BLUE ISLAND, ILL.—Robertson now offers a line of Instant Start T8 ballasts that comply with and are listed under the UL Type CC requirements. The fundamental Type CC requirement prescribes that the ballast not sustain an arc at the lamp socket if the connection to the lamp pin is loose or intermittent. Conventional T8 instant start ballasts do not have this type of protection and therefore limit a fixture designer’s ability to meet UL Luminaire standards for linear fluorescent fixtures without the use of expensive Type I sockets.

COOPERSBURG, PA.—Michael W. Pessina has been appointed president of energy-saving light control manufacturer Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. In his 35-year career with Lutron, Pessina has acquired broad experience in the engineering, quality assurance and manufacturing areas. After being promoted through several management positions, he was appointed to senior vice president in 2000, to executive vice president and chief operating officer in 2002, and to president, Office of Product Development in 2009.

MENTON, OHIO—EYE Lighting International, a manufacturer of lamps, luminaires and related lighting products, announced that its Cera Arc ceramic metal halide ED mogul base lamp has been accepted by the IES for the 2011 Progress Report.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA—In a move designed to further enhance its sustainability program, Hilton Worldwide has launched a major environmental initiative at its three hotels in South Africa. More than 17,000 energy saving lights, including new replacement LED globes, are being introduced at Hilton Sandton, Hilton Durban and Hilton Cape Town, with considerable economic and environmental benefits. The move to the new lighting globes is expected to result in a drop of energy consumption of more than 2,600,000 kWh annually and a reduction of CO2 emissions by a significant 2,700 tons per year. “The demand for energy in South Africa is a major concern and one of the main reasons we decided to launch this initiative here,” said Vinesh Hurrychurn, director of engineering operations, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa. “We’re mindful of the need to operate in a way that is sensitive to how we impact the environment and I’m pleased that this initiative further supports Hilton Worldwide’s commitment to sustainability.” Hilton Worldwide has partnered in this project with Eskom.

WEST CALDWELL, N.J.— Building on its complete line of energy efficient fluorescent lamps, MaxLite unveils new T5 “Watt Saver” Fluorescents for commercial environments. MaxLite, a global manufacturer and marketer of energy efficient luminaires and lamps, has added T5 49-watt “Watt Saver” Fluorescents that enable organizations to significantly reduce overall power consumption and lamp efficacy in large projects seeking LEED Certification.

LOS ANGELES—Orbit Industries introduces an innovative LED exit sign/emergency light combo unit for all public access areas. The new Orbit EECLA-R fixture features an exit sign with two adjustable emergency lights that can be positioned at the top of the sign or re-aligned to either side. Constructed from heavy-duty, impact-resistant thermoplastic, the EECLA-R combo unit includes two 5.4W DC 5 wedge-based incandescent lamps in the emergency light and a 1W LED lamp in the exit sign for energy savings.

SANTA CLARA, CALIF.—WattStopper’s LMLS-400 and LMLS-500 digital photosensors were selected by Building Operating Management (BOM) readers as recipients of BOM’s 2012 Top Products Awards. The photosensors are part of WattStopper’s Digital Lighting Management (DLM) product line, and are specifically designed for easy integration with occupancy sensors and other lighting controls. DLM maximizes energy savings and return on investment (ROI), and meets or exceeds the latest code requirements.

BOSTON—Through a program that includes electric and gas utility NSTAR and electrical supplies distributor Munro Distributing Company, Inc., Boston area hotels are benefiting from LED lamps at no cost to them. The program began this fall and bulbs must be installed by the end of 2011. According to Jeffrey Pollock, manager energy efficient marketing for NSTAR, the LED program most likely will be continued in 2012. NSTAR customers are funding the program. NSTAR currently transmits and delivers electricity and gas to 1.1 million customers in Massachusetts, and gas to nearly 300,000 in that state. Munro Distributing is supplying the bulbs that are made by various manufacturers. “We’ve got about 15 hotels completed and 15 to 20 projects in the installation process,” says Noah Thompson, business development manager, Munro Distributing. “Another 25 to 30 hotels are in the mockup or approval process. We tried it in downtown Boston first. We are just finishing up that area.” Thompson says 75,000 lamps already have been given away.

COOPERSBURG, PA.—Energy-saving light control manufacturer Lutron Electronics announced that its Washington, D.C. Commercial Experience Center has been awarded LEED Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED is the USGBC’s leading rating system for designing and constructing the world’s greenest, most energy-efficient and high-performing buildings.

WEST CALDWELL, N.J.—Developed as energy efficient lighting solutions that bolster uncompromising safety and security in parking garages of hotels, resorts and restaurants, MaxLite introduces LED Parking Garage Luminaires that were recently approved by the DesignLights Consortium (DLC) and included in its Qualified Products List. The DLC was established to ensure that high quality, energy efficient lighting designs are used in all commercial lighting installations, which includes categories that are not addressed by Energy Star.