PRESS RELEASE

LonMark International Partners with Trade Press Media Group to Bring Educational Seminars to NFMT 2010

February 11, 2010 - San Jose, CA, USA - LonMark International is pleased to announce they will host a series of free, educational seminars at NFMT that will highlight how interoperable products and systems can improve control and reduce energy when used in applications such as HVAC and lighting. LonMark International is a non-profit member trade association and a major driving force in the establishment of interoperable guidelines for building, industrial, transportation, lighting, residential, and utility automation.

LonMark International is partnering with Trade Press Media to provide the latest information about open, interoperable systems at the 2010 NFMT Conference and Expo in Baltimore, MD, USA on March 16-18.

The eight educational seminars are aimed at the facility management professional, system integrator, and end-user, and will be presented by members of LonMark International. "Our seminars are a valuable resource that helps show how the LonWorks technology can be used whether in the form of reduced energy usage, lower operating costs, or increased transparency," says Bettina Skehan, LonMark International's Director of Marketing Communications. "The seminars highlight the key role of control systems using the LonWorks technology in the building automation market."

Please visit www.nfmt.com/EducationEvents/TracksDetails.asp?trackid=108 for more information about the educational seminars offered by LonMark International.

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LonMark International’s mission is to create, support, and promote the standards for open, interoperable LonWorks technology-based products, systems, and professionals. Membership to LonMark International is open to any manufacturer, distributor, engineer, system integrator, or end user committed to the development, specification, and use of open, interoperable products utilizing ISO/IEC 14908-1 and related standards.

LonMark International is a non-profit, mutual-benefit trade association with over 400 members worldwide, and local affiliates in the Americas, Asia, and Europe. For more information about LonMark International please visit www.lonmark.org.

LonMark, LonWorks, and the LonMark Logo are registered trademarks of Echelon Corporation in the US and other jurisdictions.

LonMark International will be hosting eight free educational tracks at NFMT in Baltimore on March 17-18. The NFMT show is on March 16-18.

Wednesday, March 17
LM1: 9:00-9:50
The ABCs of the LonWorks Platform

LM2: 10:00-10:50
The Building Controls Market

LM3: 3:10-4:00
LonMark International, NIST and the Interoperable Smart Grid Roadmap

LM4: 4:10-5:00
Leveraging HMIs to Centrally Manage a LonWorks Technology-based Enterprise

Thursday, March 18
LM5: 9:00-9:50
Open Integrated Systems: A Case for Total Facility Control

LM6: 10:00-10:50
Open Systems Case Studies – Value of Specifying the LonWorks Technology

LM7: 2:10-3:00
Powering the Smart Grid with the LonWorks Technology and Wireless Technology

LM8: 3:10-4:00
Deep-Dive into Automated DR

January 25, 2010 – Orlando, FL, USA – LonMark International, a non-profit member trade association and a major driving force in the establishment of interoperable guidelines for building, industrial, transportation, lighting, residential, and utility automation, announced today the launch of the LonMark International Certified System Integrator Program. The program was established to meet the increasing demand from building owners and building managers for safer, greener, energy efficient buildings.

“Over 350 individuals have passed the LonMark Certified Professional program during the last three years, which tells us that there is significant market demand for a professional proficiency,” said Ron Bernstein, LonMark International’s Executive Director.  “The new Certified System Integrator credential builds on the Professional Certification and certifies companies that promote, install, and integrate smart control systems leveraging the highly qualified, LonMark Certified Professionals on their staff.”

Participation in the Certified System Integrator program assures end users that the system integration company will deliver a solution that fits their exact installation and performance requirements. This usually means an energy-efficient, cost-effective and future proof solution that can easily incorporate on-going demands for further energy saving programs such as load control and demand response.  Companies in the Certified System Integrator Program deliver the interoperable, energy efficient systems that help keep an organization’s operating and maintenance costs to a minimum. This allows the building owners to run their buildings seamlessly and transparently in a financially sound manner.

The LonMark Certified System Integrator Program is an accreditation for companies that have obtained the highest level of technical certification within LonMark International. Companies in the program undergo a rigorous peer review process to establish proficiency and commitment with LonMark system specifications and the enduring value that they can deliver to end-users. 

For more information about the Program, visit http://www.lonmark.org/news_events/calendar.

Monday, January 25

Session #1            9:00 – 9:50 a.m.
LonWorks Open Systems & Intelligent HVAC Design
Get a thorough look at how to maximize cost savings and operational efficiencies by implementing open, intelligent designs in this HVAC-specific class.

Session #2           10:00 – 10:50 a.m.
The Building Controls Market – Understand the role building controls take in creating optimally efficient enterprises and how they can impact every facet of operation, from the obvious energy-savings benefits to the lesser known ways such as streamlining production and reducing training costs. This session will explore the market, resources, and available options for those looking to implement intelligent building automation and control solutions.

Session #3            1:00 – 1:50 p.m.
LonMark International, NIST, and the Interoperable Smart Grid Roadmap
Learn of the work LonMark International and many governmental and non-governmental organizations are doing to create the standards that define energy use from the stand-point of the supplier all the way down to the individual appliances using that energy.

