I remember the first time I went to a European hotel and the hallway lights were off. Its a simple idea, but a revolutionary one. Motion detectors control the lights, and activate them only when a person is in the space. To take this a step further, the room key had to be placed in an activator that would only allow the lights to be on when the room was occupied. I can’t count the times I’ve left a hotel room with the lights on and cringe to think of the energy I’ve wasted.

Wireless Card Reader. Designed by Illumra.

ILLUMRA has taken energy management and lighting controls technology to the next level with its wireless key card readers. To start off, the card reader is a wireless system that converts the motion of inserting and removing the key card into energy. The device automates the room lighting and HVAC to disable when the room is unoccupied, saving countless amounts of energy. To entice building owners, the device installs in minutes without wires or batteries, minimizing installation, clean up and downtime costs. ILLUMRA clearly understands the value of options; the card reader can be programmed in up to seven combinations, which allows for need specific customization.

What I like about this product is its simplicity. There are a lot of crazy technologies that can save energy but may never be used because the average building owner or user is intimidated by the technology. The best innovations sneak into our lives and incorporate themselves without a lot of ripples to daily life. It may not be the sexiest product, but even the most forgetful person can be energy efficient under its influence.