Lighting control presents the easiest way to mitigate carbon emissions associated with climate change. That was the underlying theme of a three-day educational event that took place in Dubai in December presented by Watt Stopper/Legrand in partnership with the Middle East Centre for Sustainable Development (MECSD) and parent Legrand Company. The first program of its kind in Dubai, the event was developed to support the country's recently announced directive to implement sustainable building strategies.
Watt Stopper/Legrand presented a comprehensive program focusing on green building practices and lighting control applications. The schedule included accredited courses where engineers and contractors learned about US Green Building Council LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and ASHRAE energy codes.
Dubai's initiative to build green
Dubai has rapidly become a thriving global destination, known for its megaprojects such as the Palm Islands, Burj Dubai (the world's tallest building), and Burj El Arab (the world's only 7 star hotel). Emerging countries including Dubai are expected to overtake the developed nations in greenhouse gas emissions by 2018, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Acknowledging this impact, Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in October 2007 took a leadership position for the region and issued a directive mandating that builders and developers in Dubai comply with green building standards. The directive, which comes into effect this month, reflects Dubai's commitment to address environmental challenges such as climate change and global warming.
The importance of lighting control in green building practices
Watt Stopper/Legrand's education program, led by Pete Horton, Watt Stopper/Legrand's Vice President of Market Development, was held specifically to help building professionals in Dubai comply with the directive. Horton comments, "Dubai is uniquely positioned to lead the region in sustainable development and demonstrate to the rest of the world that building green can be both simple and cost-effective. As an example, implementing multi-level lighting with automatic shut-off can achieve 60% energy savings. Because of the directive, these practices are becoming standard in Dubai, and will have a huge impact in the region.
The event kicked off with a gala dinner for over 160 dignitaries. During the dinner, attendees were shown how humans have an impact on climate change, a fact that has been documented through independent research and highlighted in the IPCC's November 17, 2007 report. They learned that:
- electricity is the single largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions
- buildings are the single largest consumer of electricity
- lighting is the largest portion of a building's electricity consumption and is the single most controllable influence to carbon emissions and climate change
The group also learned about steps that can be taken to mitigate Dubai's contribution to greenhouse gases and climate change.
Learning how to build green with lighting controls
Two days were devoted to accredited courses for over 300 specifying engineers and electrical installers. Attendees received 1.5 AIA/CES LUs and 1.5 LEUs. The courses focused on building green with lighting controls, LEED certification, and ASHRAE energy codes and highlighted specific issues that are important to engineers and contractors. The goal was for attendees to learn to identify best ways to use controls to minimize electrical usage, meeting building codes and achieve LEED certification. Topics included:
- Understanding of the U.S. Green Building Council LEED rating system with examples
- Learning how to help building owners achieve goals of sustainability
- The value of a LEED-certified silver, gold and platinum building
- The balanced economic impact and environmental impact of LEED-certified buildings
- Methods to achieve higher levels of sustainability through layering control strategies beyond energy code requirements
These courses helped lighting professionals learn practical methods for implementing lighting controls so they can help their country meet the green directive.
Learning by example
Following the accredited courses, additional sessions were held to educate the audience on lighting control design and installation and attendees reported looking forward to applying their new knowledge to upcoming projects.
- Demonstrations with hands-on learning of energy saving lighting control products
- Practical application examples for implementing lighting controls
"We're excited about sharing our knowledge of green standards with the region to help build a sustainable Dubai, comments Pete. "We look forward to working with Dubai and other countries to expand the presence of sustainability.
Already, buildings such as the Dubai Airport Terminal 3, Al Ain University and Dubai Uptown Motor City are using Watt Stopper lighting controls to save energy. The company has also helped numerous organizations including Wal-Mart Stores, the City of Austin, Texas, and the EPA Science and Technology Center achieve their goals for sustainability.
Watt Stopper/Legrand, with 25 years of experience in lighting controls, brings the necessary background and tools to help Dubai meet the directive. The company has taken a leadership position with respect to educating the community about green building practices, energy codes and achieving LEED certification.
Legrand, Watt Stopper's parent company, sponsored the event. The education courses were hosted by the Middle East Centre for Sustainable Development at the Pacific Controls Headquarters Green Building Auditorium. "Watt Stopper would like to give thanks to Legrand and the MECSD for their support in helping to present this accredited education program which is so important to the region, concluded Horton.
Watt Stopper/Legrand (www.wattstopper.com) is a leading manufacturer of energy efficient lighting controls for commercial and residential use. We help customers find convenient ways to save energy, meet green initiatives, and comply with energy codes with our comprehensive range of products, programs, and services. Legrand (www.legrandelectric.com), located in Limoges, France, is the world specialist in products and systems for electrical installations and information networks, offering solutions for use in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
