Wowwww! Have a look at this amazing scene! LED lights are being used in so many unique ways these days. The image above is from the 2012 Light Festival in Ghent, Belgium. This 91-foot tall cathedral was covered with 55,000 color changing LED lights. Take a moment and watch this video of the cathedral or read more here!

Contacts

Hubbell Lighting
Ken Beale, 864-678-1704
Director, Marketing Services
kbeale@hubbell-ltg.com

There really is an app for it! Have you ever wanted to change over to more energy-efficient light bulbs in your home or business but have given up because you aren’t sure which product is best suited for your needs? Well, fret no more dear reader! The Light Bulb Finder app is here to save the day. It’s available for both Android and iPhone operating systems.

Go here to download the app.

Famous American Oceanographer Edith Widder has spent much of her career exploring the deepest recesses of oceans around the world. She specializes in the study of bioluminescence, which is an organism’s ability to produce light from chemicals found within the body. Examples of bioluminescence  can be found in a wide variety of different species and habitats but perhaps the most spectacular lightshows occur underwater.  Dr. Widder doesn’t just passively collect data on these creatures either, she is now also using her knowledge and findings to help protect the ecosytems that she loves.

There is a direct correlation between levels of bioluminescence in bacteria, for example, to the health of the water system in which they live. Several years ago, Widder co-founded the Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA), that, among other things, samples substrates from river beds and other aquatic habitats where these organisms live. She is actively working to provide lawmakers and scientists with this information with the intention of educating and inspiring a clean-up and protection of these fragile ecosytems.

Take a moment to watch the video above!

Compact fluorescent lights hold many advantages over traditional 40w incandescent bulbs. However, one troublesome aspect of their design is that they contain mercury vapor and are therefore difficult to properly dispose of. While many consumers most likely don’t realize this or don’t care and send their used CFLs to land-fills, many more eco-conscientious users have struggled with where to discard theirs. The latter can now breathe a sigh of relief with the recent news that Revend Recycling and Repant ASA has now created the first CFL recycling machine. The machines have been placed at participating IKEA stores (see video here). After this initial launch, the manufacturer intends to sell the product world-wide.

Craving lighting news? Here is a round-up of several recent posts that we found interesting and informative:

• Darker nights as some cities turn off lights
• Very cool story: For contemporary Lighting, Echoes of a Lion Dance.
• DOE releases consortium on LED street lights

The American Lighting Association’s website features several informative videos on a variety of lighting topics such as Lighting for Your Kitchen and The Romance of Lighting. Take a moment to look at the video that we’ve linked to above, which not only features several great products by Progress Lighting but also a commentary on how the evolving technology of LED lighting is allowing the development of more attractive decorative fixtures.

Strategies in Light Europe is in its 3rd year of providing a comprehensive conference and exhibition for the rapidly-growing LED lighting industry. The event offers a platform for the best networking opportunities and a forum for the sharing of ideas and experiences in the latest technologies.

With a sold out exhibit floor at both the 2010 and 2011 event, and a 54% increase in registered attendees, Strategies in Light Europe is fast becoming Europe’s premier event for the LED and lighting industry.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into future directions and strategies of the European and broader worldwide LED markets from one of the largest and fastest-growing LED lighting events. Here’s what you can expect at the next Strategies in Light Europe:

Dual-track Conference
Presentations and panel discussion sessions to bring you up to speed with all the latest on LED lighting technologies, strategies and implementation to help you stay ahead of the competition.

See Industry Leading Exhibitors
Dedicated trade show floor, with over 55 exhibiting companies displaying state-of-the-art technology, services, software and hardware. A great opportunity to discover what’s new and up-and-coming in the world of LED lighting.

Network with the Key Players in the LEDs Sector
The highly popular Networking Reception will take place on the Wednesday evening providing you a perfect opportunity to catch up with friends and make valuable new contacts.

Visit their website for more information!

Here’s looking to a great 2012! Thanks for all of your support this year! Signed, the Columbia and Alera Lighting teams.

NPR featured an interesting update on the Federal ban on incandescent 100-watt bulbs yesterday. According to the report, Congress has attempted to stall the ban but it may go ahead regardless. According to critics, the old technology uses too much energy as opposed to newer, more efficient products like Compact Fluorescents and LED lights.

Learn more here.