Addressing Knowledge Gaps on Advanced Lighting Controls

---

By Scott Schuetter, P.E.

A recently developed training course on understanding advanced lighting controls for defense buildings aims to address knowledge gaps and deliver energy savings.

Through multiple field demonstrations across the military services, research has shown that utilizing advanced lighting controls on defense installations result in nearly 70 percent lighting energy savings. Unfortunately, there is also an industry-wide knowledge gap about how to utilize such controls to best capitalize on energy savings and ensure buildings run at peak performance.

Based on several recent evaluations of the field demonstrations within the services, a wide-ranging program, funded through the Defense Department’s Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), has led to the development of a comprehensive new training resource on advanced lighting controls. The effort is intended to address a significant lack of understanding of how to utilize advanced lighting controls among facility managers and operators. The funding was awarded to Slipstream, which partnered on this work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NextEnergy, Fraunhofer USA, Trane, and bluEvolution. Considering that the Defense Department spends
$4 billion annually on energy costs and has nearly 562,000 facilities worldwide, it is critical for energy specialists, building operators, and engineers to learn basic controls concepts and strategies.

Comprehensive Resource

The ESTCP-driven training (available at no cost to military-operated building practitioners and non-agency professionals) aims to increase user knowledge of fundamentals of lighting control systems and educate them on common advanced control strategies including task tuning, daylighting, occupancy sensing, HVAC integration, and emergency lighting. The program also addresses types of controls, case studies, cybersecurity, and an introduction to the DesignLights Consortium (a nonprofit organization serving utilities, manufacturers, distributors, specifiers and other industry stakeholders).

Program. Development. To develop the curriculum, a team of industry subject matter experts gathered qualitative and quantitative data from energy managers, engineers, and researchers across the defense community to better understand the knowledge gaps, education needs, and general interest in the proposed advanced lighting controls training. Based on the feedback received from several questionnaires, the group adjusted and finalized a two-pronged training plan: one for installation managers and one for lighting designers and contractors.

For federal and non-federal installation managers, the main training delivery approach is through a series of 15-minute virtual trainings that summarize lighting control systems, strategies, cybersecurity, and an introduction to the DesignLights Consortium. A series of PowerPoint slides are also included with the videos. The team decided to go with this approach since installation managers face a lack of funding for training and restrictions on attending live events; they have extremely limited time for continuous education and training.

Diving In-Depth. For electrical engineers, lighting designers, and contractors who design and commission lighting systems for new buildings, the team developed more in-depth topics, each about 1-hr in length, that are closely related to their main job functions. These presentations are intended to be a deeper dive into advanced lighting control strategies, types of controls, and cybersecurity. This will support the needs of lighting designers and contractors in helping them better design, specify, and operate lighting control systems, especially for military facilities.

Earning continuing education credits, such as professional development hours for licensed engineers, are offered for each of these recorded sessions. Credits through the American Institute of Architects and the U.S. Green Building Council’s Green Business Certification Inc. can be self-reported, if applicable.
The project also served to identify gaps in the Whole Building Design Guide and the Unified Facilities Criteria. To achieve this, the team evaluated UFC 3-530-01, Interior and Exterior Lighting Systems and Controls; UFGS 26 09 23.00 40, Lighting Control Devices; and any related service-specific engineering bulletins, regulations, or guidance in coordination with applicable community of practice and discipline working groups. To address any identified gaps, the team developed template specification language and submitted it via a criteria change request.

More-Informed Users

Accessible and targeted education on lighting controls offers a direct path to measurable savings for defense facilities. By equipping installation managers, designers, and contractors with guidance based on practical strategies, real-world case studies, and expert insights, installations will be better equipped to take advantage of advanced lighting controls and the benefits arising from them, both in terms of energy savings and operational security.

With modules tailored to distinct audiences, the training program meets personnel where they are. The result is a more informed workforce equipped to implement strategies that support immediate cost benefits and long‑term infrastructure readiness.

Scott Schuetter, P.E., is Principal Engineer, Slipstream; sschuetter@slipstreaminc.org.

Published in the March-April 2026 issue of The Military Engineer