by Stan Shook
Published: February 2010
In Electrical Contractor Magazine
Making the most of lighting retrofits
There are different types of lighting retrofit projects: fixture replacement, relocation, repair, ballast retrofit, clean and relamp only, and various other fixture-related tasks; some projects may not even involve working with existing lumminaires. As green building takes an even stronger hold of our industry, the focus of most projects will likely be adding to or enhancing the lighting control systems. So along with swapping out ballasts, replacing fixtures and reconfiguring overhead circuitry, there may be many new switches, sensing devices, signal cabling and control panels with which to deal.
The success or failure of your estimate will depend strongly on how much information you have about the existing fixtures, circuitry and your knowledge of the new control systems. Perhaps most importantly, it will depend on how you labor it all.
Know the complete scope!
This is so critical. You must read every sheet note thoroughly and study the entire specification manual, not just the lighting spec. Engineers love to hide little notes, such as general conditions and wiring devices, deep in other specification sections. And don’t forget to study the Division 01 Scope of Work documents or similar directives, which usually are issued to the general contractors.
Thoroughly study the architectural drawings to learn and/or verify what is happening with the ceilings. If the entire ceiling in an area is getting replaced, it is likely all the fixtures in that area will need to be taken down. However, if the ceiling is a T-bar type, the fixtures might be able to stay in place. Details such as this can have a major effect on your total estimated labor.
The same goes for researching and knowing which walls are getting removed or resurfaced, as there may be lighting fixtures, exit signs and related control devices that need to be removed and replaced. Sometimes, these fixtures and devices are not shown on the electrical drawings. What will you carry if they are not shown?
‘Intercept, connect to existing systems’
This is one of the most vague, nondescript and scary sheet notes. Engineers often use this sheet note because they don’t have a clue as to how this work should be done or if it can be done at all. The bigger problem is neither do you.
Unless you are able to spend several hours or days at the job site prior to the bid—combing through the ceiling, opening junction boxes, testing and tracing circuits, and following conduits and cable routings—you will only be able to make a blind guess at what to carry in your bid.
Be very careful with notes like this. Visualize what might be needed if the installation were new; carry some new conduit, wiring and a J-box or two. Add a little extra labor for the time it takes the electrician to work with existing systems.
Demo doesn’t mean throw it away
Be careful with demolition notes. These, too, are often vague and nondescript and involve multiple stages of work. Quantify each part of the directed scope.
For example, a common fixture demo note found may read: “Remove existing fixture and retrofit with new dimming ballast, clean and relamp. Reinstall after new ceiling is installed.”
This note lists at least four separate tasks, each of which will occur at different stages of the project. What the note doesn’t list is how the replaced fixture will get connected. Does it get a new flex whip? Do you need new circuitry? What about ceiling wires? Supports? There could be a lot of other work required.
What about the “remove” part? If the fixtures are getting “replaced” at a later stage, then they will need to be stored in a safe place. Handling, protecting and storing these fixtures all requires careful labor, so you shouldn’t simply apply five minutes per fixture. Again, check the specifications. “Protect” could require bubble-wrap, palletizing or even special boxing. Not only would this add to the labor, but it could easily add $5 to $10 per fixture.
With multiple stage instructions like this, it is easy to omit material costs and/or labor. Your estimate could be off by $25 and 25 minutes per fixture location. This could be devastating, especially if there are several hundred fixtures.
Don’t forget the labor factor
Lighting retrofits can be labor-heavy jobs, and you don’t want to be too, well, light. It is common for some fixtures to remain in place during the retrofit process. This might seem simpler and faster than having to demo, store and reinstall them, but don’t get too relaxed. The work is still going to be done on a ladder, scaffolding or a lift. This can add a labor factor to a ballast installation. Also, ceiling heights can vary, and the labor factor increases dramatically when you are retrofitting high-bay fixtures in high ceiling areas, such as warehouses.
Estimating lighting retrofit projects can be very difficult to estimate and even more difficult to build. If you are not careful and bid too aggressively, you may find yourself and your profit lost in the dark.
For related articles on this topic, Stan Shook recommends visiting www.ECmag.com and reading his December 2009 article, “Controlling the Light,” and February 2008 article, “Estimating Renovation Work.”
SHOOK is the president and chief estimator for his estimating company, TakeOff 16 Inc. He has worked in the electrical construction industry for more than 23 years. Reach him at 707.776.0800 and sfs@TakeOff16.com.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Nice N Easy Convenience Store Features LED Lighting
Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes' latest convenience store, which opened in Clay, N.Y., in September 2009, is one lean, green retail machine -- it's the chain's most environmentally friendly store to date, with a new design.
The 5,000-square-foot store features many firsts for the chain -- one of which is its exposed ceiling that is painted an earthy orange. Another is the dual rows of fuel dispensers. And one other first is the size of its foodservice section, which takes up an impressive 25-plus percent of the store, the most of any store to date.
