Linear LEDs Now Part of the 'Million LED Challenge' Program
LED light sources help reduce our carbon footprint and energy use. That’s why the Million LED Challenge (MLC) program launched in 2018 with the goal of encouraging widespread adoption of high-quality LED light sources in California government buildings, public universities and college campuses, and among public institution staff, students, faculty, and alumni.
Now, the MLC program has expanded available LED options to include high-quality linear LED lamps, retrofit kits and luminaires (as replacements for linear fluorescents) in addition to the A-lamps, PAR-lamps and downlights previously available in the program.
Though most LEDs are superior in performance compared to fluorescents, choosing LED light sources can be challenging due to variances in color characteristics, controllability and longevity. To help consumers navigate these options, the UC Davis California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) developed a Quality Specification for Linear LED Retrofit Solutions based on recently completed research.
“Our goal was to take the guess-work and confusion out of the process and ensure that everyone gets a great light at a great price,” said Michael Siminovitch, Director of the California Lighting Technology Center.
The California Lighting Technology Center recently published criteria to help consumers successfully transition to LED linear lamps in their Quality Specification for Linear LED Retrofit Solutions. This criteria was used to evaluate and select linear LEDs for the MLC program.
Encouraging Widespread Adoption
Approximately 80% of California’s linear lamps are found in office, school, retail and other businesses. Public buildings also have historically purchased large quantities of linear fluorescent lighting.
The University of California (UC) and its partners in the MLC program — the California State University (CSU) system, the California Community College (CCC) system, and the California Department of General Services (DGS) — are collaborating with facility managers throughout their organizations to encourage widespread adoption of high-quality LED light sources. The MLC program is also expanding to benefit other groups nationwide, such as the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
Recent technology developments and California's leading regulatory environment have contributed to the development of high-quality LED light sources to replace linear fluorescent lamps and light fixtures. These LED products have improved performance with excellent color characteristics, high efficiency, dimmability and at least 50,000 hours of rated life. If all linear lamps in California were converted to LED light sources, it would save an estimated 43% in lighting energy use, or 3.2 TWh of energy each year. The MLC program aims to make this a reality.
“Energy-efficient lighting is a key step in reducing our carbon footprint as a society,” Siminovitch said. “Everyone can contribute to this effort by replacing their fluorescent lights with high performance LED options.”
How to Purchase
The MLC program selected the following vendors through a rigorous public Request for Proposal and price negotiation process to ensure competitive prices for LED light sources:
All Phase/CED (for Linear LED Lamps)
Contact Information: MLC@AllPhaseElectricSupply.com
LED GREEN Light International (for Linear LED Lamps, Retrofit Kits, Luminaires)
Contact Information: mlc2@ledgreenlightint.com
Rexel Energy Solutions (for Linear LED Lamps)
Contact Information: mlc@rexelenergy.com
Website: https://www.rexelenergy.com/mlc.html
New types of light sources available for purchase through the Million LED Challenge (linear LED lamps, retrofit kits, and luminaires)
Please contact the MLC program vendors directly for product specifications and/or a quote to purchase new lighting for your facility. Deeper savings are available for bulk purchases.
About the MLC Program
Linear LED retrofit solutions that are MLC-approved will be marked with this logo.
The MLC program is a collaborative effort of the University of California, California State University, California Community Colleges, and the California State Department of General Services. Based on research, this program offers a simple, cost-effective way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by significantly advancing energy efficiency through an aggressive replacement of incandescent and linear fluorescent fixtures.
For more information on the MLC program visit millionLEDchallenge.org. The MLC Program website features a number of educational resources to help users understand their light source options and support lighting purchases. Users will also be able to see the total number of MLC-approved lamps purchased.