FES View: Making Smart Energy Easy

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Biden’s Incandescent Light Ban

President Biden aims to pull the plug on incandescent light bulbs by July 2023. This planned phase-out favors shifting to energy-efficient options like LED lighting to reduce overall energy spending. Although the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) set the ban in motion in 2020, it was blocked by the Trump administration.

Benefits of LED Lighting for Residential Communities

One important way property owners can make great efforts towards sustainability is by implementing LED lighting throughout their residential communities. These properties contain large lighting networks that operate most hours of the day and are required to remain operational. Any reputable housing association takes great care to ensure the safety and security of their residents—why not take th...

Smart Cities, Smart Partnership: Municipal LED Lighting

Global LED lighting market size was valued at $10.85 billion USD in 2020. Experts estimate that LED lighting will see steady growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.4% between 2021 and 2028. 

Installing Custom LED Gym Lighting for Fitness Centers

Gyms and fitness centers require efficient, high-performing lighting systems throughout the facility. Lighting psychology tells us that we are greatly affected by brightness or lack thereof, positioning, and even hue and saturation affect us cognitively. With an optimized LED lighting system, your gym lighting can provide exactly what your members need to perform better in every area of your fa...

Commercial LED Lighting: The $18 Billion Business Savings Opportunity

The industrial lighting landscape is shining brighter than ever, thanks to the emergence and rapid adoption of commercial LED lighting. By 2024, analysts predict the LED lighting market will reach $128 billion globally, with estimated savings ...

How Hard Is It to Switch to Energy Efficient Commercial Lighting?

Despite the indisputable business benefits of energy efficient commercial lighting, many small businesses have delayed making the switch to LED lights. Understandably, the past year or so has brought significant c...

Why Your Business Can't Afford Not to Switch to LED Lighting Solutions

More than ever, businesses are facing the pressure to save money, increase profitability and provide a safe and healthy space for employees and customers. Finding new ways to reduce costs is an important way to protect your business when economic and global factors create constant volatility. One simple switch, LED ligh...

5 Steps to Find the Best Commercial Lighting Company for Your Building

When you’re ready to upgrade your commercial lighting, it’s important to find a partner who can help you take advantage of all the cost savings that are available. Businesses who upgrade to LED lighting can save more than 60% on their energy and maintenance costs. This could equal

Here's How to Make a Commercial Building More Energy Efficient

Commercial buildings require a lot of energy to keep the lights on, among other things. In fact, about 20% of all the energy we use in the U.S. goes to power commercial buildings. Unfortunately, the average commercial building actually wastes

A 5-Step Plan to Upgrade to LED Lights for Your Business

When you’re ready to upgrade to LED lights for your business, it’s important to create a rollout plan and timeline that minimizes disruption to your employees and customers. Upgrading to LED lights is an effective way for small businesses to reduce operating expenses and increase profitability, but an imprope...

How Businesses Can Upgrade to LED Lights without Spending a Dime

The way you light your business makes a big impact - for customers, for employees and for your bottom line. More and more companies are making the choice to upgrade to LED lights because of the numerous business benefits

5 Facts About LED Lights that Will Make Your Business Switch Today

Over 60% of businesses have already upgraded to commercial LED lighting. The benefits of LED lighting are immediate, especially for small businesses interested in reducing operating expenses and providing a safer, heal...

The Pros and Cons of LED Lights for Your Business

When considering the pros and cons of LED lights, many businesses consider the cost to upgrade as the first priority. Because LED lights are a superior choice for commercial use, they are more expensive than traditional incan...

Is Switching to LED Lighting Right for Schools?

Energy costs are the second highest expense for US schools, just behind salaries. Juggling such large energy expenses takes away from the attention and budget schools could focus toward students. Switching schools to LED lighting as part of a smarter energy managem...

6 Types of Commercial Lighting & Which One Is Best for Your Business

Nearly 40% of businesses still haven’t optimized their energy usage by choosing a cost-effective lighting solution. There are many types of commercial lighting to consider, and each can have a major impact on sales, safety, and the perception of your business.

The 7 Undisputable Business Benefits of LED Lighting

As more and more small businesses and property managers realize the benefits of LED lighting, this sustainable solution is becoming one of the top energy choices for businesses. While LED lighting is more sustainable, more reliable and more affordable than traditional incandescent lighting, it’s st...

5 Heroes of the Sustainability World

As consumers, businesses, and employees place more value on doing business with companies that care about the planet, many corporations, municipalities, and SMBs (small- and mid-sized businesses) ramp up their sustainability focus. 

Better Lighting to Boost Retail Sales

The retail industry has faced one of its most challenging periods in history. Online shopping had already taken a massive bite from the brick-and-mortar shopping experience. Malls and shopping outlets were struggling.  Then, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and people became more dependent on their screens than e...