There, customers can get a wide variety of fountain and frozen drinks, coffee and specialty brews. The chain's made-to-order offering of subs, wraps, salads and sandwiches is available, as well as its pizza and bakery selections.
An open floorplan provides clear views to the walk-in beer cave, the LED-lit colors and 20-foot open case of beverages. There is also a dining area for customers and displays of fresh fruit and produce by the point-of-sale. The chain's in-store TV network plays local news and entertainment.
But what is most impressive is the store's state-of-the-art green technology. The store's lighting -- both inside and out -- is LED-based. In the non-retail areas, such as behind the coolers and in storage areas, lights are set to motion detectors.
"Some of the lighting is keyed to motion detectors. If you walk into the walk-in cooler, the only light to come on is the one directly over you. As you go deeper in, others will come on, and when you walk away they go out," explained Senior Executive Vice President Fran Duskiewicz. The store also utilizes something he calls "daylight harvesting," where a sensor will detect the amount of light coming in through a window, and will shut off nearby lighting if it is bright enough, and turn the light on as it gets darker.
It is difficult for the chain to determine the realized cost savings of the green technologies at its stores, because they have only been added to new-build locations, which would have to be compared with a similar existing store without the systems, said Duskiewicz.
"We can look at [new green stores and existing stores] side by side and compare them, and we've proven that it saves us money," he said. "Of course, there are extra construction costs, so you have to work through the return-on-investment first, but if you are doing this because it’s the right or the smart thing to do, then that is why you do it."
For rest of article please click here to visit Convenience Store News
Redbird LED a designer and manufacturer of LED Tube Lights for Grocery and Convenience Stores has recently launched a new website Grocery Led Lighting. Please visit their site for more information on the advantages of LED Lighting.
The 5,000-square-foot store features many firsts for the chain -- one of which is its exposed ceiling that is painted an earthy orange. Another is the dual rows of fuel dispensers. And one other first is the size of its foodservice section, which takes up an impressive 25-plus percent of the store, the most of any store to date.
There, customers can get a wide variety of fountain and frozen drinks, coffee and specialty brews. The chain's made-to-order offering of subs, wraps, salads and sandwiches is available, as well as its pizza and bakery selections.
An open floorplan provides clear views to the walk-in beer cave, the LED-lit colors and 20-foot open case of beverages. There is also a dining area for customers and displays of fresh fruit and produce by the point-of-sale. The chain's in-store TV network plays local news and entertainment.
But what is most impressive is the store's state-of-the-art green technology. The store's lighting -- both inside and out -- is LED-based. In the non-retail areas, such as behind the coolers and in storage areas, lights are set to motion detectors.
"Some of the lighting is keyed to motion detectors. If you walk into the walk-in cooler, the only light to come on is the one directly over you. As you go deeper in, others will come on, and when you walk away they go out," explained Senior Executive Vice President Fran Duskiewicz. The store also utilizes something he calls "daylight harvesting," where a sensor will detect the amount of light coming in through a window, and will shut off nearby lighting if it is bright enough, and turn the light on as it gets darker.
It is difficult for the chain to determine the realized cost savings of the green technologies at its stores, because they have only been added to new-build locations, which would have to be compared with a similar existing store without the systems, said Duskiewicz.
"We can look at [new green stores and existing stores] side by side and compare them, and we've proven that it saves us money," he said. "Of course, there are extra construction costs, so you have to work through the return-on-investment first, but if you are doing this because it’s the right or the smart thing to do, then that is why you do it."
For rest of article please click here to visit Convenience Store News
Redbird LED a designer and manufacturer of LED Tube Lights for Grocery and Convenience Stores has recently launched a new website Grocery Led Lighting. Please visit their site for more information on the advantages of LED Lighting.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Star Market Grocery LED Retrofit Featured In VSMD Magazine
SuperValu Inc. (Eden Prairie, Minn.), the supermarket operator that has been out front in the green build movement, has added another color to its chest full of medals.The winner of gold and silver certification from LEED has built the first supermarket in the nation to receive a GreenChill platinum award from the Environmental Protection Agency for energy-saving refrigeration technology.
The new Star Market in Chestnut Hill, Mass., a flagship store for the company’s Shaw’s/Star Market division, is also the first supermarket in the nation to use all LEDs for its interior and exterior lighting.
“We intended this to be New England’s new standard for sustainable supermarkets,” says Holly Angell, SuperValu’s director of technology, energy and environmental."
The environmentally friendly touches fill this store, a 53,514-square-foot, two-level space that is a grounds-up replacement of a smaller, 50-year-old market. For example, the LED lighting will allow for an anticipated reduction of at least 50 percent in energy consumption. And these LED fixtures are expected to be maintenance-free for a minimum of five years. “The light output and quality are also maintained throughout the fixture life,” says Angell, “which is an additional benefit that’s often overlooked.”
