Community-connected, remotely controllable illumination units provide adjustable coloration temperature, brightness, and automatic scheduling. As an illustration, a house owner may configure these units to step by step brighten within the morning, simulating a dawn, or to routinely flip off when the final individual leaves the home.
Such know-how gives important benefits by way of vitality effectivity, residence safety, and personalised ambiance. Traditionally, lighting management was restricted to easy on/off switches. The arrival of interconnected units permits for granular management and integration with different good residence programs, resulting in potential price financial savings and enhanced comfort. This evolution displays a broader pattern towards automation and data-driven optimization throughout the residence.
The next sections will delve into particular elements of networked lighting, together with obtainable applied sciences, setup procedures, and potential integration with broader good residence ecosystems.
1. Connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
Community connectivity is key to the performance of controllable lighting, enabling distant operation and integration with different good residence units. The selection between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth considerably impacts the capabilities and consumer expertise.
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Wi-Fi Connectivity
Wi-Fi provides broader vary and permits management from wherever with an web connection. This facilitates integration with cloud-based providers and voice assistants, enabling distant management even when away from residence. Nonetheless, Wi-Fi setup will be extra complicated and requires a secure community infrastructure.
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Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth gives an easier setup course of and decrease energy consumption, making it appropriate for battery-powered units. Nonetheless, its restricted vary restricts management to throughout the Bluetooth sign’s attain, sometimes throughout the identical room. This limits distant entry and integration with broader good residence ecosystems.
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Hub Integration
Some networked lighting options require a central hub to bridge communication between the lighting units and the house community. Hubs can lengthen the performance of Bluetooth units by offering web connectivity and enabling distant entry. Nonetheless, they add complexity and price to the general system.
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Protocol Compatibility
Rising protocols like Zigbee and Z-Wave provide benefits by way of low energy consumption and mesh networking capabilities, enhancing reliability and scalability for bigger installations. Compatibility with these protocols is an element to contemplate when constructing a complete good residence system.
The connectivity alternative straight impacts the management, integration, and scalability of good lighting inside a sensible residence atmosphere. Cautious consideration of those components is crucial for optimizing performance and consumer expertise.
2. Shade Temperature Adjustment
Shade temperature adjustment is a defining attribute of networked lighting, differentiating it from conventional lighting options. Measured in Kelvin (Okay), coloration temperature influences the perceived ambiance of an area, impacting temper, productiveness, and visible consolation. Decrease coloration temperatures (2700K-3000K) evoke a heat, inviting environment, usually described as “smooth white” or “heat white,” appropriate for leisure and night actions. Increased coloration temperatures (5000K-6500K), perceived as “cool white” or “daylight,” promote alertness and focus, making them perfect for workspaces or task-oriented areas. Dynamically adjustable coloration temperature permits customers to tailor lighting to particular wants and actions all through the day, maximizing consolation and performance. For instance, a house workplace may make the most of a cooler coloration temperature throughout work hours and transition to a hotter tone within the night. This adaptability represents a major development in lighting management.
The flexibility to fine-tune coloration temperature contributes to improved well-being and vitality effectivity. Aligning lighting with pure circadian rhythms promotes higher sleep patterns and reduces eye pressure. Using cooler temperatures for centered duties and hotter temperatures for leisure optimizes vitality utilization by avoiding unnecessarily shiny lighting when a softer ambiance suffices. In industrial settings, akin to retail shops, adjustable coloration temperature can improve product presentation and affect buyer conduct. The sensible purposes are in depth, impacting each residential and industrial environments.
Exact coloration temperature management is essential for maximizing the potential of good lighting programs. Understanding the influence of coloration temperature on human notion and conduct permits for optimized lighting design and management methods. Whereas challenges stay in standardizing coloration temperature illustration and making certain interoperability between units from completely different producers, the advantages of this know-how are substantial. The evolution of lighting management continues to reinforce human interplay with the constructed atmosphere, driving innovation in each residential and industrial areas.
3. Dimming Capabilities
Management over mild depth is a key function of networked lighting, providing substantial advantages past easy on/off performance. Exact dimming permits customers to fine-tune the ambiance of an area, optimize vitality consumption, and combine lighting with different good residence programs. This performance represents a major development in comparison with conventional lighting controls.
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Granular Management
Not like conventional dimmer switches that supply restricted management, networked lighting usually permits for granular changes of sunshine depth, typically all the way down to single share factors. This precision permits customers to create the right lighting atmosphere for any event, from shiny process lighting to delicate temper lighting. For instance, a eating room is likely to be brightly lit for dinner after which dimmed for after-dinner dialog.
