Both Federal and local governments regulate lighting energy usage. The Federal government implemented the Federal Energy Policy Act in 2005, which required that state energy regulations were at least equal to the provisions set forth in ANSI/ASHRAE/IENSA Standard 90.1-1999.

More than half the states are currently using more recent and more restrictive versions of Standard 90.1 while California uses its own code.

Adhering to Standard 90.1 is the first step towards eligibility for EPAct 2005 tax incentives, demand-side management (DSM) incentives, and meeting some criteria for LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.

ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1
Standard 90.1-1999 version of this code is today's Federal minimum standard even though it has been updated as recently as 2004. It's provisions aim to limit the watts that can be used for lighting and establish minimum control requirements. Designers should always consult local codes and standards for where they are working.
Go to www.ashrae.org for more information.

California Title 24
Title 24 governs the efficiency of both residential and non-residential buildings in the state of California. It includes mandates for the use of high efficacy fixtures, electronic ballasts in compact fluorescent fixtures, and (IC) rated recessed fixtures in insulated ceilings to stop air leakage from above and below the plenum.
Go to www.energy.ca.gov/title24 for more information.

LEED®
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, LEED, is a voluntary consensus based national standard for promoting sustainable design. It gives designers a list of best practices, which earn the project points toward LEED certification. The practices apply to the areas of minimizing energy, daylight and views, controls, and light pollution.
Go to www.usgbc.org for more information.

EPAct 2005
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 is a tax incentive program for lighting and building efficiencies. Most projects that meet Standard 90.1-2004 and attain LEED certification will qualify for some incentive.
Go to www.lightingtaxdeduction.org for more information.

ENERGY STAR®
ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to help save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. Lighting products approved to carry the ENERGY STAR label use the most energy efficient technology available.
Go to www.energystar.gov for more information.