Have you’ve been hearing the praise about the energy savings of LED’s? Want to jump on board? Here’s some information to help
you get started. I’ve recently completed a project using LED for all the track lighting in a residence. We used Eco-Story because it had a good color balance, not a blue cold light, not too buggy yellow.

What does LED stand for?
• Light Emitting Diode

How much energy can I save?
• This depends on the individual manufacturer. I’ll use a manufacture that I’m familiar with; Eco-Story. Their MR16 uses 4 watts of energy versus a typical MR16 that uses anywhere from 20-60 Watts.

What is the lifespan of a LED?
• Again just for consistency I’ll use the Eco-Story MR16. It is rated at 40-50,000 hours versus a “long life” typical halogen MR16 at 10,000 hours. This means that on average, the bulbs are expected to last for 40-50,000 hours of use. Wow huh?!

What are the advantages of LED?
• They do not get hot like halogens and incandescent bulbs.
• They use far less energy.
• Their lamp life is out of this world.

What are the disadvantages?
• The light output is not always great.
• Not all of them are dimmable. And when they are, they may shut off at a certain point cause they don’t have the full range of dimming like an incandescent. If you want to dim LED’s, my experience shows that the more lights on the circuit the further they will dim. Also, they are not compatible with all dimmer switches. For example, the Eco-Story dimmable bulb works best on a Lutron switch. This has to do with what is inside the dimmer.
• Sometimes the color is not a white white, it will have a red or blue undertone.
• Cost. Typical halogen MR16 is roughly $6.00; LED MR16 is around $45. Yes, they are an investment but you can always take them with you if you move.
• They haven’t developed LED’s for all types of bulbs.
• They are not readably available at stores and when they are, the quality can be poor.

Always test a lamp or two to make sure it is the quality of light you desire for your application. I plan on testing a few manufacturers in the near future and will post results soon.

Want more info?  Visit:
• www.eco-story.com
• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light-emitting_diode

If you haven’t already heard, the LEED program is exploding within the design industry.  This year I will studying to aquire my LEED GA title.  This is an important step in my profession since every day we are learning the impact that each of us puts on the environment.  I’ve come to realize that the design and construction industries are a major contributor to this crisis.  Therefore I want to learn how I can improve my designs to lessen my everyday impact.  Below I’ve included some information for you so you too can inform yourselves with this new program.

What is LEED?
-  Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.  An internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building was built using techniques to make it more efficient through mechanical and water systems, emissions reduction, improved indoor air quality, and using local resources. 
 
Why?
-  It is important that we use responsible building techniques to lessen our impact on the environment.  In addition indoor air quality is extremely important as it can potentially make you sick if harmful materials & chemicals are in the products you buy. 
 
Who can call their building LEED certified?
-  Currently LEED certification is for new construction however they have developed a list of guidelines for residential remodeling and they offer ways to make your current home more energy efficient. 
 
Why is Paradigm Doing This?
-  Because I see the importance in knowing how to make buildings safer and more environmentally responsible.  I am also passionate that I can help your health and well being through the materials that I specify.  In the end we all win at making this world a bit more green.