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Power Financial savings
Dimming lights straight reduces vitality consumption. Even small reductions in brightness can result in important vitality financial savings over time, reducing electrical energy payments and decreasing environmental influence. Integrating dimming with occupancy sensors and automatic schedules additional optimizes vitality effectivity. As an illustration, lights can routinely dim when a room is unoccupied or throughout daytime.
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Scene Integration
Dimming capabilities play a vital position in creating dynamic lighting scenes. Scenes mix a number of lighting changes, together with coloration temperature and brightness, to ascertain particular moods or automate lighting for various actions. For instance, a “film evening” scene may dim the lights, alter the colour temperature to a hotter tone, and shut automated blinds. This degree of integration enhances the general good residence expertise.
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Circadian Rhythm Assist
Dimming permits for the simulation of pure mild patterns, supporting wholesome circadian rhythms. Step by step dimming lights within the night can promote leisure and put together the physique for sleep. Conversely, step by step growing brightness within the morning can simulate dawn, selling wakefulness and enhancing temper. This performance contributes to improved well-being and sleep high quality.
The flexibility to exactly management mild depth enhances the performance and worth of networked lighting. Integration with different good residence options, akin to occupancy sensors, automated schedules, and scene creation, additional maximizes the advantages of dimming, optimizing vitality effectivity, personalizing ambiance, and selling well-being. This degree of management represents a paradigm shift in how people work together with and expertise lighting inside their environments.
4. Scheduling and Automation
Automated scheduling is a core function of networked lighting, providing comfort, vitality effectivity, and enhanced safety. Pre-programmed schedules automate lighting management based mostly on time of day, occupancy, or different predefined parameters, eliminating the necessity for handbook intervention. This performance differentiates networked lighting from conventional options, providing important benefits by way of performance and management.
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Time-Primarily based Scheduling
Lights will be programmed to activate or off at particular instances, automating each day routines and conserving vitality. For instance, lights can activate routinely earlier than dawn and switch off after sundown, or alter brightness all through the day based mostly on pure mild availability. This function eliminates the necessity to manually swap lights on or off and optimizes vitality utilization.
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Occupancy-Primarily based Automation
Integrating networked lighting with occupancy sensors permits lights to activate solely when a room is occupied, routinely turning off when the area is vacant. This function is especially helpful in areas with rare use, akin to hallways, closets, or restrooms, maximizing vitality financial savings and decreasing working prices. Occupancy-based automation eliminates wasted vitality and enhances general constructing effectivity.
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Integration with Different Sensible Residence Units
Scheduling and automation will be built-in with different good residence programs, akin to safety programs or thermostats, to create complete automation situations. For instance, lights will be programmed to activate when a safety system is triggered, or to regulate brightness based mostly on the thermostat’s temperature settings, making a cohesive and responsive residence atmosphere. This integration enhances the general performance and worth of networked lighting inside a sensible residence ecosystem.
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Trip Mode and Safety Enhancement
“Trip mode” simulates occupancy whereas residents are away, enhancing safety by deterring potential intruders. Lights will be programmed to activate and off at various instances, mimicking typical utilization patterns. This function gives peace of thoughts and contributes to a safer residence atmosphere. Moreover, integrating lighting with safety programs permits for automated responses to safety occasions, akin to activating all lights upon alarm set off.
Automated scheduling and integration with different good residence programs considerably improve the utility and worth of networked lighting. By automating routine duties, optimizing vitality consumption, and enhancing safety, these options contribute to a extra handy, environment friendly, and safe residence atmosphere. The flexibility to personalize lighting schedules and combine them with broader good residence ecosystems represents a major development in lighting management know-how.
5. Voice Management Compatibility
Voice management integration considerably enhances the usability and comfort of networked lighting programs. Compatibility with well-liked voice assistants permits customers to regulate lighting hands-free, utilizing easy voice instructions. This integration streamlines interplay with good residence ecosystems and expands the accessibility of lighting management.
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Fingers-Free Operation
Voice management eliminates the necessity for bodily interplay with switches or cellular apps, providing comfort for customers with restricted mobility or these engaged in different actions. Instructions akin to “Activate the lounge lights” or “Dim the bed room lights to 50%” present easy management. This performance is especially helpful in conditions the place handbook management is impractical or inconvenient.
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Integration with Sensible Residence Ecosystems
Voice management serves as a central interface for managing numerous good residence units, together with lighting. Customers can create complicated automation routines involving a number of units via voice instructions. For instance, “Good morning” might activate a sequence that activates lights, adjusts the thermostat, and begins the espresso maker. This integration simplifies good residence administration and enhances general consumer expertise.
