Our Mission
The IES seeks to improve the lighted environment by bringing together those with lighting knowledge and by translating that knowledge into actions that benefit the public.
our vision
The IES will build upon a century of excellence to create the premier lighting community dedicated to promoting the art and science of quality lighting to its members, allied professional organisations, and the public.
about us
IES Overview
The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) was founded in 1906 to establish scientific lighting recommendations and to disseminate this information to all interested parties. It is the recognized authority on lighting in North America.
The Society’s diversified membership includes engineers, architects, lighting designers, educators, students, contractors, distributors, utility personnel, scientists, physicians, and manufacturers. There are approximately 8,000 individual members and 400 Sustaining Members in the IES.
The IES mission statement reads: The IES seeks to improve the lighted environment by bringing together those with lighting knowledge and by translating that knowledge into actions that benefit the public.
The IES publishes over 60 lighting standards and technical documents including the IESNA Lighting Handbook, recognized worldwide as the most authoritative and useful reference in the field on lighting research, theory, facts, and applications.
The IES also publishes two magazines – LIGHTING DESIGN + APPLICATION (LD+A), a monthly magazine featuring current lighting applications, techniques, products and systems; and LEUKOS the technical electronic Journal of the IES, which includes the latest information on lighting research and technical developments.
Continuing education of lighting professionals is accomplished through local section meetings, technical conferences, short courses, and symposia.
There are over 100 IES Sections in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, organized into four regions. Most of the Sections hold monthly meetings.
The Society’s annual events include LIGHTFAIR International, held every year in the spring. The IES Annual Conference and the IES Street and Area Lighting Conference are held each year in the fall.
A comprehensive overview of the IES can be found here.
our history
A brief history of the IES can be read here.
IES Policy on Commercial Issues
References by others to IES copyright materials
References to IES document titles (the IES Lighting Handbook, Recommended Practices (RPs), Design Guides (DGs), Lighting Measurement (LMs), Lighting Energy Management documents (LEMs,) and Technical Memoranda (TMs)) may be made without permission. It is advisable, however, to contact the Society’s office to verify the most current publication date for the document to be referenced.
Requests to cite specific IES document content such as illuminance values, excerpts from text, tables, figures, and other material must be submitted to the Society for approval prior to inclusion in other publications, manufacturer's literature and websites and may be subject to a royalty fee.
IES will not approve any statements or citations that imply a manufacturer’s products or systems “meet” or “comply” with IES recommendations.
Disclaimer Regarding the Endorsement of Products
The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) is a technical standards developing organisation (SDO) dedicated to educating and promoting good lighting design and practices. IES standards have no regulatory authority unless or until they are adopted by the authority having jurisdiction. IES does not endorse, recommend, or approve any specific products or manufacturers, and any claims to the contrary should be dismissed.
Non-commercial policy re: participation and conduct in Society activities
Participants in Society activities including but not limited to committee, task force, working group, and Section meetings, whether face-to-face or web-based, shall adhere to the following policy:
- Meetings shall be non-commercial without endorsement or denigration of specific products or manufacturers.
- Discussions on cost, pricing plans, pricing policies, marketing plans or any related commercial topics are prohibited.
- Participation must be as individuals and not as agents or representatives of any commercial enterprise.