New technology also allowed the retailer to dim these lights an additional 25 to 30 percent. And, in addition to saving energy, “LED lights provide a calming sensation with no flickering, hum or eye-straining ultraviolet light,” says creative design manager Harry Steen.
The award-winning green refrigeration technology allowed the refrigerant charge to be reduced by more than 90 percent, using just 275 pounds of refrigerant (versus the typical 3000-4000 pounds). Also, this is just the second store in the nation to use an on site 400kw combined heat and power fuel cell for 90 percent of the store’s energy. The fuel cell is virtually pollution-free and independent of the local power grid.
Read the complete article at http://vmsd.com/content/star-market-chestnut-hill-mass
Redbird LED , a designer ,manufacturer and distributor of high quality LED Lighting has recently announced anew line of LED Tube lights and a educational website fro grocery Store owners, facility managers and engineers. Please visit the site at Grocery LED Lighting
GlaxoSmithKline Office Retrofit with LED Lighting
The Mississauga office of GlaxoSmithKline Inc. (GSK), one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical, vaccine and healthcare companies, recently retrofitted their office with LED Lighting. LED lights use significantly less energy than incandescent, halogen or fluorescent tube lighting. They also provide increased brightness and require less maintenance. The average LED lighting fixture will pay for itself within 2 years of being installed.
Company Will Save $46,000 per Year
"Our previous light fixtures used 26 watts per hour. The LEDs use 9 watts," said Terrence DeWolfe of GSK. "That's a savings of 18 watts per hour, over ten hours a day, five days a week. Financially, that means $46,000 saved each year."
LED light are also much cooler than incandescents or CFLs, which helps to maintain a comfortable room temperature. "Not only do you save on electricity," DeWolfe added, "you save on cooling costs as well. These LEDs also have a much longer life expectancy than our old units, so we'll reduce labour and change out costs. It's good for business and good for the environment."
"We benefit from reduced consumption, with no change in lighting quality."
Technological developments have made LEDs available for a wide variety of applications, and they've become increasingly popular as more and more organizations recognize their economic and ecological benefits. "We're very pleased with our investment,"concluded DeWolfe. "We benefit from reduced consumption, with no change in lighting quality. LEDs are a great way to integrate good financial sense with good corporate citizenship."
Redbird LED based in Atlanta, GA has recently announced a new LED Tube Light lineup with numerous commercial applications. LED Tube lights now provide a better quality light with substantial energy and maintenance cost savings. For more info0rmation please visit their website- commercial led retrofits
Company Will Save $46,000 per Year
"Our previous light fixtures used 26 watts per hour. The LEDs use 9 watts," said Terrence DeWolfe of GSK. "That's a savings of 18 watts per hour, over ten hours a day, five days a week. Financially, that means $46,000 saved each year."
LED light are also much cooler than incandescents or CFLs, which helps to maintain a comfortable room temperature. "Not only do you save on electricity," DeWolfe added, "you save on cooling costs as well. These LEDs also have a much longer life expectancy than our old units, so we'll reduce labour and change out costs. It's good for business and good for the environment."
"We benefit from reduced consumption, with no change in lighting quality."
Technological developments have made LEDs available for a wide variety of applications, and they've become increasingly popular as more and more organizations recognize their economic and ecological benefits. "We're very pleased with our investment,"concluded DeWolfe. "We benefit from reduced consumption, with no change in lighting quality. LEDs are a great way to integrate good financial sense with good corporate citizenship."
Redbird LED based in Atlanta, GA has recently announced a new LED Tube Light lineup with numerous commercial applications. LED Tube lights now provide a better quality light with substantial energy and maintenance cost savings. For more info0rmation please visit their website- commercial led retrofits
Grocery Store Completes LED Lighting Retrofit
Valley Foods of Saratoga, Wyoming received an energy efficiency credit of over $2,000.00 for participating in a pilot project sponsored by Carbon Power & Light and Carbon’s whole- sale energy provider, Tri-State Generation and Transmission. The program required the installation of LED lighting in the new refrigeration units that were recently installed at the grocery store in Saratoga. The new LED lighting technology uses less energy than traditional fluorescent or incan- descent bulbs. The new LED lights introduce very little heat into the refrigeration system, further improving the efficiency of the system as a whole.
"The LED lights really make the product pop out"
Valley Foods owner, Mr. Tim Lamprecht, is pleased with how well the lighting works to light the products in the new cases. “The LED lights really make the product pop out”. He also stated that many consumers “have had positive comments about the improved visibility”. For more information on Carbon’s energy efficiency programs in Wyoming, contact Joe Parrie and Tim Lamprecht at 1-800-359-0249 2 www.carbonpower.com
For more information on Grocery LED Lighting please visit a new website- www.groceryledlighting.com. The site was recently launched by Redbird LED a designer and manufacturer of affordable priced LED Tube lighting for grocery store applications.
