The DLC is pleased to release the second draft of Horticultural Technical Requirements Version 3.0, with a proposed effective date in Q1 2023 and invites comments on these draft requirements from all stakeholders. Please submit all comments using the V3.0 comment form linked below to comments@designlights.org by Wednesday, September 7, 2022.

DRAFT 2 Horticultural Technical Requirements V3.0

Version 3.0 is a major revision that proposes key updates to the Hort Technical Requirements, which will take effect in Q1 2023. These updates support the acceleration of energy efficient lighting in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). Additionally, Version 3.0 introduces a draft surveillance testing policy to the horticultural requirements, with a proposed effective date of October 2023. Below is a summary of the proposed changes in Hort V3.0:

Increased efficacy threshold

The V3.0 efficacy threshold has been increased to ≥ 2.30 μmol × J-1. The new threshold is based on an analysis of all products listed on the Horticultural QPL on March 28, 2022, and is set at the value that allows the top 85% of products, in terms of photosynthetic photon efficacy (PPE), to remain listed. The DLC’s -5% tolerance on efficacy has not changed with this revision.   

Introduction of requirements for reporting application information

To support the development of prescriptive/midstream incentive programs, Version 3.0 proposes to collect and report application (intended use of product) information of listed products to give efficiency programs and QPL users insights into the intended controlled environment and lighting scheme for all listed products.

Introduction of product-level controllability requirements

To enable additional energy savings, promote interoperability, and lay the groundwork for future demand response systems and programs, Version 3.0 proposes to require dimming for all products and require reporting of additional controllability details.

Introduction of LM-79 and TM-33 reporting requirements

Whereas previous versions allowed test reports to include partial data sets, Version 3.0 proposes specific reporting requirements for more complete information in all LM-79 test reports to improve the qualification process. Additionally, reporting requirements related to TM-33-18 that are in place today have been relocated from their previous location in the Horticultural Technical Requirements to this new section for better clarity. 

Introduction of Surveillance Testing Policy

To protect the integrity and value of the QPL for all stakeholders, Version 3.0 proposes the implementation of a surveillance testing policy to actively monitor the validity of data and other information submitted to the DLC Horticultural Lighting QPL. This draft policy outlines a proposed process for selection of products from the Hort QPL to be included in surveillance testing.

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