Whether you’re a contractor working on a large outdoor event, or an organizer, follow these key steps to ensure the electrical power meets your needs and runs smoothly.

Preparing Your Electrical Equipment for an Outdoor Event

Step 1: Understand The Space 

Before you power up a large outdoor event, it’s important to know the venue.

First, identify the size of the space, the number of attendees, and the likely power requirements for your lighting, sound, and safety needs. If you don’t have exact attendee numbers, err on the side of caution and assume there will be more participants rather than fewer. If possible, visit the site in person to get a first-hand look at the space.

Also, ensure you get a timetable of the event. That way, you can identify how much power you need at each time to avoid an electrical overload.

Step 2: Identify What You Need

The exact equipment you’ll need depends on the event’s size and scope, but here’s a general overview of the solutions available. 

Temporary Power Distribution Systems 

Without a doubt, you will need a generator. We recommend this BE Power Equipment generator or this portable backup generator with inverter. These will keep uninterrupted power flowing smoothly. 

You may also need a portable power station. We recommend this one by Southwire. 

And don’t forget to stock up on reliable batteries—you’ll need those, too!

Power Cables and Extension Cords 

You’ll need plenty of power cables and sturdy extension cords, depending on your specific event’s requirements. This 50′ cable and this 100′ cable by Southwire are reliable options. 

Don’t forget about cable protectors and other wire management supplies. Protect your cables to keep the event running smoothly and safely.

Lighting Equipment 

You may also require lighting, depending on the time of day and other factors. Consider string lights, spotlights, and lamps to illuminate pathways and poorly lit areas. 

For event personnel, keep flashlights and headlamps on hand. This Klein Tools flashlight and this Rack-A-Tiers rechargeable headlamp are great choices!

Portable Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

Designed for easy transport, portable GFCIs are a must-have for safety at large outdoor events. These compact devices help mitigate shocks and short circuits, ensuring that your event runs safely.

Either plug them into existing non-GFCI outlets, or connect with a cord and plug. These GFCIs include a no-voltage release device that disconnects power to outlets if a supply conductor opens. The ones designed specifically for outdoor use come in enclosures, but if you’re expecting rain at the event, make sure they’re waterproof.

Additional Considerations

This is just an introduction to help you get the lay of the land. You’ll likely need other products, such as cable ramps or environmentally friendly power choices. Check out our previous blog on the best products for summer adventures for more ideas.

Step 3: Set Up

Once you’ve determined the event’s requirements and what you need, it’s time to set up. Preparation is key to a flawless power setup, and we’re here to ensure your event goes off without a hitch.

You can shop our products online, visit one of our nearest locations, or contact our talented team. Let’s get this party started!

The post What Electrical Equipment Do I Need to Power Large Outdoor Events? appeared first on E.B. Horsman & Son.

Smart home automation isn’t just a wave of the future. It’s here, and it’s only expected to grow. Some experts are predicting the market will expand to $133 billion US by 2027!

You’ve probably heard of smart lighting, but how familiar are you with the range of other smart home products? Beyond lighting, smart home automation can touch almost every corner of a space. 

Read on for a comprehensive guide to some of the top recommended home automation products—for single-family homes, multi-family units, and even commercial spaces. 

Smart Home Automation Ideas to Consider This Year

Smart Power Outlets

Smart outlets allow users to remotely control power flow, schedule operations, and monitor energy consumption via a smartphone or tablet. 

You can effortlessly turn off unused appliances, schedule plug-in lamps to mimic occupancy patterns for enhanced security, or remotely power down electronics to save energy—all at the touch of a screen. 

For a variety of uses, we love Leviton’s line of smart outlets, like this one; the industry’s first smart GFCI outlet. They allow you to configure notifications via the My Leviton app—for instance, to alert a smartphone if the GFCI trips due to a ground fault—making it ideal for remote monitoring. ‘We also recommend Leviton fast-charge, type-C outlets. These offer 60W and 30W options for fast charging while eliminating the need for a charger block.

Occupancy Sensors

Occupancy sensors cue lights to turn on automatically when someone enters a room or when motion is detected—making them excellent for convenience and security.