"The LED lights really make the product pop out"
Valley Foods owner, Mr. Tim Lamprecht, is pleased with how well the lighting works to light the products in the new cases. “The LED lights really make the product pop out”. He also stated that many consumers “have had positive comments about the improved visibility”. For more information on Carbon’s energy efficiency programs in Wyoming, contact Joe Parrie and Tim Lamprecht at 1-800-359-0249 2 www.carbonpower.com
For more information on Grocery LED Lighting please visit a new website- www.groceryledlighting.com. The site was recently launched by Redbird LED a designer and manufacturer of affordable priced LED Tube lighting for grocery store applications.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
LED Lighting Used In Award Winning Sustainability Projects
As reported In EnvironmentalLeader:
Whole Foods Market in Lincoln Park, Chicago, took the top prize for Project of the Year at the second annual A.R.E. Sustainability Awards, focused on sustainable retail design. The two grand prize winners were Whole Foods in the category of Sustainability – Standalone and Starbucks for Sustainability – Tenant Improvement. There were also two outstanding merit winners and three special recognizations.
Whole Foods Market in Lincoln Park, Chicago, won for Project of the Year and a Grand Prize in the category of Sustainability – Standalone for its complete integration of sustainable strategies and green building practices. The store was built to the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Gold standards and Energy Star standards for buildings.
The store is packed with sustainable features including ozone-friendly water-cooled refrigeration system, destratification fans, night curtains on refrigerated cases, LED lighting in exterior signage and freezer cases, motion-activated lighting controls in frozen food cases, and a HVAC system that reduces air flow when the space is unoccupied.
The project also features recycling stations, construction waste diversion, daylighting, a green roof, a green screen, water-efficient plumbing, and semi-permeable outdoor pavers.At least 90 percent of all appliances are Energy Star rated, and half of the store’s energy consumption is offset by wind power purchases.Low-VOC, recycled and reclaimed materials were used throughout the project as well as other sustainable materials including bio-based composites and rapidly renewable bamboo and cork.
for the full article and list of design winners-
http://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/03/18/whole-foods-starbucks-top-sustainable-retail-design-awards/
Redbird LED, an Atlanta based designer and manufacturer of LED Tube Lights can provide top quality lighting products and consulting for your next lighting retrofit project. For more information please visit their website www.groceryledlighting.com
Whole Foods Market in Lincoln Park, Chicago, took the top prize for Project of the Year at the second annual A.R.E. Sustainability Awards, focused on sustainable retail design. The two grand prize winners were Whole Foods in the category of Sustainability – Standalone and Starbucks for Sustainability – Tenant Improvement. There were also two outstanding merit winners and three special recognizations.
Whole Foods Market in Lincoln Park, Chicago, won for Project of the Year and a Grand Prize in the category of Sustainability – Standalone for its complete integration of sustainable strategies and green building practices. The store was built to the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Gold standards and Energy Star standards for buildings.
The store is packed with sustainable features including ozone-friendly water-cooled refrigeration system, destratification fans, night curtains on refrigerated cases, LED lighting in exterior signage and freezer cases, motion-activated lighting controls in frozen food cases, and a HVAC system that reduces air flow when the space is unoccupied.
The project also features recycling stations, construction waste diversion, daylighting, a green roof, a green screen, water-efficient plumbing, and semi-permeable outdoor pavers.At least 90 percent of all appliances are Energy Star rated, and half of the store’s energy consumption is offset by wind power purchases.Low-VOC, recycled and reclaimed materials were used throughout the project as well as other sustainable materials including bio-based composites and rapidly renewable bamboo and cork.
for the full article and list of design winners-
http://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/03/18/whole-foods-starbucks-top-sustainable-retail-design-awards/
Redbird LED, an Atlanta based designer and manufacturer of LED Tube Lights can provide top quality lighting products and consulting for your next lighting retrofit project. For more information please visit their website www.groceryledlighting.com
Stripes Convenience Stores Retrofits Lighting
Harlingen Texas-based convenience store chain Stripes has signed a 29-month contract with TXU Energy and agreed to retrofit T12 fluorescent fixtures with energy-efficient T8s as part of the initiative.In addition, the company said it would replace less efficient lighting fixtures with LED canopy fixtures and will install TXU Energy iThermostats in select stores.
“The rebate program not only provides strong incentives for our convenience stores to be more energy efficient, but it also helps us do our part to make a positive impact on the environment,” said Mary Sullivan, CFO for Stripes. “We look forward to seeing how this program and our efforts to switch out lighting in our stores and upgrading to more energy efficient air conditioners throughout West and South Texas impacts the bottom line.”