Session #4            2:00 – 2:50 p.m.
Powering the Smart Grid with the LonWorks Platform and RF Wireless Technology
LonMark Americas and the EnOcean Alliance will highlight multiple interoperable products and investigate real world case studies to examine how these technologies mesh within buildings.

Tuesday, January 26

Session #5            9:00 – 9:50 a.m.
Leveraging HMIs to Centrally Manage a LonWorks Technology-based Enterprise
Wonderware and Invensys to talk about leveraging HMI’s for centrally managing LonMark systems across an enterprise.

Session #6            10:00 – 10:50 a.m.
Open Integrated Systems: A Case for Total Facility Control – This session will focus on the value of system integration, introduce the master system integrator concept, present a unified controls and IT system infrastructure, and explore various options for system management and applications.

Session #7            12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch & Learn: LonWorks Open Systems Case Studies – Successful systems integrators will share their best practices and lessons learned from a variety of LonWorks technology enabled projects ranging from sustainable renovations to LEED-certified, multi-campus installations.

Session #8            3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Who is specifying the LonWorks Platform and Why? (Panel Session) - Listen to end user experiences and the deciding factors and considerations made for the use of LonWorks technology throughout their facilities and campuses.

All classes will be held at the Orange County Convention Center. Room TBA.
Session times may change slightly.

Monday, January 25
Session #1            8:00 – 8:50 a.m.
The ABCs of the LonWorks Platform: Hear an overview of the LonWorks technology and the LonMark community, including current market trends, strategies, and opportunities in a growing market; also discover simple techniques for streamlining open solutions.

Session #2            9:00 – 9:50 a.m.
LonWorks Open Systems & Intelligent HVAC Design
Get a thorough look at how to maximize cost savings and operational efficiencies by implementing open, intelligent designs in this HVAC-specific class.

Tuesday, January 26
Session #3            8:00 – 8:50 a.m.
Open Integrated Systems: A Case for Total Facility Control – This session will focus on the value of system integration, introduce the master system integrator concept, present a unified controls and IT system infrastructure, and explore various options for system management and applications.

Session #4            9:00 – 9:50 a.m.
The Building Controls Market – Understand the role building controls take in creating optimally efficient enterprises and how they can impact every facet of operation, from the obvious energy-savings benefits to the lesser known ways such as streamlining production and reducing training costs. This session will explore the market, resources, and available options for those looking to implement intelligent building automation and control solutions.

Session #5            12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch & Learn: LonWorks Open Systems Case Studies – Successful systems integrators will share their best practices and lessons learned from a variety of LonWorks technology enabled projects ranging from sustainable renovations to LEED-certified, multi-campus installations.

Session #6            3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Who is specifying the LonWorks Platform and Why? (Panel Session) - Listen to end user experiences and the deciding factors and considerations made for the use of LonWorks technology throughout their facilities and campuses.

Wednesday, January 27
Session #7            8:00 – 8:50 a.m.
Powering the Smart Grid with the LonWorks Platform and RF Wireless Technology
LonMark Americas and the EnOcean Alliance will highlight multiple interoperable products and investigate real world case studies to examine how these technologies mesh within buildings.

Session #8            9:00 – 9:50 a.m.
LonMark, NIST, and the Interoperable Smart Grid Roadmap
Learn of the work LonMark International and many governmental and non-governmental organizations are doing to create the standards that define energy use from the stand-point of the supplier all the way down to the individual appliances using that energy.

For more information, please contact marketing@lonmark.org

LonMark International is pleased to announce the winners of its annual “Best of the Year” Awards in the following categories:

Multi-Vendor Project: This year’s award went to Enerlon for their Energy Star-rated renovated building in Hollywood, CA, USA. The Energy Star rating means that the building outperforms 75% of comparable buildings based on energy consumption.

Certified Device: Infranet Partners UK was awarded this year for their InfraLED 400 Under-Canopy Lighting, which is a low-energy LED light fitting with integral controls for surface or recessed installation.

Infrastructure Product: Austrian company LOYTEC electronics GmbH won for their 15" Touch Panel LVIS-3E115, which is a flexible, graphical user interface that supports automation functions such as alarming, scheduling, and trending plus event-driven e-mail notification and mathematical/logical operations.

Software Solution: The winner in this category was ELMA Kurtalj from Croatia for their BrightCore Distributed Building Management Infrastructure, a distributed software system that successfully mediates between control networks and client programs.

Industry Initiative: The award went to the US organization GreenLink Conservation Alliance for their Federal Incentives for Retrofits. GreenLink Alliance is a non-profit trade association dedicated to promoting energy conservation though building retrofits that utilize innovative building automation and control technologies.

Visionary: In acknowledgement of his efforts, contributions, and commitment to the betterment of the organization and the industry, long-time member Christoph Brönnimann of Switzerland was presented with the Visionary award.

LonMark International wishes to thank all the members who submitted their projects and products for this year’s award ceremony.

For more information about all the nominees, including the winners, please visit our website, www.lonmark.org.

LONMARK Americas will host a booth and several seminars at AHR 2010 in January in Florida, USA. If you are a member of LONMARK International and you would like the additional exposure by being a booth sponsor or a seminar sponsor, or maybe be a speaker at one the seminars, please contact marketing@lonmark.org for more information.

