Brodrick Posting, January 14 - EERE - U.S. Department of Energy

Postings: from the
desk of Jim Brodrick
I have said many times that partnerships are the cornerstone of all
our efforts at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). In the last few
months, these Postings have shared updates on DOE's partnership
with the International Association of Lighting Designers, plus the
growing community of SSL Quality Advocates and the expanding list
of L Prize partners. All these DOE programs are participatory -- so
join in!
Another key DOE partnership is the Retailer Energy Alliance, a
group of large and small retailers committed to working with DOE to
explore solutions that reduce their energy costs, greenhouse gas
emissions, and overall operating risks. As a nation, we face tough
economic times and feeling the impact, retailers are looking for ways
to cut energy costs and improve profitability. Members of the Retailer
Energy Alliance recognize that their actions will also help to address
our nation's energy and environmental challenges.
Formed in 2008, the Retailer Energy Alliance quickly identified
lighting as an area that offered potential for immediate returns. In
particular, LED outdoor area lighting is proving competitive with
traditional outdoor light sources. While metal halide and highpressure
sodium sources have been in use for many years, recent
advances in LED technology have resulted in products that offer
distinct advantages over them.
Well-designed LED outdoor luminaires can provide the required
surface illuminance using less energy and with improved uniformity.
LED luminaires also promise significantly longer life with better lumen
maintenance. They come on instantly, with no run-up time or restrike
delay. They are more durable and their long life eliminates ongoing
disposal programs.
All this is music to the ears of retailers who understand that lighting
failures in the parking lot mean lift trucks and electricians and high

maintenance costs. Retailers want to put a site light in service and
not have to think about it again for a while -- a long while.
To accelerate the availability of energy-efficient, cost-effective, highquality
LED parking lot lighting, an Alliance working group was
formed including representatives from a diverse group of retailers.
Working closely with DOE and Pacific Northwest National
Laboratory, this working group has developed detailed product
performance specifications and evaluation procedures based on
group members' needs. The specification has been rigorously vetted
by retailers, commercial building owners, suppliers, and
manufacturers, and the final LED Site Lighting Performance
Specification is now available for download.
Large retailers are already using this specification to guide their
purchasing decisions. This approach removes the guesswork
involved in evaluating new products and provides a sure, effective
route to energy savings.
Future working group plans include development of Requests for
Proposals (RFPs) for LED lighting manufacturers to identify selected
products for volume purchases. The massive purchasing power of
the Alliance members will help to drive initial costs down. DOE is
also exploring several GATEWAY demonstrations using the
specification, and utilities have expressed interest in using it to
develop incentive programs. A webcast on this topic is scheduled for
March 2008, so stay tuned for updates on the latest Retailer Energy
Alliance activities.
Most importantly, get involved. Submit a proposal for an upcoming
RFP. Join the Retailer Energy Alliance and participate in evaluations
of LED products. Learn first-hand about LED technology advances,
and know which products offer the best value for your retail site. To
learn more, visit the Retailer Energy Alliance website.
As always, if you have questions or comments, you can reach me at
postings@lighting-facts.com

Links:
Retailer Energy Alliance - http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/retailer/index.html
LED Site Lighting Performance Specification ­
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/highperformance/cbea_led-site-lightingspec.pdf
GATEWAY Demonstrations - http://www.netl.doe.gov/ssl/techdemos.htm
Join Retailer Energy Alliance - http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/retailer/join.html