The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), an association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, announced today that it has joined with the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) in signing an Honorary and Friendship Agreement. The agreement is to promote cooperation between the organizations and also promote the development of harmonious standards development in intelligent building systems that may include LED lighting controls and sensors, energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives, among others. Both TIA and IES revealed that they hope to continue to help improve the energy-efficiency of lighting systems, control systems, and the communications network that connects them as these become even more important.

TIA President Grant Seiffert stated, “While the march towards convergence has been long, there is no question that convergence is here, today, and is extending well beyond the traditional phone and data services into others, like illumination. The Information Communications Technology (ICT) industry is embracing these opportunities to support the connection and control of devices to realize optimized, energy-efficient operation."

“The illumination industry has realized that the key to maximizing energy-efficiency lies in the use of technologies that are integrated and work intelligently to control the function and operating time of building lighting systems,” said William Hanley, executive vice president of IES. “The key to these technologies is the ability to collect useful information and communicate that information to the lighting control system.  Working with TIA to develop, enhance and promote these technologies will result in reduced energy consumption and lower costs while maintaining a productive, safe environment.”

“The participation of IES in our standards development program for Intelligent Building Cabling and Sustainable Technology Environments Program (STEP) will set the stage for additional improvements and opportunities in these markets,” explained TIA President Grant Seiffert.