Under the Energy Efficiency Rebate Program, Stripes has received rebates for retrofitting T12 fluorescent fixtures with more efficient T8s and replacing less efficient lighting fixtures with LED canopy fixtures, and installing TXU Energy exclusive internet accessible iThermostats® in a few test stores.
Business customers interested in the Energy Efficiency Rebate Program must sign a minimum 12 month contract with TXU Energy and install proven energy-efficiency technologies, including fluorescent fixture retrofits, LED exit signs, programmable thermostats and high-efficiency HVACs. TXU Energy is the only retail electricity provider in the state to provide this type of energy rebate program to businesses looking to help the environment.
“Our rebate program was designed to help our business customers be more environmentally conscious,” said Tom Leverton, COO for TXU Energy. “Businesses are not only looking to improve their bottom line, but also help the environment. Our rebate program helps them accomplish both.”
As a TXU Energy customer, you can receive energy efficiency rebates by retrofitting to accepted and proven energy efficient technologies, including compact fluorescent lamps, T5 and T8 fluorescent lamps, LED exit signs, programmable thermostats, high-efficiency HVAC* and vending machine controls. Installing energy-efficient equipment is a sustainable way to conserve energy with equipment that lasts a long time and begins producing savings right away.
Redbird LED, an Atlanta based designer,manufacturer and distributor of LED Tube Lights recently launched a new website for grocery and convenience store lighting. For more information on the benefits of using LED Lighting please visit www.groceryledlighting.com
“The rebate program not only provides strong incentives for our convenience stores to be more energy efficient, but it also helps us do our part to make a positive impact on the environment,” said Mary Sullivan, CFO for Stripes. “We look forward to seeing how this program and our efforts to switch out lighting in our stores and upgrading to more energy efficient air conditioners throughout West and South Texas impacts the bottom line.”
Under the Energy Efficiency Rebate Program, Stripes has received rebates for retrofitting T12 fluorescent fixtures with more efficient T8s and replacing less efficient lighting fixtures with LED canopy fixtures, and installing TXU Energy exclusive internet accessible iThermostats® in a few test stores.
Business customers interested in the Energy Efficiency Rebate Program must sign a minimum 12 month contract with TXU Energy and install proven energy-efficiency technologies, including fluorescent fixture retrofits, LED exit signs, programmable thermostats and high-efficiency HVACs. TXU Energy is the only retail electricity provider in the state to provide this type of energy rebate program to businesses looking to help the environment.
“Our rebate program was designed to help our business customers be more environmentally conscious,” said Tom Leverton, COO for TXU Energy. “Businesses are not only looking to improve their bottom line, but also help the environment. Our rebate program helps them accomplish both.”
As a TXU Energy customer, you can receive energy efficiency rebates by retrofitting to accepted and proven energy efficient technologies, including compact fluorescent lamps, T5 and T8 fluorescent lamps, LED exit signs, programmable thermostats, high-efficiency HVAC* and vending machine controls. Installing energy-efficient equipment is a sustainable way to conserve energy with equipment that lasts a long time and begins producing savings right away.
Redbird LED, an Atlanta based designer,manufacturer and distributor of LED Tube Lights recently launched a new website for grocery and convenience store lighting. For more information on the benefits of using LED Lighting please visit www.groceryledlighting.com
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Parking Garage in Boulder Completes LED Lighting Retrofit
The City of Boulder, Colorado is renovating a number of their parking garages.The parking garage at 1100 Spruce completed a complete LED lighting retrofit. The city recently installed 447 LED lights in this parking garage as part of a larger renovation project.
The goals were to provide better lighting to the customers, the ability to decrease energy bills and reduction of their carbon footprint. LED lights have a life of 50,000 hours which reduce the need to change the bulbs as frequently and no recycling concerns because LED Lights contain no harmful mercury.
Redbird LED, a designer,manufacturer and distributor of LED Tube Lights has recently launched a new line of products for Parking garages and other low bay applications. For more information on these products please visit their website- www.parkinggarageleds.com
New White Paper on Parking Garage LED Lighting
Redbird LED has released a new white paper on Parking Garage Lighting. Redbird LED is an Atlanta based designer, manufacturer and distributor of LED Tube lights for commercial building applications. The White Paper is authored by two principals of Redbird LED, Jonathan Eppstein and Jonathan Barletta.
The White Paper discusses the evolution of new lighting technologies and their applications to parking garages and decks. LED Tube lights provide not only energy and maintenance savings but also provide a higher quality light than conventional lighting. Direct comparison of LED Tube lighting versus each type of conventional lighting is discussed as well as information on cost and available tax deductions.
To receive your complimentary White paper please visit the Redbird website, www.redbirdled.com or call 678 RED-BIRD.