What Does LEED Mean?

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and it is a building rating system used worldwide. It applies to all kinds of structures – commercial and residential – and even to communities. 

How Retailers, Restaurants, and Hotels can Beat the Pandemic in 2021

Brick-and-mortar retailers were already experiencing decreased traffic and sales due to online alternatives. Then, 2020 hit. Pandemic-related shutdowns and restrictions further reduced traffic for these already struggling businesses. As a result, roughly 164,000 businesses have closed their doors. 

3 Big Energy Predictions for 2021

As we all know, 2020 has been one like no other – filled with a wide range of business, health, and economic challenges. Enterprise companies, municipalities, and small and mid-sized businesses were all hit hard and needed to transform to survive and prosper. As we’ve detailed throughout...

4 Ways Your Business Can Help Save the Environment

Sustainability is increasing in importance – to both today’s consumers and your employees. The media has expanded its coverage of climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic has created more signif...

Health and Lighting In Your Hotel

Hotels, motels, and resorts have all had to make some significant business adjustments due to COVID-19. Your guests’ comfort, safety, and health have always been a top priority. Still, now you must deal with a wide range of other requirements and expenses – from limiting room availability to...

Health and Prison Lighting: Why it Matters

Why is health so important within our prison system? The United States prison system currently houses 2.3 million people. Additionally, more than 500K people work within state and local prison systems. Th...

Restaurant Sustainability Trends in 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic hit the restaurant industry especially hard in 2020. All types of food and beverage establishments – from fast-casual to fine dining – are looking for ways to build back foot (and drive-thru) traffic, trim costs without sacrificing quality, and ensure their diners and staff stay healthy and happy.

Social Media and Sustainability: How 4 Brands are Making a Difference

"Both social media and sustainability have proven to be a tremendous force for positive change." - 

Restaurant Lighting Tips for Increasing Dine-In Safety

Restaurant safety are two words that most consumers and staff take very seriously these days.  The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated significant changes throughout the restaurant industry -- from fast-casual chains to formal dining.

Hidden Cost Savings for Struggling Franchises

Close to 800,000 franchise businesses exist in the U.S. The COVID-19 pandemic has...

The Drive-Thru of the Future

The drive-thru restaurant, which had its origins in 1921, has long been popular with American consumers. Quick-serve restaurants have seen as much as

Sustainable Hotel Ideas for Economic Recovery

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, about 57K hotels have closed. According to a

Your Business Survived 2020. Here Are 5 Things You Must Do for 2021

Congratulations. You’re still standing. As we all know, this has been one of the most challenging years in history -- especially for retailers, restaurants, schools, and non-essential businesses.

6 Trends in Lighting and Energy Saving

Over the past ten years, the adoption of LED lighting has skyrocketed, with 60 percent of all businesses adopting it.  Whether your commercial building was an early adopter or among the 40 percent that yet to make the change, you need to know wh...

Are Your Lights Making People Sick? Causes and Solutions

Flickering lights and the adverse effects of fluorescent bulbs are just two of the many ways lighting can impact workplace health.  We tend to think of lighting as a way to showcase businesses, improve the performance of workplace tasks, and keep shoppers and employees secure. But lighting can al...

What is ENERGY STAR (and Why Should Your Business Care)?

The ENERGY STAR  program was established in 1992 by the Environmental Protection Agency to “deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions through voluntary action.”

Retail Death -- and How You Can Keep the Lights On

As many as 25,000 retail businesses may shut their doors in 2020. As of this writing, 8,000 brick-and-mortar locations are gone for good. 

How to Keep Your Business Running During a Lighting Remodel

When business managers think of construction or repairs, they often think about how to maintain business-as-usual while capital improvements are being made.

Holiday Budgeting for Business Owners in 2020

Has there ever been a more frightening time to be a business owner, small or otherwise? The financial effects of Covid-19 have been wildly unpredictable (and rapid!) on businesses on a global scale. As the upcoming holiday shopping season looms ahead, many business owners are understandably reluctant to make the usual preparations.

4 Ways to Prevent Restaurant Closures

This era has been one of the most challenging ones in history for restaurants. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented huge hurdles to even the most successful dining establishments, including well-established chains and QSRs. 

Government Green Energy Incentives for More Cash in Pocket

Green is good. That is, cash—something that small business owners are desperately in need of these days of Covid-19. Happily, one way to find more funds is to turn to another source of green: sustainable energy. Green energy incentives for small businesses is a great way for little fish to get their brands afloat again. 

6 Eco-Friendly Businesses to Model

It seems that the biggest topic right now—aside from Covid-19, anyway—is sustainable business practices. Everyone wants to go green. Maybe you’ve thought about it too, have taken steps to become one, or are already operating an energy efficient small business.