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Enhanced Accessibility
Voice management improves accessibility for people with disabilities. Customers who’ve problem utilizing conventional switches or cellular apps can simply management lighting via voice instructions. This function promotes inclusivity and makes good residence know-how accessible to a wider vary of customers. Voice management can considerably enhance high quality of life for people with restricted mobility or dexterity.
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Safety and Security Advantages
Voice management can improve safety by permitting customers to regulate lighting remotely. For instance, householders can activate lights whereas away to discourage potential intruders. Moreover, voice management can enhance security by enabling hands-free lighting changes in emergency conditions. The flexibility to rapidly activate lighting with a voice command will be essential in navigating darkish environments or alerting others to a possible hazard.
Voice management compatibility considerably expands the performance and accessibility of networked lighting programs. Integration with established voice platforms simplifies management, enhances comfort, and improves the general consumer expertise throughout the good residence atmosphere. As voice recognition know-how continues to evolve, its position in controlling and managing good residence units, together with lighting, will possible change into much more outstanding.
6. Power Effectivity Scores
Power effectivity scores are essential for evaluating the long-term price financial savings and environmental influence of network-connected lighting. Understanding these scores permits shoppers to make knowledgeable selections, optimizing vitality utilization and minimizing electrical energy bills. This facet is especially related given the growing prevalence of such know-how in houses and companies.
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Lumens per Watt (Efficacy)
Lumens per watt, also known as luminous efficacy, measures how successfully a lightweight supply converts electrical energy into seen mild. Increased lumens per watt point out larger effectivity. Community-connected lighting sometimes makes use of LED know-how, recognized for its excessive efficacy in comparison with conventional incandescent or fluorescent lighting. Selecting lighting with excessive lumens per watt minimizes vitality consumption for a given mild output, contributing to decreased working prices.
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Wattage and Energy Consumption
Whereas wattage signifies energy consumption, it does not straight replicate brightness. Decrease wattage typically interprets to decrease vitality use, but it surely’s important to contemplate lumens per watt to evaluate general effectivity. Community-connected choices usually eat considerably much less energy than conventional lighting whereas offering equal or larger mild output. This discount in energy consumption straight interprets to decrease electrical energy payments.
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Standby Energy Consumption
Community-connected units usually eat a small quantity of energy even when turned off, known as standby energy. Whereas sometimes low, this standby consumption can accumulate over time, significantly with a number of units. Evaluating standby energy consumption helps shoppers choose units that decrease vitality utilization even when not actively in use. This consideration contributes to maximizing general vitality financial savings.
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Power Star Certification
Power Star certification signifies {that a} product meets particular vitality effectivity standards established by the Environmental Safety Company (EPA). Selecting Power Star-certified linked lighting ensures a sure degree of vitality efficiency, simplifying the analysis course of for shoppers. This certification gives a readily identifiable benchmark for energy-efficient merchandise, facilitating knowledgeable buying selections.
Cautious consideration of vitality effectivity scores is crucial for maximizing the cost-saving and environmental advantages of network-connected lighting. By understanding metrics akin to lumens per watt, wattage, standby energy, and Power Star certification, shoppers can choose lighting options that optimize vitality efficiency and decrease long-term working prices. This acutely aware method to lighting choice contributes to each particular person price financial savings and broader sustainability efforts.
7. Safety Issues
Networked lighting programs, whereas providing important benefits, introduce potential safety vulnerabilities that require cautious consideration. These vulnerabilities can expose consumer information and probably compromise residence community safety. Due to this fact, sturdy safety measures are important for mitigating these dangers and making certain consumer privateness.
Vulnerabilities can come up from a number of components, together with weak passwords, unencrypted communication protocols, and software program vulnerabilities throughout the units themselves. For instance, if a networked lighting system makes use of a default or simply guessed password, unauthorized entry turns into potential, probably permitting attackers to regulate lighting or acquire entry to the broader residence community. Equally, if communication between the lighting system and its controlling app shouldn’t be encrypted, information transmitted between the 2 will be intercepted, exposing consumer data or management instructions. Software program vulnerabilities throughout the lighting units themselves can be exploited by attackers to realize unauthorized entry or management.
Mitigating these dangers requires a multi-faceted method. Sturdy, distinctive passwords are basic. Two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of safety, requiring a second type of verification past a password. Usually updating gadget firmware ensures that recognized safety vulnerabilities are patched. Using respected producers recognized for prioritizing safety can also be essential. Customers ought to analysis and select lighting programs with sturdy safety features and a historical past of accountable safety practices. Lastly, understanding the info collected by the lighting system and its related providers is important. Customers ought to evaluate privateness insurance policies and be certain that information assortment practices align with their consolation ranges. By taking these precautions, customers can considerably scale back the chance of safety breaches and defend their privateness whereas having fun with the advantages of networked lighting.