The White Paper discusses the evolution of new lighting technologies and their applications to parking garages and decks. LED Tube lights provide not only energy and maintenance savings but also provide a higher quality light than conventional lighting. Direct comparison of LED Tube lighting versus each type of conventional lighting is discussed as well as information on cost and available tax deductions.
To receive your complimentary White paper please visit the Redbird website, www.redbirdled.com or call 678 RED-BIRD.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Darden Restaurants Converting to LED Lights
Darden Restaurants has begun a chain-wide sustainable restaurant design initiative involving the use LEED standards in its restaurant design process for all new restaurants and, where feasible, restaurant remodels. The initiative is part of Darden's broader sustainability efforts aimed at limiting business impact on the environment while also enhancing the operational efficiency of its restaurants.
Darden's three largest brands -- Red Lobster, Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse -- are designing eight restaurants to achieve LEED certification. The first of the eight, an Olive Garden location in Jonesboro, Ark., opened last month. One more Olive Garden and two Red Lobsters are scheduled to open in 2010, followed by one Olive Garden, two Red Lobsters and one LongHorn Steakhouse in 2011.
"Our goal with this initiative is to utilize each of the eight restaurants as a learning lab," said Suk Singh, senior VP development for Darden. "While we may not seek LEED certification for every restaurant we build or remodel, we can make a positive impact by learning from the eight restaurants where we are seeking LEED certification and applying best practices across our entire portfolio.
The sustainable design elements featured in the new Olive Garden in Jonesboro, Ark., include:
* Recycled building materials: Supplies such as sheetrock, doors and windows were made from recycled content. The flooring features carpet squares made from 100% recycled materials.
* Increased use of natural light: Incorporating more windows more frequently into the building's exterior reduces the need for artificial light.
* Energy efficient equipment and fixtures: Items such as Energy Star rated equipment and low-flow water nozzles in the kitchen, as well as automatic faucets in the restrooms, reduce energy and water usage. New LED light bulbs that utilize seven watts of energy and last up to 50,000 hours replace bulbs that used 75 watts and had to be changed two to three times a year.
* Reclaimed heat: To supplement the heating of hot water in the kitchen, heat expelled from the condensing units of the HVAC system and the freezer/cooler condensing units is reclaimed and used to heat water.
Darden’s corporate headquarters facility in Orlando, Fla., is on track to earn LEED Gold certification.
Sponsor: Redbird LED is an Atlanta based designer and manufacturer of LED Tube lighting used for commercial new construction and retrofits. Energy savings of more than 50% can be acheived with Redbird LED Tube lights. For more information please visit their website at www.commercialledretrofits.com
Darden's three largest brands -- Red Lobster, Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse -- are designing eight restaurants to achieve LEED certification. The first of the eight, an Olive Garden location in Jonesboro, Ark., opened last month. One more Olive Garden and two Red Lobsters are scheduled to open in 2010, followed by one Olive Garden, two Red Lobsters and one LongHorn Steakhouse in 2011.
"Our goal with this initiative is to utilize each of the eight restaurants as a learning lab," said Suk Singh, senior VP development for Darden. "While we may not seek LEED certification for every restaurant we build or remodel, we can make a positive impact by learning from the eight restaurants where we are seeking LEED certification and applying best practices across our entire portfolio.
The sustainable design elements featured in the new Olive Garden in Jonesboro, Ark., include:
* Recycled building materials: Supplies such as sheetrock, doors and windows were made from recycled content. The flooring features carpet squares made from 100% recycled materials.
* Increased use of natural light: Incorporating more windows more frequently into the building's exterior reduces the need for artificial light.
* Energy efficient equipment and fixtures: Items such as Energy Star rated equipment and low-flow water nozzles in the kitchen, as well as automatic faucets in the restrooms, reduce energy and water usage. New LED light bulbs that utilize seven watts of energy and last up to 50,000 hours replace bulbs that used 75 watts and had to be changed two to three times a year.
* Reclaimed heat: To supplement the heating of hot water in the kitchen, heat expelled from the condensing units of the HVAC system and the freezer/cooler condensing units is reclaimed and used to heat water.
Darden’s corporate headquarters facility in Orlando, Fla., is on track to earn LEED Gold certification.
Sponsor: Redbird LED is an Atlanta based designer and manufacturer of LED Tube lighting used for commercial new construction and retrofits. Energy savings of more than 50% can be acheived with Redbird LED Tube lights. For more information please visit their website at www.commercialledretrofits.com
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Kraft Foods Focuses on Greening Their Buildings Around the World
From an early age, most of us learned the value of switching off the lights when leaving a room, turning off the water faucet, keeping the refrigerator door tightly closed and walking instead of driving short distances. At Kraft Foods, “greener” office buildings are reinforcing these childhood lessons, making it easier for employees to reduce their environmental impact.
“Sustainability is an important part of our business strategy, and we want our workplaces to be a constant visible reminder to our employees,” said Steve Yucknut, Vice President, Sustainability. “Our greener offices are inspiring employees to think and act differently at work. And together, we’re changing behavior and getting results.”
