The Home Lighting Control Alliance (HLCA), Warrenton, Va., is renewing membership for a second phase of its outreach program. Since 2006, more than two dozen leading companies, organizations and integrators have united to spearhead a marketing initiative to raise the awareness, value and benefits of lighting control systems for the home.

In that time, lighting control has significantly increased market share and was cited in the latest CEA State of the Builder Survey with the largest increase of any home technology.

The second phase of the HLCA program during 2008 will raise market awareness of lighting control to homebuilders, consumers and the trade. The alliance plans to expand its educational content online via periodic white papers and case studies as well as a monthly electronic newsletter.

Over the years, markets for structured wiring and distributed audio, such as multi-room or whole-house audio, have experienced double-digit growth since their respective promotional campaigns and continue to be among the fastest growing product categories in home technology. The same is now happening for lighting control.

The alliance partnership includes leading manufacturers of lighting control products, experienced systems integrators and prestigious industry associations. The primary focus has been on residential applications for new construction, renovations and quality retrofit installations.

Core product areas have included dimming system types (hard-wired and wireless), control keypads and interfaces as well as lighting control system integration for a room or the whole house.

For the varied professional installation trades involved with lighting control systems and distributors, the HLCA has delivered straightforward, educational messaging about the category’s exceptional value and benefits. This in turn has served as a useful guide and resource for their sales and marketing efforts.

The HLCA’s Web site features various lighting control products and solutions, provides easy access to alliance members, and showcases interesting applications and installations. For more information, visitwww.homelightingcontrol.org.