Verizon Wireless Stores Retrofit Lighting to Save Energy

The Verizon Wireless Communications Store in Columbia, MD is among the first wireless retail stores to rate in the top 25 percent of commercial facilities for energy efficiency and to earn the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) ENERGY STAR(R), the national symbol for superior energy efficiency and environmental protection. The Columbia store is one of more than 47 Verizon Wireless retail stores nationwide to receive the ENERGY STAR label.

"The changes we have implemented in our stores are significant because they impact our business, the environment and our ability to provide customers with an industry-leading experience," said Mike Maiorana, regional president for Verizon Wireless in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. "By being more energy efficient, we can keep operating costs down and redirect those resources to improve the customer experience."

The Communications Store located at 9021 Snowden Square Dr. in Columbia replaced incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lamps and installed light-emitting diode (LED) exit signs and motion sensors to activate lighting in portions of the store that are not in constant use, such as the storage room and back offices. In addition, the store's entire lighting and display systems are controlled by a digital timer system to ensure that lights turn off when the store is closed to avoid energy waste.

The EPA's ENERGY STAR is yet another recognition of Verizon Wireless' ongoing commitment to environmentally friendly Green practices. In 2008, Verizon Wireless was the only wireless carrier named to IDG Computerworld's first-ever list of top Green-IT Companies. Research firm Frost & Sullivan also awarded the company with its 2008 Green Excellence of the Year Award in the Corporate Leadership category for the telecom services industry.

Sponsor- RedBird LED is an Atlanta based designer and manufacturer of LED Tube Lights. They recently announced their new parking garage LED solution and launched a new website, www.groceryledlighting.com. Their LED lights offer facility managers the opportunity to save between 30 and 60 % on their energy bills and reduce maintenance costs.