{"id":7612,"date":"2026-11-04T11:35:52","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T11:35:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lumoscontrols.com\/resources\/?p=7612"},"modified":"2026-11-04T14:33:33","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T14:33:33","slug":"lighting-hvac-controls-2026-updates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lumoscontrols.com\/resources\/lighting-hvac-controls-2026-updates\/","title":{"rendered":"Lighting Meets HVAC:What\u2019s Changing for Connected Buildings in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Why shared occupancy information is becoming an important link between lighting controls and HVAC operation.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A meeting ends early. The room empties. An occupancy sensor switches off the lights\u2014but the heating and cooling continue following the day\u2019s schedule. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When lighting and HVAC share occupancy information, the building can respond more closely to how spaces are actually used. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

California\u2019s 2025 Energy Code and the DesignLights Consortium\u2019s August 2026 NLC V5.2 update<\/strong> bring this connection into focus. They serve different purposes, but both highlight the value of coordinating building systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What California\u2019s 2025 Energy Code Requires<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

California\u2019s 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards apply to permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026<\/strong>. For relevant projects, occupancy-based HVAC control forms part of the compliance requirements. energy.ca.gov<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The code includes occupied-standby controls<\/strong> for qualifying zones. This means a space can move into a reduced operating mode when it becomes vacant during scheduled occupied hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Applicability depends on conditions including the lighting occupancy-sensor requirements, whether every room in the zone is permitted to reduce ventilation to zero, and the control system involved. Where applicable, the controls coordinate ventilation changes and temperature-setpoint adjustments. energy.ca.gov<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is not a blanket instruction to switch off every HVAC system whenever someone leaves a room. The response must suit the zone, equipment and applicable requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Occupancy-based HVAC control also predates the 2025 edition. The practical message is to evaluate the current requirements early, rather than treating lighting and mechanical controls as unrelated decisions. efiling.energy.ca.gov<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What DLC\u2019s August Update Adds<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The DesignLights Consortium\u2019s Networked Lighting Controls Technical Requirements Version 5.2<\/strong>, effective August 17, 2026<\/strong>, expands recognition of lighting-to-HVAC integration through thermostats. It also strengthens standardized system configuration reporting. DesignLights<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The opportunity is straightforward: occupancy information collected by lighting sensors can be shared with compatible thermostats, allowing HVAC operation to respond when spaces are unoccupied. DLC identifies this as particularly useful for small and medium-sized commercial buildings. DesignLights<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

DLC qualification and California code compliance are different.<\/strong> California establishes regulatory requirements for applicable projects. DLC provides a framework for identifying and comparing qualified lighting control systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A DLC listing should therefore be reviewed for the specific capabilities a project needs. It does not, by itself, establish HVAC compatibility or compliance with California\u2019s Energy Code. DLC also states that it does not qualify the HVAC-specific capabilities of integrated building management systems. DesignLights<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How Shared Occupancy Information Works<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Consider a conference room with compatible lighting and HVAC controls: <\/p>\n\n\n\n