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.

Whether your home is old or new, there are probably some things you would like to change about it. While the layout and existing construction is often the first thing you think of, wouldn’t it be nice to make your work for you a bit more? If you have been dealing with a breaker that trips frequently or have to turn off everything in order to use a certain tool or appliance that is a bit of an energy hog, you could probably benefit from an electric panel upgrade. An electrician in Pasadena, like those at The Electric Connection, can help bring your home up to your electrical standards.

If your home is older (more than 50 years) it wouldn’t hurt to have an electrical inspection. During the inspection, the condition of your wiring will be evaluated to determine if your electrical problems may be due to faulty or deteriorating wires. You have to imagine 50 years ago, the average home had a handful of items that needed electricity. Today, almost every outlet in the house is in use with various computer cords, cell phone chargers and a long list of gadgets that make our lives easier.

Because of this, your Pasadena electrical needs are a little different and an electric panel upgrade will support all the gadgets you need and want without having to share outlets or unplug everything so you can use one appliance. In some cases, the panel itself may be just fine and you will just need an additional breaker installed. All of this can be determined after the electrician does the inspection and talks with you about what your needs are. From there, you can make a decision about what will work best for you. When you are ready or if you would like to learn more about an electric panel upgrade, give The Electric Connection a call today.