LONCOM 2009 revolves around the some 400 members of LonMark International's European affiliate organisations and all others interested in LONWORKS® networking technology.  The event takes place on November 11, in Frankfurt/Main, Germany.

The conference will comprise of a key note speech and four individual topic tracks with numerous related lectures covering:

• Energy Efficiency
• Room Automation
• Street Lighting
• Smart Metering
• Connected Real Estate
• Trend and Outlook of LONWORKS networking

The day will conclude with the annual LonMark International Awards Reception & Dinner at 6 PM including the Best of the Year awards for projects, products, programs, and people.

For more details, please visit www.loncom.eu

Today the US Department of Energy released a news article that outlines the Obama Administration's efforts for new energy efficiency efforts. This news release identifies a wide range of incentives programs, funding programs, and objectives that directly links smarter buildings to cost savings. LonMark members are extremely well positione to repsond to these initiatives. A link to the full article can be ffound here: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=194.

The program highlights the following funded areas:

Advanced Building Systems Research

Residential Buildings Development and Deployment

Commercial Buildings Initiative

Buildings and Appliance Market Transformation

Solid State Lighting Research and Development

Of particular interest are some of the proposed objectives:

"Today's announcement includes major changes to energy conservation standards for numerous household and commercial lamps and lighting equipment. Seven percent of all energy consumed in the U.S. is for lighting.

The final rule has numerous benefits, including:

• Avoiding the emission of up to 594 million tons of CO2 from 2012 through 2042—roughly equivalent to removing 166 million cars from the road for a year;
• Saving consumers $1 to $4 billion annually from 2012 through 2042;
• Saving enough electricity from 2012 through 2042 to power every home in the U.S. for up to ten months;
• Eliminating the need for up to 7.3 gigawatts of new generating capacity by 2042—equivalent to as many as 14 500MW coal-fired power plants;
• Decreasing the electricity used in GSFLs by 15%, saving consumers up to $8.66 per lamp over its lifetime; decreasing electricity used by IRLs by 25%, saving consumers $7.95 per lamp over its lifetime.

In February 2009, President Obama tasked the Department of Energy with quickening the pace of energy conservation standards for appliances, while continuing to meet legal and statutory deadlines. Today's announcement, which takes effect in 2012, focuses on General Service Fluorescent Lamps (GSFL), which are commonly found in residential and commercial buildings, and Incandescent Reflector Lamps (IRL), which are commonly used in recessed and track lighting. These fluorescent and incandescent lamps represent approximately 38 and 7 percent of total lighting energy use respectively.

The final rule, as issued by the Secretary of Energy on June 26, 2009, can be viewed and downloaded from the Office Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Web site."

I encourage you to take a look at the news release and related web sites, and stay current on this program especially if you do business in the US.

Respectfully,

Ron Bernstein

NIST (the National Institute for Science and Technology in the USA) has released this week a report from EPRI (the Electric Power Research Institute).  The report, titled, "Report to NIST on the Smart Grid Interoperability Standards Roadmap," is to serve as "input into the first phase: engaging utilities, equipment suppliers, consumers, standards developers and other stakeholders in a participatory public process to identify applicable Smart Grid interoperability standards, gaps in currently available standards and priorities for new standardization activities", as stated within the pages that proceed the report.

LonMark International has been involved in the NIST Smart Grid effort since the very beginning in early 2007.  To-date, sitting at over two years into the process, there is a great deal that's been hashed-out and accomplished but much more on the plate for everyone.  This is a monumental undertaking with many things at stake for many players -- the least of whom is the end consumer; the one that must not be forgotten in the process.

NIST has done a fine job of pulling this together with EPRI and their team of contractors, with utilities and local governments, and with groups like LonMark through Domain Expert Working Groups (DEWGs) that comprise various experts in several vertical markets related to grid interaction with buildings, homes, factories, and vehicles; further: policy makers, transmission and distribution folks, and experts in CyberSecurity.
I write about this today to bring attention to the report for greater dissemination and review.  The report identifies many gaps in the winding chain of standards, protocols, and ad hoc fusions of solutions.  That's its goal, really: to help identify what's already there, what's not there, what can we piece together, and what must be created. Our community -- the LonWorks Controls Networking Community -- knows LonWorks controls networking the best, of course.  It is, therefore, our job to help point-out where LonWorks can be used to make the grid smart; to make it all that NIST wishes it to be without having to create everything from scratch. After all, there are 10s-of-millions of electric meters installed today with LonWorks and roughly 100 million devices in total with LonWorks inside.  That's a fairly good start, in my mind.  But not everyone knows those facts and not everyone knows LonWorks is open, freely licensed, and also a set of international standards.

I could go on (and I probably will as time itself goes on) but you can look into what LonMark is doing -- and how you can get involved -- by checking the LonMark Energy Solutions page: http://www.lonmark.org/energy

I hope this weblog proves useful for the LonWorks community and serves to be informative.  Let us know how we can help you with opportunites such as these.

- Jeremy J. Roberts,
LonMark International