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WHITE PAPER: Using Smart Technology to Control Building Energy Use

William Attardi on November 26, 2024

Have you asked if your facility is working as hard for you as it could? While staff training and workforce development are key to preparing your organization for decarbonization, so is optimizing building systems to work smarter, not harder. Smart building systems use sensors and monitors to collect real-time energy usage data that’s leveraged to achieve more efficient building operations. Whether installing occupancy sensors to switch lights off in areas of a building that aren’t in use or using heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) controllers to fine-tune air flow and humidity in different zones, there are numerous ways to automate energy savings. Commercial, industrial, and multifamily buildings may be eligible for New York State and utility incentives to support adoption of energy management systems, smart technologies, and other energy efficiency improvements. nyserda_cisponcon_article_august_facilityexecutive_smarttechnology_8.16.24-3.docx (live.com)

RESEARCH: U. S. Lighting Market Analysis Published

William Attardi on November 26, 2024

Research and Markets has published the 18thedition of its United States Lighting Fixtures Market report for 2024. The seven-chapter report states that while the market slowed to pre-COVID-19 levels in 2024, estimates show market expansion is expected for the next two calendar years due to an expected increase in construction of non-residential projects. The analysis covers topics such as basic data and trends, the U.S. market structure, demand determinants and insights into international trade. For example, the report indicates that China continues to be the largest lighting fixture import partner of the U.S. while imports from Canada, Cambodia, Mexico and Vietnam are also significant. Lighting brands such Acuity, LEDvance, Signify and Zumbotel along with many others are included in the analysis.  To find the full report, visit: www.researchandmarkets.com

Trump’s Take on Energy Policy by Chris Sokoll

William Attardi on November 26, 2024

Here at DISC, we see the electrical distribution community ending 2024 at $141.4 billion for +2.3% overall year-over-year (YOY) growth. We see 2025 at $144.5 billion, up +2.2% over 2024. This is in line with historical norms and inflation. Looking ahead, for now, we see a robust growth year in 2026 fueled by hearty performance in both the construction and industrial verticals. Now is the time to align resources and consider strategy. There is no doubt that the new Presidential Administration will have an impact on the electrical distribution industry. It’s important to consider this impact during our future planning. We can start to consider what changes may take place that will have a bearing on our forecasts and the overall direction of our industry. In the long term, balancing economic growth with sustainable energy sources will be critical, and the electrical industry will likely continue to face challenges and opportunities as it navigates the transition toward a more sustainable energy future. Trump’s Take on Energy Policy | Electrical Wholesaling Christian Sokoll is president of DISC Corp., Houston, the electrical market’s leading provider of sales forecasts and related market data. He can be reached at chris@disccorp.com.

Where Will Gen AI Deliver Real Value in 2025? by Praveen Rao

William Attardi on November 26, 2024

The manufacturing industry is on the cusp of change. Over the next decade, gen AI will become a cornerstone of manufacturing operations—driving innovation, improving efficiency and enhancing overall competitiveness. Here are three key trends manufacturing leaders should watch next year.

1. The Future of Manufacturing Is Multimodal – Multimodal AI refers to models that can process and analyze both structured and unstructured data across multiple types of data inputs, such as text, images/video, audio/sound and vibrations. Allowing organizations to be both efficient and effective in their operations.

2. Gen AI Will Drive Customer-Centric Manufacturing – Over the past five years, there has been a shift toward online shopping, with customers buying everything from consumer packaged goods to cars online. We anticipate a shift from the traditional stock-and-sell sales model to a complex make-to-order sales model in the future.

3. Gen AI Can Help Bridge the Manufacturing Skills Gap – A widening skills gap is impacting the manufacturing industry, as experienced workers retire and manufacturers struggle to attract and retain new talent with the necessary skills. This challenge is amplified by the rapid pace of technological change, demanding that frontline workers are equipped with helpful tools for real-time problem solving. Generative AI offers a powerful solution to the manufacturing skills gap by transforming how knowledge is shared and applied.

