The DesignLights Consortium (DLC) has released a forward-thinking suite of tools designed to help building professionals harness the full potential of connected systems. The NLC-HVAC Integration Toolkit provides a roadmap for successfully combining Networked Lighting Controls (NLCs) and HVAC systems to enhance energy-saving measures.

By aligning these technologies, the toolkit aims to improve building performance, enhance comfort, and significantly reduce operational costs. DLC research suggests that this integration can reduce HVAC energy use by as much as 30 percent and total building energy consumption by 20 percent in large facilities.

Why DLC Created the Toolkit

Despite the clear energy and cost benefits, integration between lighting and HVAC systems remains uncommon. Mechanical and electrical teams typically operate independently, and coordination challenges often lead to missed opportunities for energy optimization.

To close that gap, the DLC assembled a cross-industry working group of engineers, utilities, and building professionals in 2023. Their findings shaped the toolkit’s design by focusing on practical decision-making, shared terminology, standardized specifications, and templates that simplify coordination between contractors and design teams.

The Toolkit at a Glance

The toolkit is composed of five companion resources, each designed for a specific stage of the integration process, from deciding whether a project is a good fit to commissioning and ongoing management.

Integration Handbook
The Handbook provides the foundation for the entire toolkit. It defines essential terms, explains how NLCs and HVAC systems communicate, and outlines the benefits and best practices for integration. It covers critical topics such as:

• How to align lighting and HVAC zones
• Managing data latency and cybersecurity in BACnet/IP networks
• Establishing data ontology for interoperability
• Commissioning and staff training for long-term system performance

This document serves as both a reference and a primer for teams new to NLC-HVAC coordination.

Decision Tree
The Decision Tree walks users through seven key questions to determine whether a lighting retrofit is a viable candidate for integration. It helps avoid wasted investment by highlighting scenarios where integration may not deliver meaningful energy savings.

The framework focuses on:

• Owner engagement and long-term value
• Occupancy patterns and how they influence HVAC zones
• HVAC system capabilities such as Variable Air Volume (VAV)
• Existing or planned Building Automation Systems (BAS)

By working through these steps, project teams can identify whether to pursue integration through BAS, analog contact signals, or upcoming digital plug-and-play options like Bluetooth mesh thermostats.

Case Studies Database
The Case Studies document compiles real-world examples of successful integration projects across multiple building types. Each entry includes details such as the HVAC type, lighting control system, integration approach, and performance results. This resource helps designers benchmark expected savings and justify ROI to clients or utilities.

Responsibility Matrix
Successful integration requires clear communication between lighting designers, mechanical engineers, IT departments, and controls contractors. The Responsibility Matrix provides a customizable spreadsheet built around the RASCI model: Responsible, Accountable, Supportive, Consulted, and Informed.

This helps teams define who manages:

• Wiring and programming
• BACnet coordination
• Integration testing and documentation
• Commissioning and ongoing maintenance
• Establishing these roles early helps prevent costly confusion during implementation.

Project Template
The Project Template is a ready-to-use specification framework modeled on CSI Division 25 – Integrated Automation. It defines performance, communication, and testing requirements for a fully integrated NLC-HVAC system.

Key highlights include:

• Guidance for Division 25 specifications ensuring BACnet/IP interoperability
• A detailed integration plan covering IP addressing, data tagging, and network diagrams
• Point lists for monitoring dimming levels, occupancy detection, and daylight sensors
• Commissioning and testing protocols to validate data accuracy and system alignment
• Quality control requirements confirming interoperability prior to deployment

For teams unfamiliar with Division 25, the template provides a clear and comprehensive starting point for specifying integrated building systems.

Beyond Integration: Creating Smarter, Connected Buildings

The toolkit does more than improve communication between two systems to support the shift toward whole-building intelligence. Integrating lighting and HVAC establishes the foundation for connected infrastructure where energy use, comfort, and maintenance are optimized together.

With utilities and energy-efficiency programs increasingly recognizing NLC-HVAC integration for incentive eligibility, adopting these practices now positions facilities for both immediate savings and long-term sustainability.

A Resource for the Next Generation of Building Projects

Whether used for lighting retrofits, HVAC upgrades, or new construction, the DLC’s NLC-HVAC Integration Toolkit enables building professionals to make informed decisions, streamline coordination, and deliver projects that yield measurable performance gains.

By providing decision frameworks, editable templates, and proven case data, the toolkit turns a complex technical collaboration into an achievable process. The full NLC-HVAC Integration Toolkit is available for free on the DesignLights Consortium website, along with a 20-minute video introduction for first-time users.

Businesses can maximize their savings on lighting control installation and other energy-efficiency projects through financial rebates. Incentive Rebate360 can streamline the commercial rebate recovery process by managing the applications from start to finish. To contact us, call 480-653-8180, email [email protected], or schedule a call that fits your needs by clicking the button below!