Leviton’s wall-mounted smart dimmers, for example, can be used in closets, pantries, bathrooms, and garages, eliminating fumbling for switches in dark areas, reducing the risk of accidents, and improving overall accessibility and security. 

Working with a commercial space? They also come in handy for storage closets, supply rooms, restrooms, hallways, and corridors.

Smart Cameras

From high-definition security cams that keep a vigilant eye on your property to AI-powered cameras that recognize faces, these innovative devices are reshaping the way we keep our homes and businesses safe.

The Dahua N484E62C 4MP Basic Night Color (VU-More Color) security system also provides a complete video security solution with features such as smart IR technology that adjusts the camera’s infrared LED intensity to avoid overexposure, plus smart dual illumination, smart motion detection, and intelligent search.

Preparing for a temporary absence from a vacation property? Here are some more recommended products to ensure safety and security while it’s vacant.

Smart Ceiling Fans

Keeping comfortable is a breeze with automated ceiling fans. The traditional fixtures have evolved into smart fans, such as this Leviton fan with speed control and LED indicator. 

Most come equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, intuitive controls, and climate sensors to keep occupants comfortable.

Smart Home Lighting

The original smart home product! Putting light controls at your fingertips allows you to customize lighting levels, save energy, and improve security at your home or business through automation. 

You can choose colour-changing LEDs, motion-sensing bulbs, smart dimmers, and even smart shades and blinds—or incorporate other smart lighting hacks.

Lutron’s Maestro dimmers and switches offer the best of all worlds, with full app control and also rocker dimmers for adjusting lights manually.

Not sure which lighting control system you need for your building? Take a look at our “basic, good, better, and best” overview of Lutron smart home dimmer systems.

Other Recommendations for Smart Home Products

We’re just scratching the surface here—new smart home products and systems come onto the market every day. The world of automation is growing, from smart thermostats to smart appliances, AI-powered voice assistants and more. 

Take a look at our recent Leviton spotlight, for instance, to learn more about the full range of smart-home and automation products the company offers, from dimmers to EV chargers. 

Tips for Automating Single-Family Residences

Automating your—or your customer’s—primary home or vacation retreat enhances convenience, security, and energy efficiency in remarkable ways. 

Imagine arriving at a cozy cabin in the mountains after a long drive, greeted by a warm and well-lit interior thanks to remotely activated smart thermostats and lighting systems. You can also install smart locks for hassle-free entry management and peace of mind. We suggest getting started by creating a smart hub to centralize device control.

Tips for Automating Multi-Family and Commercial Spaces

Start by thoroughly assessing the space to identify areas that will benefit most from automation, such as lighting, HVAC systems, and access control. Opt for scalable automation solutions that accommodate the unique needs of your facility—whether it’s an apartment building, office space, or other complex—to allow for easy expansion and customization.

Cloud-based management platforms can help centrally monitor and control all connected devices, while occupancy sensors and smart thermostats optimize energy usage, reduce costs, and enhance comfort. Prioritize security with surveillance cameras, access control systems, alarm sensors, and more. 

Let’s Find the Smart Home Products You Need

Whether you’re retrofitting a residential space or working on a new commercial building, automation can help modernize your space and set it up for future success. Our team of lighting experts can help you find everything you need for your next home automation project.

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The post Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Smart Home Automation Products – Albrite Lighting appeared first on E.B. Horsman & Son.

National Wine Day, May 25th – Facility & Production Solutions

Get Ready For National Wine Day!

Are you a connoisseur of wine or just recently picked it up as a hobby? Mark your calendar because May 25th is National Wine Day! Celebrate with family or friends by cracking open a nice bottle of cabernet or if you’re feeling spontaneous celebrate with a fancy bottle of champagne. Wine has been enjoyed since early biblical times and has had a significant impact on economy. Fun fact, California is still the leader in wine productions, with over 4,000 wineries statewide.

E.B. Horsman & Son has supplied customers in the wine making business with various products to support their business needs. Did you know that we carry products for food safety and production?

Product Solutions For Your Winery

There are always opportunities to improve your facilities. E.B. Horsman & Son carries a wide range of products that you might not have even thought of. Maybe you’re worried about security outside your winery. Opticom offers great facility monitoring. You can read more about the benefits on their site.

