It is hard to imagine that lighting design could be customized for women. However, there are specific lighting design touches can make a room feel more feminine. Women tend to prefer lighting fixtures with more curves and task lights that are lower with a soft warm glow. Candle light, scented or not, used for decorations […]

The last of a multi-step technology phase out is just a few months away. As of July 1, 2010, the U.S. Department of Energy ballast efficiency regulations will prohibit ballast manufacturers from making and selling T12 magnetic ballasts for use in new fixtures with full-wattage T12 lamps in commercial and industrial applications. And according to […]

Going green in business is a trend that’s here to stay. But for many small companies, finding the money to make it happen is a challenge. Enter the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Through its 504 loan program, the SBA is now offering special financing to small business entrepreneurs who go green. To help small […]

San Francisco is number one on the Green Building Opportunity Index—that’s according to a recent study by Cushman & Wakefield, in collaboration with the BetterBricks initiative of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA).  The Green Building Opportunity Index is a first-of-its-kind office market assessment tool used to compare top U.S. office markets in terms of […]

Customer referrals are an important part of our business. Over the past few years, we have been fortunate to receive referrals from many of our valued clients. To show our appreciation for these referrals—which often turn into additional business—we’ve created the Monterey Lighting Solutions Customer Referral Program. The program not only allows us to thank […]

California is setting an environmental example by being the first in the nation to adopt the mandatory Green Building Standards Code (CALGREEN), which aims to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and water use to make California more energy efficient and environmentally responsible. CALGREEN, which goes into effect on January 1, 2011, requires that […]

The high costs associated with making energy-efficient upgrades to homes and buildings can be a big deterrent to commercial and residential property owners. Enter Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs. Designed to eliminate the upfront cost for energy improvements, PACE bonds allow property owners to pay for the improvements over 15 to 20 years through an […]

If you’re a property owner, a new energy-efficient building labeling trend could provide a significant advantage when you’re looking to sell. According to the Earth Advantage Institute, a nonprofit organization that focuses on green building, energy labeling for homes and office buildings is one of the top ten green building trends for 2010—and something that’s catching […]

It’s no secret that by investing in energy efficiency, you can cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce energy consumption. But investing in energy efficiency across your real estate portfolio also makes great business sense. Energy efficiency represents a key opportunity to help you boost profitability, sales and lease prices, and the long-term value of your […]

California has always been ambitious when it comes to enacting energy-efficient legislation. The state laid the groundwork to promote solar energy through the Million Homes Solar Plan, which was approved by the California Public Utilities Commission in 2006. California was also one of the first states to adopt green building codes in 2008.The state recently […]