Energy Efficiency Grants That Could Be Your Business' Saving Grace

When you own your own business, no matter how large or small, finding new ways to reduce costs or even find new money is a boon. If you’ve cut costs and streamlined your business model until it can be trimmed no further, consider adding additional revenue via grants.

50+ Statistics about the Impact of COVID-19 on Small Businesses

When it rains, it pours. And it has stormed in 2020. Especially for small businesses. SMBs have been hit harder by the economic impact of the pandemic than mid-sized and enterprise companies. And the data seems to be changing on the daily. In such a tumultuous business climate, it's hard to ...

Sustainable Energy in Jails: A Guide for Green Corrections

Sustainable energy solutions for commercial buildings are growing worldwide. Correctional facilities within the United States are making an effort to switch to more sustainable practices, complying with LEED and EnergyStar’s

Why Green School Buildings Are Better for Budgets and Health

As noted in a recent post, energy represents a considerable percentage of spending for all academic institutions -- from pre-school to massive university campuses and every other type of learning center. 

Energy Management in Schools: Keeping Costs Low and Comfort High

Thecost of running an academic environment is about $243 per square foot. The cost of energy in just grades K through 12 alone is

5 Things SMBs Can Learn From These 3 Green Energy Companies

Twenty-nine of the world’s 100 greenest companies are in the United States and Canada. In 2006, fewer than 300 buildings were

Restaurant Lighting: Part of the Post-Pandemic Recovery Plan

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, close to 24,000 restaurants have shut down for part of the time, and 53 percent have closed permanently. 

Why Should Your Business Care About Sustainable Energy?

Sustainability and the health of our environment are essential to many consumers and businesses today. Many people choose brands, products, and employers that are committed to delivering greener solutions.

Energy Efficient Features Smart Brands Install in Their Buildings

Businesses in the U.S. spend more than $60 million annually on energy. Big brands and SMBs are looking at this line item for savings. Significant dollars be freed-up for critical expenses -- like talent, market...

Why Do Energy Companies Promote Energy Efficiency?

Energy companies are those suppliers that secure your rate. In other words, they determine how much you pay per kilowatt-hour (or kwh). They often offer options for energy savings. They are different from utilities, which own and operate wires, maintain service, and read meters to determine your business location’s energy consumption.

Sustainability is the Key to Cutting Small Business Energy Cost

Sustainability is more than a trend today. It’s imperative for both SMBs and large global companies. Decision-making with the long-term impact on our planet has several key business benefits:

A Brief History of Sustainable Lighting...and What’s Next

In many ways, sustainable lighting is still in its early stages, but LED lighting has already proven to use 75 to 80 percent less energy than other lighting forms. Sustainable LED lights can save a total of $30 billion by 2030, cutting U.S. energy consumption in half. 

5 Features Business Owners Use Daily for Small Business Savings

Every Owner is Looking for Small Business Savings. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, SMB owners were looking for ways to grow their businesses and reduce expenses. With traffic and sales down in many industries, cutting costs has become even more of an imperative. 

Energy Audit for Small Business in 5 Easy Steps

The word “audit” often has a negative connotation. But an energy audit of your commercial building's heating and cooling, appliances, water, and lighting systems can save you thousands of dollars in unnecessary expenses. Especially when you use the learnings from your audit to switch to

Business Environment Health Hazards That Can Be Avoided Post-COVID

Keeping Employees and Customers Healthy is More Important Than Ever. As we return to business, offices, restaurants, retailers, schools, and municipal buildings are opening. COVID-19 is still very much a global reality and, although people now accept mask-wearing and frequent hand-washing as a way of life, businesses can do much more to ensure that their teams, customers, and p...

Small Business Energy Incentives You May be Eligible For

Small businesses spend $60 billion annually on energy. The top ten costs range...

Back to Business? What Business Owners Must Know to Avoid Overspending

Retailers, restaurants, and schools are starting to re-open. Businesses are safely welcoming workers back to their offices. We all need to balance cautious optimism with sound business and cash flow planning to ensure we can weather the COVID-19 pandemic and its financial implications. As You Get Back to Business, Take Smart Steps.

How Sustainability Initiatives Can Save Your Business After COVID-19

Your Business After COVID-19 Can Be Greener and Healthier Sustainability has been a top priority for companies in many industries -- retail, restaurants, automobile dealers, stadiums and event venues, and even municipal buildings like schools and prisons.

Small Business Assistance Hacks to Survive the Pandemic

A business hack is, according to one small business advisor, an “unconventional and creative way to make things happen.”

Smart Strategies to Unlock Business Savings

Managing cash flow is more important than ever before. Regardless of the type of business you run, you likely look at your expenses and audit them regularly to ensure your business investments are paying back. Now, more than ever, companies are looking for significant business savings; ways to economize an...

