Welcome to NEMA Academy!

This learning module provides knowledge participants can use to determine comprehensive and accurate written owner project requirements related to lighting and controls. Read more

This learning module provides an understanding of the conceptual design phase for lighting control systems. Participants will learn about the importance of a written lighting controls narrative, including suggested formats and examples. At the end of the course, participants will be able to use the written lighting control narrative effectively as a roadmap to the control system usable by all project participants. Read more

This learning module defines the control zone, an important building block in lighting control system design. Participants will learn how to design with zones and express control zoning on a control zone plan. Read more

This learning module introduces lighting control strategies suitable for existing buildings. It outlines energy code obligations, identifies rebate opportunities, and provides application guidance. Read more

Lighting Controls and Commercial Lighting Rebates in 2026 covers lighting and control rebates, rebate trends, the general outlook for 2026, and how to obtain rebates for a project. Read more

In an ideal project, the building owner clearly defines the project goals, the design team develops an appropriate design, contractors install the system according to the design documents, and the completed building performs as intended. In practice, however, many factors can lead to performance problems: Owner expectations may be unclear or poorly documented. Design documents may not clearly communicate design intent. Incorrect equipment is supplied or substituted during construction. Systems may be installed or programmed incorrectly. Building personnel may not understand how systems should function. Project commissioning, a systematic process used throughout a project to verify and document that building systems perform according to the owner’s project requirements and design intent, addresses these challenges. For lighting and lighting controls, commissioning ensures that the installed system: Operates according to the intended control sequences. Represents the intent of the Construction Documents Integrates seamlessly with other building systems. Provides the expected lighting performance and energy savings. May also verify compliance with applicable energy codes and standards. Commissioning begins during the pre-design phase and may continue following a period of building occupancy to confirm that the system performs as intended. Read more