Lighting in the News - May 2015
In case you missed it, there have been some pretty interesting things happening in the world of lights lately. From Stickbulb lighting created with reclaimed wood to Cree’s big change, we’ve seen quite a few things going on. Whether it’s LEDs that help you shop, lightbulbs that ward off bugs, or the implementation of energy efficient lighting in commercial buildings that piques your interest, here’s your dose of enlightenment.
Light Geometry
What wood and lighting have joined together let no one break apart. RUX, a design firm in New York, recently revealed their innovative new design of modular contemporary lighting in their Stickbulb line. The X Collection features illuminated masterworks that function as pendant fixtures, shelving or tables. The designs are created to have more geometrically structured shapes. The energy-efficient modules can stand alone and are made using sustainable wood. It’s geometry illuminated.
The Big Switch
Cree is officially not just about the bulb. The North Carolina based LED lighting company has created a new self-run division that focuses on power and radio frequency, called the Cree Power and RF Division. Cree will retain the majority of ownership of the new publicly traded company. Cree said of the new business move, “The company believes that this transaction should allow Cree shareholders to better realize the full value of both businesses.” Though few details are currently known about the new division, it has been confirmed that former CEO and president of Tekelec, a telecommunications company, will be the CEO of Cree Power and RF business.
Shopping Lightly
Great deals are getting even easier to come by. Grocery store shoppers in France were the first to experience the latest LED lighting design by Phillips. The light bulbs send information to your phone using a Li-fi signal which is picked up by your camera, allowing discounts and deals in the store to display on your phone. Shoppers are able to rapidly scan various promotions that would benefit them. When used with a compatible smartphone app, the signal can feed GPS information to the phone, giving the user accurate positioning within a single meter. As another plus, according to Phillips, these new light bulbs actually use 50% less electricity than their previous fluorescent light bulbs.
Insects Illuminated
The weather outside may be delightful but mosquitoes are plenty frightful. Travis Longcore, a professor of spatial sciences at the University of California, has been working closely with Philips LED bulbs to create a light bulb that does not attract insects. Longcore has found that Philips LED light bulbs which use blue, green, red and white light mixed together attract 20 percent less insects. Working with Philips, Longcore explained that his goal is to create an LED that not only wards off insects, but has the warm glow of incandescent lamps at a low price. Uninterrupted summer fun could be just a glow away.
Commercial Building Upgrades
The Better Building Alliance has officially launched an indoor lighting campaign for commercial buildings. The United States Department of Energy created the program to increase the use of energy-efficient lighting in commercial buildings. It is estimated that interior lighting in most commercial buildings makes up around 20 percent of energy usage. The campaign is hoping to install 100,000 energy-efficient troffers and replace current indoor fluorescent lighting during its first year of inception. The upgrades will reduce energy consumption and save $500,000 in electrical costs yearly.
That was this week’s installment of Lately in Lighting. If you know of any current events regarding lighting or electricity, feel free to leave a comment in the section below or drop us a line on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest or Instagram!