Festo is a leading supplier of pneumatic and electrical automation technology. When it comes to production, they ensure that your machinery is reliable and displacing accurate flow measurement for your liquids.

If you’re looking for food safety, Rittal has hygienic enclosures that ensure your that you meet the requirements for food safety by complying with global standards of preventing liquid ingress, the ability to withstand high temperature and pressure ranges, and corrosion.

LED Lighting For Atmosphere or Landscaping

When it comes to lighting the front of a winery, you want to create a welcoming and visually appealing atmosphere that showcases the beauty of the building and the surrounding landscape. You can highlight architectural features and accentuate unique elements with specialized LED Lighting like GM Lighting.

Dimming and control systems are also important for setting the scene. Install dimming capabilities and consider using control systems to adjust the lighting levels and create different moods throughout the day or for special events. This flexibility allows you to adapt the lighting to various occasions and season with controls systems by Lutron.

GM Lighting Lutron

Need Help With A Custom Solution

If you’re unsure on how to solve your issue or need help creating a plan we have experts who can provide you with a quote, come for an on site visit, or provide product solutions. E.B. Horsman & Son has different specialized teams to help customers: data communications, process instrumentation, automation, lighting, and projects.

Send us an inquiry to get started.

Contact Us

The post National Wine Day – Facility & Production Solutions appeared first on E.B. Horsman & Son.

]]> https://ebhorsman.com/industry-trends/how-to-design-the-best-office-lighting-for-productivity-albrite-lighting/ Thu, 02 May 2024 16:55:52 +0000 https://ebhorsman.com/uncategorized/want-leed-certification-optimize-your-electrical-systems-first-2/ These helpful tips on office lighting can enhance productivity and increase comfort levels in commercial buildings.

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How to Design the Best Office Lighting for Productivity

• May 2, 2024

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Productivity isn’t just impacted by staff’s energy levels, motivation, or community at work. In fact, lighting can play a significant role in productivity.

Well-designed office lighting systems can actually increase productivity by up to 20%! Thoughtful design and lighting ergonomics can make a big difference.

Whether you’re a commercial property manager or a business owner, here are a few ways anyone can use optimal lighting design techniques to support productivity in commercial office spaces.

How Office Lighting Impacts Productivity

On an individual level, productivity is impacted by a wide range of factors, including such as taking well-calculated breaks, propertly prioritizing tasks, and regular exercise and a healthy diet. 

But beyond individual motivations, improper lighting conditions can have adverse effects on your staff’s proper productivity levels. Poor lighting, such as glare or insufficient light, can contribute to health problems, decrease workers’ well-being, and lower their cognitive function. No building manager or office owner wants that. 

That’s why it’s important to ensure your offices are well-lit and optimized for productivity. Here are five key design tips to start the process.

5 Essential Office Lighting Design Tips

1. Maximize Natural Light

First thing’s first: maximize your natural light. (This can reduce office workers’ eyestrain and headaches by 84%.)

Start by maximizing natural light from windows and skylights, or by incorporating light-coloured or reflective surfaces, such as white walls, glass partitions, and mirrored finishes. 

You can also add light shelves, which are horizontal surfaces installed near windows that reflect daylight deeper into a building. 

Ultimately, heavy curtains, blinds, and tall furniture can block light, so try to keep the areas surrounding windows clear. 

2. Optimize Task Lighting

Next, focus on task lighting. 

Consider installing desk lamps and task lights above work surfaces to minimize glare and shadows. That way, employees can adjust the brightness and colour temperature to their needs. In conference rooms, consider installing overhead pendant lights, adjustable task lighting to tables, and floor lamps for collaborative spaces.

3. Minimize Glare

Now it’s time to reduce excessive glare.

Glare from overhead lights and screens can cause headaches and eyestrain, impacting your workers health and well-being, which can impact morale and reduce overall productivity levels. 

To avoid this, use indirect lighting fixtures, and position screens away from direct light sources. You can also use diffusers or shields on overhead fixtures to distribute light more evenly.

4. Opt for Adjustable Controls

Now, consider adjustable lighting controls. 

These and other smart office lighting solutions allow employees to dim or brighten overhead lights, adjust colour temperature, or control task lighting as they see fit. 

