LEED) is a program that offers certifications for green buildings. The third-party verification program was created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) as a means for healthier, sustainable, environmentally friendly, more efficient, buildings, homes, and neighborhoods. In a nutshell, LEED supplies the guidelines for creating a green building. Using individual points-based rating systems that differ by project type, building projects can achieve Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum statuses. Project types can include new building design and construction, building operations and maintenance, interior design and construction, homes, and neighborhood development. For each project type, LEED has a list of credits with specific requirements regarding anything from building materials to bicycle storage. Points are awarded based on the degree to which the requirements are met. There are several credits that include LED lighting is the first choice of any builder trying to achieve an LEED status.

The following LEED credits relate to lighting for new construction:

full-cutoff LED wall packs that are designed to reduce glare by emitting illumination downward instead of outward. Many indoor and outdoor LED lights come with or can be used with dusk-to-dawn or PIR motion sensors to prevent wasted light.

A19 bulbs to powerful EAp2 – Minimum Energy Performance

Buildings must meet a minimum level of energy efficiency to receive points for this credit. The goal is to minimize environmental and economic problems that can be caused by high energy use. As mentioned above, LED lights are extremely efficient and can dramatically reduce a building’s carbon footprint.

dimmable under-hutch LED strip lights with handheld remotes and bulbs, or other dimmers.

SFGATE, “The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) warns that, given the current trends, energy-related emissions will increase by 70 percent by 2050. This can accelerate the negative consequences of climate change, including higher temperatures and a rise in the frequency of extreme weather events.” Lessening energy consumption with LED lights and renewable energy sources will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help prevent that prediction.

website, the USGBC states that 92.2 percent of 7,100 LEED-certified new construction projects are improving energy performance by at least 10.5 percent. In addition to other methods of energy improvements, lighting plays a key role. One building can have hundreds of lights. Using LED lights will not only help achieve an LEED status, but they will also contribute to a greener future.

What better way to celebrate Independence Day than to do so in Virginia, one of the first colonies to create talks of revolution against the British? Virginia had a huge rule in the American Revolution. In fact, our first president of the United States, George Washington, was from Virginia! Thomas Jefferson helped expressed reason for colonial independence from Great Britain by writing the Declaration of Independence. The last major battle of the Revolutionary War was fought in Yorktown, Virginia and that victory led to the end of the war.

Virginians have a lot to be proud about for their involvement in the American Revolution, so you know we love to celebrate July 4th big! Our fireworks are always over-the-top and our parades are the best in the country. If you’re planning to celebrate big this Independence Day, consider these activities to do the weekend of July 4th. Make this Independence Day a day to remember!

Many people don’t even think twice about the fan in the bathroom. It seems like a standard fixture that should be a part of every home. When it isn’t, it is seen as more of an inconvenience than a necessity. The fan isn’t just for looks or an accessory. It is a vital piece of equipment that can keep your home safe from the damages of mold and mildew. If you don’t currently have a working fan in the bathroom, it is an easy fix with the help of an electrician. Burbank homeowners can call The Electric Connection to set up a bath fan installation.

Bath fans are not what they used to be. They are elaborate additions to a modern bathroom. Many include heat lamps that help replace the warm, moist air they are removing from the room. The fans are very quiet and are available in different speeds, depending on how big the room is. You can buy a fan at almost any home improvement store. An electrician in Burbank suggests you do some investigating to find the best fan for your bathroom. They are relatively inexpensive, which is pretty amazing considering how much money they can save you on repair costs from moisture damage.

A fan is a key component in your home. Each time you shower in the bathroom, you are putting a great deal of moisture in the air. This moisture clings to the ceiling, the floor and even the drywall. Your Burbank electrician explains that this repeated exposure to moisture can result in mildew and mold. Most people know mold is extremely dangerous and can end up costing thousands of dollars in remediation costs. Don’t let your home go another day without proper ventilation. Call The Electric Connection today and schedule your bath fan installation.