8. Hub necessities (if any)
Centralized management hubs play a pivotal position in sure network-connected lighting programs. These hubs act as a bridge between the lighting units and the house’s Wi-Fi community, enabling communication and management. Understanding hub necessities is crucial for profitable integration and operation of those programs. Some lighting options require a devoted hub, whereas others function straight via current Wi-Fi networks or by way of Bluetooth. This distinction considerably impacts set up complexity, system scalability, and general price.
Hub-based programs provide benefits by way of gadget compatibility and vary extension. Proprietary hubs usually help a wider vary of units inside a particular ecosystem. Moreover, they will lengthen the vary of protocols like Zigbee and Z-Wave, facilitating broader protection inside a house. As an illustration, a hub positioned centrally can hook up with lighting units all through a home, even when these units are past the direct vary of the Wi-Fi router. Nonetheless, hub-based programs introduce further {hardware} prices and may create single factors of failure. If the hub malfunctions, your complete lighting system could also be affected. Conversely, hub-less programs, working straight via Wi-Fi, simplify set up and scale back prices, however could have limitations by way of gadget compatibility and vary. Bluetooth-based programs, whereas typically hub-less, provide probably the most restricted vary, usually confined to a single room.
Deciding on a hub-based or hub-less system is dependent upon particular person wants and priorities. Components to contemplate embrace the specified scale of the lighting system, funds constraints, and the prevailing good residence infrastructure. Hub-based programs present larger flexibility and gadget compatibility for bigger installations and complicated automation situations, whereas hub-less programs provide simplicity and cost-effectiveness for smaller deployments. A complete understanding of hub necessities and their implications empowers knowledgeable decision-making, making certain a lighting system that aligns seamlessly with consumer wants and the broader good residence atmosphere.
9. Integration with Different Units
Networked lighting integration with different good residence units is essential for realizing the total potential of residence automation. This interoperability transforms particular person good units from remoted parts right into a cohesive ecosystem, enabling subtle automation situations and enhancing general consumer expertise. Connecting lighting with safety programs, leisure programs, and environmental controls unlocks synergistic functionalities past the capabilities of standalone units.
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Safety System Integration
Connecting networked lighting with safety programs enhances residence security and gives automated responses to safety occasions. For instance, lights will be programmed to flash or activate when a safety sensor is triggered, deterring potential intruders and alerting residents to potential threats. Moreover, integrating lighting with surveillance cameras permits for automated illumination of monitored areas, enhancing visibility and recording high quality. This synergy between lighting and safety enhances general residence safety.
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Leisure System Synchronization
Integrating networked lighting with leisure programs creates immersive and dynamic residence leisure experiences. Lights can synchronize with audio and video content material, dynamically adjusting coloration and depth to enhance films, music, or video video games. As an illustration, lights might dim throughout a film or pulse to the rhythm of music, enhancing the general leisure expertise. This integration transforms lighting from a purposeful necessity to an energetic participant within the leisure atmosphere.
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Environmental Management Integration
Connecting networked lighting with environmental controls, akin to thermostats and good blinds, optimizes vitality effectivity and enhances occupant consolation. Lights can dim routinely throughout daytime or when room occupancy is low, conserving vitality. Integration with good blinds permits for coordinated mild and shade administration, additional optimizing vitality consumption and creating a cushty indoor atmosphere. This synergy between lighting and environmental controls contributes to a extra sustainable and cozy residing area.
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Voice Assistant Integration
Voice assistants present a unified interface for controlling a number of good residence units, together with networked lighting. This integration simplifies complicated automation situations, permitting customers to regulate lighting and different units via voice instructions. For instance, a single voice command might activate a “goodnight” scene, dimming lights, adjusting the thermostat, and locking doorways. Voice assistant integration streamlines good residence management and enhances consumer comfort.
Integrating networked lighting with different good residence units transforms particular person parts right into a cohesive and responsive ecosystem. This interoperability unlocks highly effective automation capabilities, enhances comfort, and improves general residence safety, leisure, and vitality effectivity. The synergistic functionalities achieved via integration spotlight the transformative potential of networked lighting throughout the broader context of the good residence.
Incessantly Requested Questions on Networked Lighting
This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning remotely controllable illumination, offering concise and informative responses.
Query 1: What are the first benefits of using network-connected illumination?
Key advantages embrace enhanced vitality effectivity via automated scheduling and dimming, improved residence safety via distant management and simulated occupancy, and personalised ambiance via adjustable coloration temperature and brightness.
