour examination. Earners of the Lighting Certified (LC) badge prove that they have acquired the necessary knowledge, understanding, and ability to apply lighting principles and techniques successfully. The LC indicates commitment to career development and professional practice, and demonstrates a broad knowledge base in an increasingly specialized practice making the earner a valuable asset to not only their company, but also the industry as well. 

COLOR RENDERING INDEX: CRI is a way to measure a light source's distinctive attributes. It is an assessment of how the light source shows object colors "naturally" when compared to a familiar basis of reference, either incandescent light or daylight. The color rendering index (CRI) is measured as a number between 0 and 100. At zero (0), all colors look the same. A CRI of 100 shows the true colors of the object. Incandescent and halogen light sources have a CRI of 100. Typically, light sources with a CRI of 80 to 90 are regarded as good and those with a CRI of 90+ are excellent! The general rule is: The higher the CRI, the better the color rendering capacity. CRI is independent of color temperature. These are two different things. For example, a 5000K (daylight color temperature) fluorescent light source could have a CRI of 75, but another 5000K fluorescent light source can have a CRI of 90.

COLOR TEMPURATURE: The color temperature model is based on the relationship between the temperature of a theoretical standardized material, called a black body radiator, and the energy distribution of its emitted light as the radiator is brought to increasingly higher temperatures, measured in Kelvin. Kelvin is used for measuring light bulb, lamp and fixture color temperatures. It refers to the hue of the light emitted by the LED and is expressed in degrees of Kelvin. Incandescent light bulbs usually produce warm light with a color temperature of 2700K to 3000K. LEDs bulbs can produce a wider range of colors, from more yellow warm (2700K) to more blue cool tones (6500K). The lower the Kelvin scale value, the warmer and more yellow the light appears, while the higher the Kelvin value, color appearance is a blue, cool light. For lighting building interiors, it is often important to take into account the color temperature of illumination. A warmer (i.e., a lower color temperature) light is often used in public areas to promote relaxation, while a cooler (higher color temperature) light is used to enhance concentration, for example in schools and offices.

EXTERIOR DISTRIBUTION TYPES: 3 of the most common and popular distribution types for pole mounted fixtures are Type III, Type IV and Type V. These 3 types will take care of your parking lot and area lighter applications. For Roadways Type II and Type III are used more frequently.