## What is the Design Light Consortium?
The Design Light Consortium (DLC) is a non-profit organization that focuses on improving the quality and performance of commercial lighting products. The DLC was founded in 2008 by a group of lighting manufacturers, utilities, and government agencies. The DLC’s mission is to “advance the adoption of high-performing lighting solutions through collaboration, innovation, and education.”
## DLC’s Mission and Goals
The DLC’s mission is to improve the quality and performance of commercial lighting products. The DLC’s goals are to:
* Develop and maintain technical specifications for high-performing lighting products
* Test and certify lighting products to ensure that they meet DLC specifications
* Educate the lighting industry about DLC specifications and the benefits of using high-performing lighting products
## DLC’s Technical Specifications
The DLC develops and maintains technical specifications for high-performing lighting products. These specifications are based on the latest research and industry best practices. The DLC’s technical specifications cover a wide range of lighting products, including:
* Luminaires
* Lamps
* Ballasts
* Controls
## DLC’s Testing and Certification Program
The DLC tests and certifies lighting products to ensure that they meet DLC specifications. The DLC’s testing and certification program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Lighting products that are certified by the DLC are listed in the DLC’s Qualified Products List (QPL).
## DLC’s Education Program
The DLC educates the lighting industry about DLC specifications and the benefits of using high-performing lighting products. The DLC offers a variety of educational resources, including:
* Webinars
* Training courses
* Technical articles
* Case studies
## Benefits of Using DLC-Listed Products
There are many benefits to using DLC-listed lighting products. These benefits include:
* **Energy savings:** DLC-listed products are more energy-efficient than non-DLC-listed products. This can lead to significant savings on energy bills.
* **Improved performance:** DLC-listed products are designed to perform better than non-DLC-listed products. This can lead to improved lighting quality and reduced maintenance costs.
* **Increased lifespan:** DLC-listed products have a longer lifespan than non-DLC-listed products. This can lead to reduced replacement costs.
## How to Find DLC-Listed Products
DLC-listed products can be found in the DLC’s Qualified Products List (QPL). The QPL is a searchable database that contains a list of all DLC-listed products. The QPL can be accessed on the DLC’s website.
## Conclusion
The Design Light Consortium is a valuable resource for the lighting industry. The DLC’s technical specifications, testing and certification program, and education program help to improve the quality and performance of commercial lighting products. Using DLC-listed products can lead to energy savings, improved performance, and increased lifespan.