Sponsors provide funding and/or equipment support for a wide variety of research projects, demonstrations, evaluations, and product development. Many companies, utilities, public benefit organizations, and government agencies have sponsored LRC research projects since 1988.
The LRC also administers a number of collaborative programs in which LRC researchers work closely with companies, agencies, and organizations to advance specific areas of lighting research, education, and technology development. Members of these programs provide important insight and guidance.
Alliance for Solid-State Illumination Systems and Technologies (ASSIST)
ASSIST is a collaboration between researchers, manufacturers, and government organizations. The Lighting Research Center established ASSIST in 2002 to advance the effective use of energy-efficient solid-state lighting and speed its market acceptance. Its goal is to identify and reduce major technical hurdles and help LED technology gain widespread use in lighting applications that can benefit from this rapidly advancing light source. On behalf of ASSIST, the LRC conducts research, demonstration and evaluation, and educational activities. Beyond technical research, ASSIST has been active in fostering discussions between traditional luminaire manufacturers and LED manufacturers.
Capturing the Daylight Dividend
The Capturing the Daylight Dividend program provides resources to building professionals to facilitate the widespread implementation of daylighting in buildings. The program was established to build market demand for daylighting as a means of improving indoor environmental quality; to overcome technological barriers to effectively reap the energy savings of daylight; and to inform and assist state and regional market transformation and resource acquisition program implementation efforts.
National Lighting Product Information Program (NLPIP)
The National Lighting Product Information Program (NLPIP) provides lighting specifiers, professionals, and consumers with manufacturer-specific information a nd performance data in useful formats to help them to find and use efficient, quality lighting products. NLPIP information is often not currently available or easily accessible from other sources. NLPIP is supported by government agencies, public benefit organizations, and electric utilities. To maintain objectivity, NLPIP does not accept funding from manufacturers.
Transportation Lighting Alliance (TLA)
Vehicle lighting manufacturers, government agencies, and the Lighting Research Center (LRC) work together to perform cooperative research and education on the roadway visibility system. The TLA advisory board, made up of representatives from each member organization, sets policy and votes on research. The initial focus is on vehicle forward lighting and visibility. By developing a research framework in this area the TLA is identifying and performing strategic studies to fill in gaps in our collective understanding and develop technology and independent means for evaluating lighting solutions.
