“Going Green” is a phrase we hear often – from governmental agencies, businesses, and individuals. We hear it so often that one wonders whether or not we should add green to our red, white, and blue colors.”

CAST Lighting low voltage lights used on the grounds of Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

Of course, the green movement is real and important. It expresses a long-overdue awareness of energy conservation and environmental protection. And, it is more than just words, it is a cascading sequence of meaningful actions backed by personal commitment and regulatory enforcement.

In the realm of lighting, the green movement focuses on lighting that is energy efficient and focused. By focused, we mean that light is directed only where it is needed, for only as long as it is needed, and with appropriate levels of brightness. To accomplish these goals, we need to consider luminaire design, lamp type, lighting controls and other system factors. Also, since sustainability and the use of renewable resources are important, we consider materials used in the construction of lighting system components.

CAST Lighting LLC., from its inception, established rigorous ‘green’ standards for its luminaires, lamps, power supplies and other system components. Installation methods were also developed with the same intent. These standards embrace the following criteria: (These points are further discussed in the whitepaper, “Green Energy and CAST Lighting“.)

  • Adherence to energy efficient low voltage (12-volt) lighting.
  • Selection of lamps with highest possible lumen efficacy (lumens/watts).
  • Selection of lamps with longest possible life.
  • Luminaire design to maximize luminaire efficiency (‘emitted lumens’ / ‘lamp lumens’).
  • Luminaire design to minimize light trespass and light pollution.
  • Selection of materials in the construction of luminaires for maximum useful life and resistance to corrosion.
  • Selection of materials in the construction of landscape lighting wire to maximize resistance to corrosion and maintenance of conductivity.
  • Selection of highly energy efficient toroidal landscape lighting transformers.
  • Establishment of landscape lighting installation methods that maximize energy efficiency of the lighting system and preserve this efficiency for an extended time.

CAST Lighting has issued a white paper explaining how its products and systems fit into the Green Energy Movement. Specific programs and organizations, such as LEED, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Progam, and International Dark Sky Association are discussed. For each group, information is provided about how CAST Lighting products fit into the associated regulations and guidelines.

Read the white paper, “Green Energy and CAST Lighting.”