These options are especially valuable for hybrid or shared work spaces. Adjustable lighting can not only improve your workers’ sense of comfort, but can reduce unnecessary energy costs too.

Consider installing dimmers to adjust brightness levels throughout the day, as well as tunable white lighting systems to customize colour temperature and mimic natural daylight. 

5. Prioritize Energy Efficiency with LEDs

Lastly, prioritize LED. 

LEDs use significantly less electricity, need fewer replacements, lower utility bills, reduce maintenance costs over time, and offer many other benefits. 

But not only is this beneficial from a cost-savings perspective, by upgrading to tunable white LEDs that adjust colour temperature, your office can mimic natural changes in daylight and promote alertness during midday hours. 

Products We Recommend

One of our leading suppliers, Signify, offers exceptional lighting solutions for every office space. Here are a few of our favourites:

Signify SyncLine: A Sleek Design for Slim Budgets

Boost energy savings, enhance comfort levels, and reach sustainability targets with Signify’s SyncLine office lighting solutions. 

Aimed at budget driven interiors within educational, healthcare and office spaces, the new SyncLine provides a clean, modern aesthetic. 

Get in touch for details on how to access it. 

Signify NatureConnect: Bring the Benefits of Natural Light Indoors

Combining LEDs with intuitive lighting control, the high-end NatureConnect line mimics the natural patterns of daylight. 

You can set up intuitive controls that follow the rhythm of the sun, matching the outdoor environment to your indoor one. Whether your employees want to feel energized with morning daylight or relaxed as the sun “sets,” you can customize your light settings to support this—whether your space has windows or not. 

Get in touch for informating on accessing NatureConnect for your spaces.

Signify BloomBox: Performance Without Compromise

Last but not least, Signify’s BloomBox uses LED technology and optics to bring low-glare, high-quality, and sustainable overhead lighting to office spaces. 

Inspired by L-Prize-winning technology, BloomBox combines breakthrough high efficacy LED technology and optics with low glare to bring quality illumination to a variety of applications.

Its focus on environmental construction and LED lighting control keeps occupants comfortable and has the potential to unlock additional energy savings.

Shop all Signify products

Get In Touch

Interested in optimizing your office’s lighting? Reach out to our skilled team! With decades of lighting and design experience, we can help determine exactly what you need to improve your workplace productivity.

Send a Message

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Get support with all your lighting needs

Get In Touch

The post How to Design the Best Office Lighting for Productivity – Albrite Lighting appeared first on E.B. Horsman & Son.

EB Horsman is honoured by this recognition and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated team at Vertiv. The Partner of the Year award is given annually to recognize outstanding performance and collaborative partnerships that drive mutual success. EB Horsman has been a key partner of Vertiv for over 20 years, consistently contributing to innovative projects and solutions.

About Vertiv

Vertiv, designs, builds and services critical infrastructure that enables vital applications for data centers, telecommunication networks, healthcare and commercial and industrial facilities.

Vertiv became a standalone business in 2016 and supports today’s growing mobile and cloud computing markets with a portfolio of power, thermal and infrastructure management solutions including the Chloride^®, Liebert^®, NetSure and Trellis  brands.

Today, Vertiv is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio (USA), has more than 20,000 employees, and more than 25 manufacturing and assembly facilities worldwide.

Partners for more than 20 years

It’s been incredible to collaborate and grow together, and we really appreciate the trust and synergy between our two companies. Here’s to many more years of successful partnership!

Vertiv, has been a partner of E.B. Horsman & Son for over 20 years. Their depth of knowledge and breadth of reliable, innovative products (ranging from simple desktop applications to large industrial data centers) are unmatched in the industry. Our customers can rest easy knowing that Vertiv has global service centers and large technical support division located in every region of the world equipped to handle the toughest challenges.

EB Horsman is committed to continuing its partnership with Vertiv and to further enhancing its offerings to meet the evolving needs of the market.

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Upgrade your Lighting for Efficiency and Sustainability

Traditional lighting systems are gradually being replaced by LED lights, and now LEDs are becoming the new standard. LED lights consume significantly less energy than traditional bulbs, leading to substantial cost savings on electricity bills. This is crucial for schools striving to reduce their environmental footprint. Plus, their longer lifespan reduces the frequency of replacements and maintenance, minimizing disruptions and saving maintenance expenses.