Around the world, Kraft Foods has done the basics – reducing its office buildings’ environmental impact by installing motion-activated lighting and more efficient plumbing fixtures. The company is doing even more by adapting buildings so employees can work more sustainably and be more flexible, productive and mobile. With wireless tools to work at home, on the road or with a customer without being “at the office,” people use less energy in commuting, and there’s less need for office space.
UNITED STATES: Kraft Foods’ Northfield headquarters recently became ENERGY STAR qualified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It is in the top 8 percent of commercial buildings in the country for energy efficiency and uses 33 percent less energy than similar commercial buildings. As a result, it’s less expensive to operate and emits fewer greenhouse gases than its peers. The campus is surrounded by green space and walking trails for employees, and three lakes on site capture rainwater for reuse to handle half of the property’s irrigation needs. The building is even cooled by ice – recycled water is frozen at night, and fans circulate the cool air the ice generates.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Lighting A Quick Source of Energy Savings for Small Businesses
Thomasnet.com recently published the following article on Energy Saving Tips for Small Businesses. Like many experts they have identified lighting as an easy and first step towards reducing energy costs. For more information please visit their website www.thomasnet.com
Most small businesses, whether operated from home or elsewhere, have energy expenses. Here are some practical steps for small businesses looking to minimize those costs and become more energy efficient.
Whether you own or lease your building, you typically need lighting, heating, air conditioning, power for office equipment and other services to stay in business. Yet these functions consume a lot of energy, which can be costly.
Virtually any small business can improve its energy efficiency easily and cost-effectively. There are many simple, reliable steps that small business owners can take. Here are a few.
1. Get a free energy audit. Many electric companies offer a free energy audit program to ensure a business is using its energy efficiently. Ask your utility company if it offers a free or inexpensive energy audit and/or rebates for energy-efficiency upgrades. Invite contractors to your facility to suggest upgrades and provide free estimates. Small manufacturers should check out Industrial Assessment Centers, which provide eligible small and midsized manufacturers with no-cost energy assessments, and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which provides customized technical assistance programs to manufacturers in the areas of process improvement, supply chain management and business operations (programs include assistance with implementing energy-saving measures in the manufacturing process).
2. Look at lighting. On average, the commercial sector uses about 60 percent of its electricity for lighting. Wherever possible, replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps, as these cost about 75 percent less to operate and last about 10 times longer. Retrofit T12 lights with magnetic ballasts to T8 lights with electronic ballasts. Install a motion-detecting light switch in unoccupied rooms such as the bathroom. Consider painting workplace walls a lighter color; light walls reflect light instead of absorbing it, so less lighting will be needed to make the room seem bright.
3. Invest in inexpensive technology to reduce energy waste. Use your computer as a fax machine — all you need is a printer and a scanner. Use efficient powerstrips for your electronic devices like the coffee pot in the breakroom. An energy-efficient microwave might cost more now, but it'll save you money over years of use. Buy recycled printer cartridges. Install timers to ensure that devices are powered only when necessary. Use light-emitting diode (LED) exit signs.
4. Hone in on HVAC. Tune up your heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) system with an annual maintenance contract. Set thermostats at 78 degrees for cooling in the summer and 68 degrees for heating in the winter. Install setback-programmable thermostats to maximize efficiency. Change (or clean, if reusable) HVAC filters every month during peak cooling or heating season, as new filters usually only cost a few dollars. Install blinds or solar screen shades, and use reflective window film or awnings on all south-facing windows. Use fans and keep exterior doors closed while running your HVAC. Plug leaks with weather stripping and caulking. Use ceiling and wall insulation, and, in addition to fixing water leaks (especially when they involve hot water), insulate water heaters and supply pipes.
5. Establish energy-efficient standard practices. Turn off all office equipment (including lights) at the end of every workday and before weekends. High utility costs often include paying for energy that is wasted by equipment left on for long periods while not in use. "The more energy efficient tasks you can include in such a routine, the more you'll save," Trent Hamm, author of finance blog The Simple Dollar, writes at American Express OPEN Forum.
If resources permit, undertaking a comprehensive energy efficiency program, with the assistance of outside help if necessary, can yield significant savings. While small businesses consider such a program, however, the practical actions listed above can contribute to energy savings in the meantime.
Sponsor: Redbird LED is an Atlanta based designer and manufacturer of high quality LED Tube Lights. Companies who use LED Tube Lights can realize 30 -60 percent savings on their energy costs. LED Tube lights last 50,000 hours thus reducing maintenance costs as well. To view the Redbird LED product lineup please visit www.commercialledretrofits.com.
Most small businesses, whether operated from home or elsewhere, have energy expenses. Here are some practical steps for small businesses looking to minimize those costs and become more energy efficient.
