Bright Ideas Blog

Emergency lights typically have a battery back-up that will operate the light in the event the power goes out, regardless of if there’s a generator for back-up power. Exit signs can and should also have a battery, especially if the building doesn’t have generator. Often during fire department inspections, they check that your emergency lights are operational, both with and without power. Emergency lights must be kept properly maintained to meet all federal and state requirements, so when installing new ones or updating old ones, should you just change the battery or replace the entire fixture?

There are many building codes, electrical codes, and emergency standards outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), International Building Code (IBC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), state and local regulations, and others that provide lighting guidelines and requirements for commercial and similar properties. These include for interior lighting, exterior lighting, and emergency lighting.

Lighting plays a critical role in commercial spaces, providing safety and security, setting the mood and atmosphere, and supporting health and wellness. New technology is also making being connected to your commercial property more accessible – and necessary – especially for new builds or upgrades. Some companies are developing new lighting solutions that allow you to connect to your property and create a place that fits your commercial environment, like Satco with their new Starfish lighting solution and mobile app. Not only are these products ideal for residential homes and apartments, but also commercial space as well.

In April, the Department of Energy finalized two rules requiring manufactures to sell energy-efficient lightbulbs. This means older, inefficient lightbulbs that don’t meet the new standards can no longer be manufactured and sold. The primary purposes for these rules are to drive down electricity use, save consumers money, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

It’s estimated that schools spend billions of dollars annually on energy, and it’s often the second-highest operating expenditure (following personnel costs). Each year, these expenses continue to increase while budgets often decrease, leading educators to look for ways to save money throughout the year. One way is by making some lighting updates that are more energy efficient, therefore saving money on energy bills. LED uses up to 75% less energy than conventional lighting systems, which keeps dollars in your budget for other important things.

For tenants looking for the greatest variety of apartment homes to choose from, moving between May and September is often their best bet. Parents and college students are timing moves for when school is out for the summer, so more multi-family units become available for renters. Warmer weather also eliminates moving challenges like winter storms or icy roads.

Flag Day, celebrated every year on June 14, commemorates the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777. It was on that day that the U.S. approved the design for its first national flag. That flag now inspires communities throughout the country to show support for America and its service members.

Energy efficiency is a critical effort on a local, national, and global scale. At Bay Lighting, we prioritize helping commercial property owners reduce their emissions and improve their carbon footprints through energy-efficient lighting and light fixture recycling services. In honor of Earth Day 2022, let's take a look at Bay Lighting's efforts towards a cleaner world in 2022.