Lighting for Tomorrow was a new product competition that sought to highlight inventive uses of energy efficient lighting. When started, fluorescent lighting was considered pedestrian and good for only the most functional of lighting chores. America installed fluorescent lighting into garages, basement workshop areas and MAYBE the laundry room. Why not other areas? The competition encouraged manufacturers to reimagine fluorescent use in decorative products.
As a Product Manager of a luminaire manufacturer at the time, I readily accepted this opportunity. I asked the talented design staff to create products that would ameliorate the undesirable aspects of fluorescent light. While fluorescent lamping was the only energy efficient option, we received recognition for multiple products. Once LED entered the scene we again enjoyed awards in different categories. Our product was recognized and displayed at many trade shows, countless publications and industry events.
When the competition accomplished its goals, the adoption of energy efficient lighting across the luminaire spectrum, Lighting for Tomorrow was retired. A new goal was then established. Controls. Many consumption researchers found that the next “big” reduction in energy could be achieved through the use of intelligent controls. The most far reaching predictions were an additional 25% savings of electric consumption simply by better controlling light use.
At the same time, other areas outside lighting were going through their own efforts to reduce energy consumption. What if all of this were combined? When people leave their home they shut off lights, reduce the heat, turn on a security system, lock a door, close a garage and start a car. Electric power is plentiful throughout the night, why not run the dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer when demand is at its lowest? Lighting for Tomorrow was transitioned into the Integrated Home Competition.
The Integrated Home Competition seeks to find high efficiency products that easily integrate with home control systems and other like-minded products, are well built, easy to install and set up and provide the consumer with perceived value and security. Among the categories is lighting.
Manufacturers
Do you have a product that, in addition to saving money on energy, also easily links with home control systems (Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home) and perhaps, interacts with HVAC systems, security systems and/or utility data sharing apps? Is it a product that works beyond the simple wall switch control? If so, consider submitting it for consideration.
Sales Representatives and Design Practitioners
You see new products every day. Does something you’ve seen recently break new ground? Does it make installation and set-up easier? Does it facilitate easy transition between other consumers of energy in the home? Urge the manufacturer to submit the product for consideration.
Winners
I was honored to be asked to judge the submitted products entered into lighting and ceiling fan 2023 competition category. A group of us with decades of experience in lighting and controls installed, set-up, operated and tested each submitted item. We read the included instructions (I know that sounds unusual!) and watched online installation videos to determine if the product functioned as promised. We paired products with smart phones, Alexa and Google Home and tested functionality. Via conversation and a genial exchange of view, we unanimously agreed upon the products that deserved a year’s worth of recognition.
While testing and talking we wondered if there were other products that should have been submitted. We all agreed to do what we could to encourage additional submissions, hence my inclusion of this information in the blog. Every one of us will benefit from reduced energy consumption. Let’s work to recognize those who are creating products to meet that end.
For complete guidelines and information on how to enter, please visit https://www.integratedhome.org/enter-now Watch this short video on the submission process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkGmyndY4wk or contact competition@cee1.org.
Lighting by Jeffrey 