Learn how Gen AI transforms manufacturing | Leadership & Innovation | advancedmanufacturing.org

The Lagging Transition to LEDs in Schools – Part 1 of 3 by Jessica Kelly, Andrea Wilkerson, Dan Blitzer

William Attardi on November 26, 2024

This article series looks at the current situation from the perspective of school facility personnel. Part 1 covers the transition to LED technology. Part 2 will identify changes coming to the lighting market, and Part 3 will offer thoughts for practical paths forward for LED systems in schools. Although commercial LED lamps and luminaires have been available for more than a decade, educational facilities have been slow to adopt LED technology. As of 2020, 78% of the lighting in U.S. educational buildings was still fluorescent, according to the most recent estimates from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solid-State Lighting program in the “2020 U.S. Lighting Market Characterization” report. The general feeling of, “We have fluorescent, we’re fine,” may change as the situation evolves. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series where we discuss these upcoming changes to the lighting market regarding fluorescent availability and utility rebates. The Lagging Transition to LEDs in Schools – Part 1 of 3 | EC&M

Lighting Controls: Achieving Energy Efficiency and Visual Comfort by Barry Reeb

William Attardi on November 26, 2024

Lighting is often overlooked as merely a functional fixture in building design. However, it plays a critical role in shaping both the ambiance and comfort of spaces we live and work in every day. Over the last few decades, the adoption of advanced lighting control strategies has grown to be a powerful tool for both lowering energy consumption and increasing the well-being of its inhabitants. The key is in the design. There is a fine balance and intersection between lighting controls’ mandate to lower a building’s overall energy consumption and enhance the work/life environment through visual comfort. Lighting controls that empower people to personalize their lighting experience contribute to overall health and well-being. Lighting Controls: Achieving Energy Efficiency and Visual Comfort – Facilities Management Insights

Harris’s Proposed Capital Gains Tax Rate Would Be Highest for Many Since 1978

William Attardi on November 26, 2024

As part of the 2024 presidential campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris is proposing to tax long-term capital gains at a top rate of 33 percent for high earners, taking the top federal rate to highs not seen since 1978. There are also additional state and local capital gains taxes to consider. The current top combined capital gains tax rate is 29.1 percent, consisting of the 20 percent capital gains tax rate, the 3.8 percent NIIT, and the 5.3 percent average of state and local income tax rates on capital gains. By taxing high earners’ capital gains at 28 percent and raising the NIIT to 5 percent, Harris’s proposals would raise the top combined tax rate on capital gains to 38.3 percent—the second highest in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), behind Denmark’s 42 percent. In USA, adding state and local taxes, 10 States are over 40% with California at #1 at 46.3%. Similarly, under Harris’s proposals, the top tax rate on dividends would be nearly the highest in the OECD. Harris Capital Gains Tax Rate Would Be Highest Since 1978 (taxfoundation.org)

CLTC’s 2022 Title 24, Part 6 Lighting Standards Videos

William Attardi on November 21, 2024

The California Lighting Technology Center is pleased to announce the release of its updated video series covering the 2022 Title 24, Part 6 lighting requirements. These videos aim to provide practical insights for implementing code-compliant lighting in both nonresidential and residential buildings across California. The video series features five segments, each focusing on a specific aspect of the 2022 Energy Code, effective January 1, 2023:

Pepper Production Trials Entering a Fourth Year

William Attardi on November 21, 2024

Signify and the University of British Columbia has announced that their pepper production trial is now entering its fourth year. This trial, which focuses on optimizing dynamic lighting conditions, has delivered insights into how pepper plants respond to artificial lighting throughout the year. 2025 will mark the culmination of this extensive research project. The final results will be presented in a comprehensive whitepaper, which will detail the outcomes of this trial and combine insights from all other pepper trials conducted around the world. By synthesizing this knowledge, Signify aims to provide growers with a definitive guide to optimizing pepper production using LED lighting, ensuring that they can continue to improve yields and quality well into the future. Pepper production trials entering a fourth year – LEDinside

Why Use AI – 5 Reasons besides making us smarter:

  1. Efficiency and Automation: AI can automate repetitive tasks… saves time and reduces human effort
  2. Data Processing: AI excels at analyzing large datasets quickly… uncovers patterns and insights that humans might miss
  3. Scalability: AI systems can handle growing workloads… without a proportional increase in costs or resources
  4. Accuracy: AI can perform tasks with high precision… reducing errors in areas like diagnostics or forecasting
  5. 24/7 Availability: AI tools can operate continuously… improving productivity and customer support