Query 2: Is specialised technical experience required for set up?
Most network-connected lighting options provide easy set up processes, usually requiring solely fundamental electrical information. Detailed directions supplied by producers sometimes information customers via the setup course of.
Query 3: What are the everyday prices related to implementing such programs?
Prices differ relying on components such because the variety of units, chosen know-how (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee), and the inclusion of further parts like hubs or bridges. Nonetheless, long-term vitality financial savings can usually offset the preliminary funding.
Query 4: How do these programs influence information privateness and safety?
Knowledge privateness and safety concerns are paramount. Deciding on respected producers with sturdy safety protocols, using robust passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication are essential for mitigating potential dangers. Reviewing privateness insurance policies gives insights into information assortment practices.
Query 5: What degree of interoperability exists between units from completely different producers?
Interoperability can differ. Adherence to trade requirements, akin to Zigbee or Z-Wave, promotes compatibility between units from completely different manufacturers. Nonetheless, it is important to confirm compatibility earlier than integrating units from a number of producers inside a single system.
Query 6: What’s the lifespan of network-connected lighting units, and what are the disposal concerns?
LED know-how, generally utilized in network-connected lighting, provides a considerably longer lifespan in comparison with conventional lighting. Nonetheless, eventual disposal requires consideration of digital waste recycling practices to reduce environmental influence. Consulting native laws concerning digital waste disposal is really helpful.
Understanding these key elements empowers knowledgeable selections concerning the implementation and utilization of networked lighting options inside residential or industrial environments.
For additional data, please seek the advice of the following sections detailing particular options, technical specs, and integration choices.
Optimizing Networked Lighting
The next sensible suggestions provide steerage on maximizing the advantages of networked, remotely controllable illumination.
Tip 1: Strategic Placement for Optimum Illumination:
Cautious consideration of fixture placement optimizes mild distribution and minimizes wasted vitality. Analyze room layouts and process areas to find out optimum fixture places, making certain satisfactory illumination for particular actions whereas avoiding over-lighting.
Tip 2: Leveraging Pure Mild:
Integrating networked lighting with daylight sensors maximizes vitality financial savings. Sensors detect ambient mild ranges and routinely alter synthetic lighting accordingly, decreasing vitality consumption throughout daytime.
Tip 3: Personalised Lighting Scenes for Enhanced Ambiance:
Creating personalised lighting scenes tailors illumination to particular actions and moods. Scenes mix coloration temperature, brightness, and dynamic results to create desired atmospheres for numerous events, from relaxed evenings to centered work periods.
Tip 4: Automating Schedules for Comfort and Effectivity:
Automated schedules optimize vitality consumption and improve comfort. Programming lights to activate or off based mostly on time of day or occupancy eliminates handbook intervention and reduces vitality waste, significantly in areas with rare use.
Tip 5: Prioritizing Safety Greatest Practices:
Strong safety measures defend consumer information and community integrity. Using robust, distinctive passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and conserving gadget firmware up to date mitigates potential vulnerabilities.
Tip 6: Exploring Superior Integrations for Enhanced Performance:
Integrating networked lighting with different good residence units unlocks synergistic functionalities. Connecting lighting with safety programs, leisure programs, and environmental controls enhances residence safety, leisure experiences, and vitality effectivity.
Tip 7: Common System Upkeep for Optimum Efficiency:
Periodically reviewing system settings, checking for firmware updates, and testing gadget responsiveness ensures optimum efficiency and longevity. Addressing potential points proactively minimizes disruptions and maintains system integrity.
Implementing these methods maximizes the potential of networked lighting, making a extra comfy, handy, safe, and energy-efficient atmosphere.
The next conclusion summarizes key takeaways and provides closing suggestions for efficiently implementing and using networked lighting options.
Conclusion
Community-connected, remotely controllable illumination represents a major development in lighting know-how. Exploration of key elements, together with connectivity choices, coloration temperature adjustment, dimming capabilities, scheduling and automation, voice management compatibility, vitality effectivity scores, safety concerns, hub necessities, and integration with different good residence units, reveals substantial potential advantages. From enhanced vitality effectivity and improved residence safety to personalised ambiance and seamless integration with broader good residence ecosystems, these programs provide transformative prospects for residential and industrial environments.
The evolution of lighting management continues to reshape human interplay with the constructed atmosphere. As know-how progresses, additional developments in areas akin to vitality effectivity, information safety, and interoperability will possible drive even larger adoption and integration of networked lighting options. Cautious consideration of the mentioned components empowers knowledgeable decision-making, enabling people and organizations to harness the total potential of this transformative know-how and create extra clever, responsive, and environment friendly lighting environments.