Enhancing the Learning Environment

Having the proper illumination creates a more comfortable learning environment for students and teachers. LED lights emit bright and uniform illumination that enhances visibility. With customizable colour temperatures, LED lighting can also be tailored to suit various educational activities and settings, promoting engagement and participation.

Optimizing Energy Usage with Lighting Controls

Implementing lighting controls can also optimize energy usage and enhance convenience. Lighting controls equipped with sensors can detect motion and measure natural light levels, allowing for dynamic adjustments to lighting levels. This ensures that lights are on only when needed, minimizing energy waste and complementing natural daylight. Teachers and facility managers can take advantage of programmable timers and dimmers to schedule lighting and accommodate lighting preferences for different activities.

Enhance Connectivity and Learning Opportunities

Investing in a robust data communications infrastructure is essential for facilitating seamless connectivity and learning opportunities. As technology advances, reliance on digital resources and online learning platforms also increases. This is why it is important for schools to have reliable and high-speed internet connectivity. Upgrading to CAT6 cables ensures high-speed and reliable connectivity throughout the school. With the bandwidth and performance capabilities of CAT6, schools can support the increasing demands for digital resources, and multimedia content.

Beyond the classroom, network optimization streamlines processes and supports school operations. From student record management to communication with parents and staff, network optimization enables reliable access controls, and data encryption to safeguard against unauthorized access, data breaches and cyber attacks. From structured cabling systems, including fibre optic cables, to uninterruptible power supply, network optimization helps create a robust and future-ready network infrastructure for digital learning initiatives.

Foster Sustainability and Renewable Energy with EV Chargers

As electric vehicles become more prevalent, schools can support sustainability initiatives by installing EV chargers. EV charging stations encourage the adoption of electric vehicles among students and staff, providing convenient access to charging stations. Investing in infrastructure that supports the future of transportation not only contributes to carbon emissions reduction but can help achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

The FLO CoRe+ Series is an excellent choice for schools looking to install EV chargers. These chargers offer fast charging capabilities and can be installed in various configurations, including wall-mounted or pedestal chargers. Built to withstand extreme weather conditions, the CoRe+ Series ensures reliability and durability, making it a perfect fit for school facilities.

For a seamless charging experience, consider Electric Avenue’s Watti Pro wall-mounted AC smart charger with optional pedestal and cable management. These chargers are designed to provide efficient charging solutions for students, staff, and visitors, enhancing the overall accessibility of EV charging on campus.

EV charging can contribute to a more sustainable, innovative and engaged learning environment. With user-friendly interfaces, robust construction, and smart charging capabilities, they are ideal solutions for educational institutions looking to lead the charge in sustainability initiatives.

Invest During the Summer and Power Up for a Brighter Future

As schools prepare to close their doors for the summer break, attention to electrical maintenance and installations is essential for ensuring a successful academic year ahead. By enhancing learning environments and embracing sustainability, schools can prepare for a better future. As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” – investing in electrical maintenance during the summer months is a wise investment in the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of educational facilities.

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Brewing Technology and Innovation: German Beer Day and the Flow Meters that help keep the Mugs Full

Every year on April 23rd, beer enthusiasts around the world raise their glasses to celebrate German Beer Day. This day honours the 1516 enactment of the German Beer Purity Law, known as the Reinheitsgebot, which regulated the ingredients that could be used in beer production. This law, issued in the duchy of Bavaria by Duke Wilhelm IV, stipulated that beer could only be brewed using water, barley, and hops. This historic regulation has had a lasting impact on the brewing industry, shaping not only the types of beer brewed in Germany but also influencing brewing practices worldwide.

German Beer Day is not just a celebration of tradition; it is also an opportunity to recognize the innovations that have propelled the brewing industry forward. One such innovation is the use of flow meters in breweries, which play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and consistency of the beer produced.

Flow meters are devices used to measure the flow rate of a liquid or gas. In breweries, flow meters are used to accurately measure the flow of water, wort, and other liquids throughout the brewing process. These measurements are essential for maintaining the proper ratios of ingredients, ensuring the beer’s quality, and optimizing the brewing process for efficiency.

