My UC Berkeley Extension Sustainable Interiors class went to the Pacific Energy Center Monday night.  Ryan Stroupe gave us an informative overview of Lighting and Energy Efficiency.  What the heck is the Pacific Energy Center (PEC)?  "The Pacific Energy Center offers educational programs, design tools, advice, and support to create energy efficient buildings and comfortable indoor environments. Most of [their] efforts are focused around commercial buildings, however, other departments offer advice and information for residential buildings."  The PEC has classes around the Bay Area; find more information here.

We learned about different lamps (not bulbs!) and their pros and cons -- especially fun was debunking myths about fluorescents.  This info is particularly handy to designers as Title 24 in CA has some requirements regarding fluorescents in residential settings.   

Our class was held in the Lighting Classroom which has interactive displays and light rooms which helped us see how a different lamp can affect an interior space. 

There is a plethora of information and brochures as well as a tool lending library at the PEC so if you think you may need information on lighting, efficiency, HVAC and many other subjects for residential and commercial, check out the Pacific Energy Center.