Six engineering trends in the lighting industry

In July 2014, Consulting-Specifying Engineer surveyed its audience members responsible for decisions related to the design of lighting and lighting control products within their organizations. The 2014 Lighting and Lighting Controls study asked key questions on specifying lighting and lighting controls, including annual revenue, products specified, and challenges engineers are facing.

By Amanda McLeman, Consulting-Specifying Engineer September 22, 2014
Consulting-Specifying Engineer survey respondents identified these six most important high-level findings impacting the lighting and lighting controls industries today:
1. Total annual revenue: The average annual mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection revenue was $7.3 million, 8% of which was generated through lighting and lighting control products specified for new and existing buildings (about $0.6 million).
2. Specification involvement: The number of engineers who are responsible for the research of new lighting, lighting equipment, or lighting controls has increased from 74% in 2013 to 81%. Also, more engineers are involved in recommending and selecting brands to be used in projects (up 9% and 7%, respectively, from 2013).
3. Products specified: More than half of respondents to the 2014 survey specify LEDs; T5, T8, or T12 lamps (any size); lighting controls; compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs); and high-intensity discharge lamps (HIDs). However, the specifications of CFLs and HIDs have decreased since 2013 (down 8% and 12%, respectively).
4. Recent changes: When asked about the changes in lighting design or lighting products that have affected them in the past 12 to 18 months, 69% of respondents said LEDs have heavily affected their work, while 62% said energy efficiency and consumption and another 43% said codes and standards.
5. Future challenges: When asked about the future of lighting design, 31% of respondents mentioned challenges related to energy conservation or efficiency; 25% talked about complying with new and changing codes, standards, and regulations; and another 25% referred to LED quality or integration.
6. Design factors: 97% of engineers ranked product quality and product energy efficiency at the top of their list when selecting one lighting product over another. Nine out of 10 engineers also said initial product cost, manufacturer’s reputation, and warranty are equally important.
Access the full 2014 Lighting and Lighting Controls report to view additional key trends and findings at www.csemag.com/2014LightingStudy.