photo credit: Kathleen Fontecha, CLTC

Before and After: In this image, the retrofit for lower two levels has been completed and the older lights remain on the top floor.

   The California Lighting Technology Center, which was developed through a collaborative effort between the California Energy Commission's Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Program, the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Electric Manufacturers Association in 2003 has developed yet another innovation in lighting technologies and applications.  CLTC's Bi-level Lighting projects use technologies such as BetsLED and induction lighting to reduce energy consumption in parking garages by 30-40%.  The fixtures respond to occupancy, reducing to fifty percent brightness when no motion is detected.  The project currently has six demonstration sites, one at Sacramento State University, three at UC Davis, and two at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo- and the results are holding up to expectations. 

   The benefits of the innovative lighting fixtures extend far beyond the reduction in energy consumption.  It may seem counter-intuitive that lower light levels would increase safety, but the change from 50% to 100% brightness is effective in alerting people of approaching people and cars.  Also, the higher color temperature light increases visibility, making it easier to distinguish differences in the colors and shapes of cars. 

   Another indirect benefit of the lighting technology is the lowered maintenance costs. Each light is designed to last 100,000 hours.  The increased life span allows maintenance departments to reallocate labor and materials.  The carbon offset is even greater when lowered emissions from the vehicles used are factored in.  This project exemplifies the endless benefits of innovations for sustainability.