The goal of this project is to develop a classroom lighting system using a new 97 percent reflective material and integrated controls. This system combines installation flexibility, high-efficiency luminaire with occupancy sensing, daylight sensing, and other classroom and general building controls so that the buyer will have one source for system layout, pricing, training, commissioning, and warranty service.

Finelite, Inc. is leading the research and development work for this project.

This project meets the PIER Goal of improving the Energy Cost / Value of California's Electricity. Use of a more efficient classroom light fixture will reduce energy demand. Additionally, effective use of day lighting and occupancy controls will cut energy use when it is not needed. Proper controls should also help reduce peak energy loads for the school. This project shall result in a classroom lighting system that can be specified, priced, and supported from one source. The classroom light system's adoption should spread more quickly throughout California and the energy savings accrue faster. This project also meets the secondary goal of improving the Environmental and Public Health Costs / Risk of California Electricity by ensuring the new, energy efficient classroom lighting system incorporates day lighting where possible and meets or exceeds ANSI standards in all cases.

These results of this project will contribute to PIER Area Objectives in a number of ways. First, the project will verify that there is a new 97 percent reflective, cost effective material that can be used to create more energy efficient products. Second, the development of a tested and cost effective plug & play classroom lighting system will reduce barriers to its application and thereby help speed the use of these energy efficient systems throughout California. Finally, development of a proven methodology will help reduce the time and risks required to develop similar cost-effective systems that could be rapidly used in other applications.

The objectives of this project include the following:

• Demonstrate that a new, 97 percent reflective material has the performance and cost characteristics suitable for use as a component in light fixtures used in classrooms.
• Develop a classroom lighting system that combines a high-efficiency light fixture with flexible installation options, with a range of sensors and controls that provides the customer a one-stop source for layout, pricing, installation support, and maintenance ("plug & play" system).
• Conduct independent studies of the plug & play system in three to six actual classrooms to verify system performance, user acceptance, and energy savings.
• Document the methodology used so that similar systems can be created for other applications such as the commercial offices or retail space.