Disaster Relief Programs Your Business Can’t Afford to Ignore

SMBs (small and mid-sized businesses) and industries worldwide are dealing with the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has had a huge impact on consumer behavior and spending, workplace operations, and the economy.

8 of the Most Energy Efficient Companies in 2020

As more businesses upgrade to LED lighting and look for more ways to convert to sustainable energy sources, there are many energy efficient companies leading the way. These energy efficient companies have created initiatives to reduce and offset their carbon emissions, harness sustainable energy sources and empower t...

How to Motivate Employees to Save Energy

Energy costs are often the largest variable in a small business’s budget. While making a simple swap, like

Top 4 High Energy Use Businesses That Can Start Saving Now

Businesses in the U.S. spend more than $60 billion a year on energy costs. Lighting ...

These 10 Trends are the Future of Sustainable Energy for Business

Adopting sustainable energy solutions is an important way businesses are cutting costs during uncertain times. Many of these sustainable energy solutions are extremely easy for businesses to implement, like making the switch to commercial-grade LED lighting. In fact, so many businesses are switching to sustainable so...

Finding the Right LED Lighting Partner for Your Business

Businesses that switch to LED lighting can save more than 60% on their energy and maintenance costs. This equals tens of thousands of dollars in savings per year for businesses. In addition to lower energy consumption, LED lighting lasts longer...

8 Benefits of LED Lighting for Parking Structures

Due to the impact of recent global events on businesses everywhere, it’s essential to look for new ways to reduce operating expenses. Parking structures are one of the most expensive areas to light. In this blog, you’ll learn how to immediately cut energy costs and start saving when your business s...

10 Critical Energy Savings Tips for Businesses in an Uncertain Economy

We have seen a shift in business that we never expected. Even the savviest business owners were not prepared for the massive hit that resulted from COVID-19. It’s always been our mission to help businesses save money. Now, we’re feeling more of a call than ever to help businesses like yours discover ne...

Sustainability Can Improve Your Business’ Finances. Here’s How.

There is a strong case for the 21st-century business executive to add sustainability to the core of their business strategy. More and more businesses are seeing a positive impact on performance and revenue after applying sustainability-based principles and practices. Yet, executives are still wary of putting sustainability at t...

Proof that Converting to LED Lighting is Easier than You Might Think

When you consider converting to LED lighting, you may envision huge capital expenses, hours of interrupted business, lost sales time, and a massive inconvenience for your team members and customers. 

7 Steps to Save Your Business Money with LED Lighting

In the light of recent economic events, business owners are scrambling to reduce overhead and expenses. Taking a hard look at operating expenses can give your business the runway you need to survive a financial crisis.

Green Energy Sources: The Key to Keeping Your Business Profitable

Green energy is the new green. Businesses are turning to green energy sources to save money and free-up resources to invest in growth.

The Top 10 Benefits of Lighting-as-a-Service

Lighting as a Service (LaaS) has recently emerged as a solution to commercial lighting needs. Not only does this model allow businesses to upgrade their lighting with zero-capital investment, but it also provides numerous financial, environmental, and business benefits. LaaS makes it easy for businesses to afford other improvements...

Commercial LED Lighting: Boosting Bottom Lines for Retail Businesses

Retail business owners face a silent bandit that's stealing their profits – inefficient commercial lights. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that retail buildings consume $20 billion in energy each year, most of which is attributed to lighting.

Ensuring the Health and Safety of Employees with LED Lighting

Providing a safe work environment for employees is imperative. According to OSHA, 5,250 workers died on the job in 2018. They report that more than 14 work-related deaths occur every day. Reasons cited fo...

Keeping Your LED Light Fixtures Burning Bright

About 2 years ago, your business decided to take advantage of your power company’s rebate offer and you replaced all your parking lot lights from High-Pressure Sodium or Metal Halide lights to new, LED light fixtures.  Everything was going along smoothly, until you noticed that a couple of your new fixtures have...

Consumer-Based Model Doesn't Work for the Commercial Lighting Industry

We live in a consumer society.  As buyers, we have bought into a “consumer model”.  Simply put, we buy cheap, so we get… well, we get cheaply made goods; goods that simply don’t last.  However, because the products are so cheap, we are willing to simply throw the product away when it no longer works and buy a new one. The saying “They don’t make ‘em like they used to” is ...

LED Lighting - One of the Fastest Technology Shifts in History

History – a constant march forward, marked with inventions that significantly altered the trajectory of mankind.  From the wheel to the horseless carriage, to rockets that carried men to the moon and back safely – technology changes have led the way of human progress. Few technology advancements in history have brought about faster technology shifts than the LED lightbulb.