One of the key Brewery Solutions for flow meters is the use of electromagnetic flow meters. These devices use Faraday’s Law of electromagnetic induction to measure the flow rate of conductive liquids, such as water and wort. Electromagnetic flow meters are highly accurate and reliable, making them ideal for use in breweries where precise measurements are essential.

Check Out Our Flow Meters From Siemens Canada

Measure the flow of liquids, gas and steam with greater confidence. From simple flow indicators to advanced bus-compatible electronic systems, the trusted SITRANS F product family has versatile and reliable metering solutions built to suit every industry and process.

Siemens Flow

Another Brewery Solution for flow meters is the use of ultrasonic flow meters. Ultrasonic flow meters use ultrasonic waves to measure the flow rate of liquids. They are non-invasive and can be easily installed without disrupting the brewing process. Ultrasonic flow meters are particularly useful for measuring the flow of wort and beer, as they do not come into contact with the liquid, reducing the risk of contamination.

In addition to ensuring the quality and consistency of the beer, flow meters also play a crucial role in optimizing the brewing process. By accurately measuring the flow of liquids, breweries can identify areas where improvements can be made to increase efficiency and reduce waste. For example, by monitoring the flow of water, breweries can identify and fix leaks, reducing water waste and lowering operating costs.

Brewery Solutions

Turck Flow Sensors

Weidmuller Signal Processing

Rittal Enclosures – Food Safety

Raise a Glass & Celebrate German Beer our German Manufacturing

Flow meters are just one example of the many innovations that have shaped the brewing industry over the years.  German Beer Day is a celebration of both tradition and innovation. So, this April 23rd, raise a glass of your favourite German beer and toast to the brewers past and present who have made the brewing industry what it is today. Prost!

 

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]]> https://ebhorsman.com/industry-trends/happy-earth-day-embrace-sustainability-and-protect-our-planet/ Mon, 22 Apr 2024 15:21:47 +0000 https://ebhorsman.com/?p=23142 Discover eco-friendly electrical products this Earth Day, from LED lighting to EV chargers, for a sustainable future.

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]]> Happy Earth Day! As we celebrate this day, it is essential to recognize our role to protect and preserve our planet. Every action, no matter how small, makes a difference.

From energy-efficient products to renewable energy solutions, electrical innovations play an important part to reshape how we interact with out environment. Embracing these technologies can help us protect the Earth’s natural resources, mitigate climate change, and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Here are some tips on how you can contribute to preserve our planet:

Switch to LED Lighting

Say goodbye to old-school bulbs and hello to LED technology! Did you know that LEDs are up to 90% more efficient than traditional lighting? There’s more! They also have an impressive lifespan of up to 15 times longer. By transitioning to LED, not only do you brighten your surroundings, but you also significantly reduce carbon emissions. This makes LEDs a greener choice for lighting your home or office.

Not sure what LED products replace traditional lighting products? Here is our LED lighting guide for more information.

Opt for Electric Vehicles

The adoption of sustainable transportation is key in preserving our planet. The transition to Electric Vehicles is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. With zero tailpipe emissions, EVs promote cleaner air and a healthier planet. Some EV owners choose to power their electric vehicles with renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, lessening the environmental footprint and reducing dependency on fossil fuels. As more people shift towards EVs, we play a part in creating a cleaner and healthier planet.

Check our EV Charging Guide to find everything you need to know about stations and chargers.

Embrace Smart Home Technology

Manage energy usage and reduce waste with smart home devices such as smart lighting. These devices allow you to control lighting levels and schedules remotely, cutting down unnecessary energy consumption. Dimmers can extend the lifespan of bulbs by reducing heat and stress on them. So you are not reducing waste but also saving money.

Forget to turn off the lights when leaving the house? Timers allow you to automate lighting schedules, ensuring that lights are only on when needed, and turning off when spaces are unoccupied.

Looking Ahead

As we commemorate Earth Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to leveraging the power of electrical products for the betterment of our planet. By embracing energy efficiency, investing in smart solutions, and promoting responsible consumption practices, we can collectively pave the way towards a more sustainable future where technology serves as a force for environmental stewardship.

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]]> https://ebhorsman.com/industry-trends/want-leed-certification-optimize-your-electrical-systems-first/ Wed, 10 Apr 2024 23:17:02 +0000 https://ebhorsman.com/?p=23017 Learn how getting your building or electrical systems project LEED certified can help your business and the environment.

