NGLS is organized by DOE in partnership with the Illuminating Engineering Society and the International Association of Lighting Designers and is managed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). It is part of a broad DOE/PNNL effort to advance the effectiveness of connected lighting systems and controls.

An Observational Understanding of Connected Lighting Systems (Report, May 2021)

NGLS evaluations primarily focus on the configuration complexity challenges faced by most connected lighting projects in the field. Evaluators use observational research in “living lab” environments to witness the interaction of products and people, and technology and technique.

Experienced industry professionals from a wide range of practices comprise NGLS evaluation teams. Using detailed protocols to collect and assess feedback, the teams observe, document, and measure how systems are installed and configured, how well they perform, and how users operate them.

LIVING LABS

Currently, NGLS conducts subjective evaluations at three “living labs”:

• Working classrooms at Parsons, The New School, in New York City
• Offices at Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance in Portland, Oregon
• Parking lots at Virginia Tech Transportation Institute in Blacksburg, Virginia

NGLS seeks to learn from industry’s varied approaches—identifying those that work, revealing needed improvements, articulating principles and practices that reduce configuration complexity, and sharing the results.