UL (Underwriters Laboratories), a world leader in advancing safety, announced the enhancement of UL LightSmart in the latest version, 1.3. The popular app helps users see the many benefits gained through LED and other more energy-efficient lighting solutions in their home or office space. Now available for free on iTunes, the enhancement for the app features a “Shop” showroom finder, enabling users to locate the nearest professional lighting designers and showrooms that are members of the American Lighting Association. Continued rollout of this enhancement for Android is scheduled for later in 2012.
 
Based on industry standard measurements, LightSmart guides users through an easy, step-by-step process to select the best lighting for their needs, based on the most energy-efficient LED light sources available. LightSmart users also have the ability to upload images for a preview of what rooms might look like when various light sources are used, as well a prediction of the energy cost savings.
 
“Studies have indicated that few consumers are aware of the required transition to energy-efficient lighting,” said Keith Williams, CEO of UL. “At UL we are committed to educating consumers about the new regulations and lighting technologies available. The LightSmart app offers an easy and personalized way for consumers to assess the specific environmental and aesthetic benefits, as well as cost savings they can expect to find by using LED and other efficient light sources.”
 
The UL LightSmart app was developed, in part, as a response to the Federal Energy Independence Act and Security Act of 2007, which mandates that over time, inefficient incandescent lamps be replaced with compact florescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), beginning with the 100 Watt household lamp in 2012.
 
The UL LightSmart app version 1.3 is currently available for the iPad and iPhone at the Apple iTunes Store and will be available for Android users at Google Play.
 
For more information about CFL and LED products backed by the UL Mark, visit www.ul.com/lighting.
 
About UL
 
UL is a premier global independent safety science company with more than 117 years of history.  Employing more than 9000 professionals in over 96 countries, UL has five distinct business units – Product Safety, Environment, Life & Health, University, and Verification Services – to meet the expanding needs of customers and to deliver on the company’s public safety mission.