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Want LEED Certification? Optimize Your Electrical Systems First

• April 10, 2024

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LEED, or “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design,” certification is the global standard for green building. With more than 6,000 LEED-certified commercial projects worldwide as of 2023, the designation is widely respected and recognized! 

In order to obtain certification, you need to ensure your building’s systems are sustainably optimized. Read on for a step-by-step guide on what to do when it comes to your electrical systems. 

But First: What Exactly is LEED?

LEED provides a framework for designing, constructing, and operating buildings with the main goals of saving energy, using water efficiently, and improving overall environmental quality. Its certification levels include Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—largely for commercial projects. 

Fun fact: here in Canada, most LEED buildings are office buildings, followed by retail! Take a look at stats from the U.S. Green Building Council below for details.

Achieving LEED certification demonstrates that you’re reducing your property’s environmental footprint while prioritizing occupants’ health and well-being. 

But becoming certified is a rigorous process! You have to consider energy efficiency, water usage, building materials, indoor air quality, and overall sustainability. And like the rest of your building’s systems, your electrical systems play a significant role in determining certification. 

Here are three tips to optimize your electrical systems for LEED.

#1. Focus on Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is an important one. Here are some ways to improve yours:

• Upgrade to energy-efficient lighting like LED.
• Use sensors and daylight harvesting.
• Upgrade to energy-efficient transformers.
• Install variable frequency drives.
• Prioritize natural light.
• Implement power-factor correction.

#2. Prioritize Renewable Energy Integration

Along with energy efficiency, incorporate renewable energy as much as possible. This is a great way to rack up LEED points. 

Here are some ideas:

• Use solar panels or wind turbines.
• Add electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Unsure which charger level you need for your building? Here’s a handy guide. 

• • Explore battery storage options to store excess energy for later use. 

• Implement advanced metering to monitor your building’s energy consumption.

#3. Use Sustainable Materials

Don’t forget about materials! Whenever possible, try to use electrical components made from recycled materials—this can help generate LEED points. 

For conductors, consider options made from aluminum or recycled copper. For building materials, opt for biodegradable conduit or recycled PVC conduit. 

Lastly, consider minimizing hazardous materials, such as materials with low or no volatile organic compounds.

Additional Considerations

Here are a few more ways you can optimize your electrical systems to gain LEED points:

• Incorporate Building Automation Systems (BAS). Automation systems can significantly reduce energy consumption while maintaining comfort for occupants. 
• Smart grid integration. Two-way communication between your building and the smart grid optimizes energy management and enhances your LEED certification efforts. You can monitor energy consumption and grid conditions in real time, combined with energy management strategies such as demand response and load shifting.

And when you’re done incorporating LEED practices, before submitting, you can measure your impact with the Arc digital platform.

Common FAQs About LEED Certification:

What Does “LEED” Stand For?

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED v4 is the most recent iteration. LEED v5 is expected to be available in 2025. 

What’s the Difference Between LEED Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Certifications?

Your project earns points for green building strategies across several categories. Based on the number of points achieved, your project can earn one of four LEED rating levels:

• Certified: 40-49 points
• Silver: 50-59 points
• Gold: 60-79 points
• Platinum: 80+ points

 

What Are the Benefits of Becoming LEED Certified?

Earning LEED certification offers a wide range of benefits—including the ultimate goal of protecting the environment. LEED-certified buildings use 25% less energy and have 19% lower maintenance costs than conventional buildings.

Other common benefits include reducing operating costs, enhancing property value, and improving occupants’ health and productivity.

Fun Facts About Canadian LEED Buildings:

• Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC)’s Vancouver office became Canada’s first commercial LEED v4 Platinum certified structure.
• The Vancouver Convention Centre was the first building of its type in the world to reach double LEED Platinum.
• Canada ranked second in the world on the annual list of Top 10 Countries and Regions for LEED in 2023 by certifying 280 LEED projects. That represents nearly eight million gross square metres of space!

Ready to Make Your Building Green?

Do you feel like you’re ready to optimize your electrical systems and rack up LEED points? As some of Western Canada’s top lighting specialists, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d love to help!

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