Whether you own or lease your building, you typically need lighting, heating, air conditioning, power for office equipment and other services to stay in business. Yet these functions consume a lot of energy, which can be costly.
Virtually any small business can improve its energy efficiency easily and cost-effectively. There are many simple, reliable steps that small business owners can take. Here are a few.
1. Get a free energy audit. Many electric companies offer a free energy audit program to ensure a business is using its energy efficiently. Ask your utility company if it offers a free or inexpensive energy audit and/or rebates for energy-efficiency upgrades. Invite contractors to your facility to suggest upgrades and provide free estimates. Small manufacturers should check out Industrial Assessment Centers, which provide eligible small and midsized manufacturers with no-cost energy assessments, and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which provides customized technical assistance programs to manufacturers in the areas of process improvement, supply chain management and business operations (programs include assistance with implementing energy-saving measures in the manufacturing process).
2. Look at lighting. On average, the commercial sector uses about 60 percent of its electricity for lighting. Wherever possible, replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps, as these cost about 75 percent less to operate and last about 10 times longer. Retrofit T12 lights with magnetic ballasts to T8 lights with electronic ballasts. Install a motion-detecting light switch in unoccupied rooms such as the bathroom. Consider painting workplace walls a lighter color; light walls reflect light instead of absorbing it, so less lighting will be needed to make the room seem bright.
3. Invest in inexpensive technology to reduce energy waste. Use your computer as a fax machine — all you need is a printer and a scanner. Use efficient powerstrips for your electronic devices like the coffee pot in the breakroom. An energy-efficient microwave might cost more now, but it'll save you money over years of use. Buy recycled printer cartridges. Install timers to ensure that devices are powered only when necessary. Use light-emitting diode (LED) exit signs.
4. Hone in on HVAC. Tune up your heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) system with an annual maintenance contract. Set thermostats at 78 degrees for cooling in the summer and 68 degrees for heating in the winter. Install setback-programmable thermostats to maximize efficiency. Change (or clean, if reusable) HVAC filters every month during peak cooling or heating season, as new filters usually only cost a few dollars. Install blinds or solar screen shades, and use reflective window film or awnings on all south-facing windows. Use fans and keep exterior doors closed while running your HVAC. Plug leaks with weather stripping and caulking. Use ceiling and wall insulation, and, in addition to fixing water leaks (especially when they involve hot water), insulate water heaters and supply pipes.
5. Establish energy-efficient standard practices. Turn off all office equipment (including lights) at the end of every workday and before weekends. High utility costs often include paying for energy that is wasted by equipment left on for long periods while not in use. "The more energy efficient tasks you can include in such a routine, the more you'll save," Trent Hamm, author of finance blog The Simple Dollar, writes at American Express OPEN Forum.
If resources permit, undertaking a comprehensive energy efficiency program, with the assistance of outside help if necessary, can yield significant savings. While small businesses consider such a program, however, the practical actions listed above can contribute to energy savings in the meantime.
Sponsor: Redbird LED is an Atlanta based designer and manufacturer of high quality LED Tube Lights. Companies who use LED Tube Lights can realize 30 -60 percent savings on their energy costs. LED Tube lights last 50,000 hours thus reducing maintenance costs as well. To view the Redbird LED product lineup please visit www.commercialledretrofits.com.
Office Depot Using Energy Effficient Lighting in All New Stores
Office Depot announced that starting in June it will pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Commercial Interiors (CI) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for all new Office Depot retail stores.
Fourteen new Office Depot store locations will be LEED CI certified, starting with the chain’s newest location in Austin, Texas, which is scheduled to open in June. “The energy savings realized at our first Austin store location has been even greater than what we had originally expected,” said Edward Costa, VP construction for Office Depot. “We intend to continue to make our stores as energy efficient, water efficient and cost efficient as possible. With LEED CI we are now able to ‘green’ all of our store locations -- regardless of whether we build it ourselves or take over an existing building.”
Features of all new Office Depot LEED CI certified stores will include:
* Skylights (where applicable) will be used to harvest daylight for 90% of the store.
* A reflective roof, which features a membrane that helps to prevent absorption of the heat from the sun and keeps the interior of the store much cooler.
* Energy Star rated HVAC equipment that exceeds ASHRAE standards.
* T5 energy-efficient lighting, which is over 30% more efficient than typical retail lighting and will contribute to over 20% reduction in energy use.
* Daylight and occupancy sensors, which reduce energy use.
* Water conservation interior fixtures, including tankless instant hot water heaters, low-flush toilets, low-flow urinals, and automatic shutoff sensors in restrooms that will use over 30% less water than the typical facility.
* An energy-management system that allows tracking of energy usage and trends from one central location.
Sponsor: Redbird LED Lighting is an Atlanta based designer and manufacturer of energy efficient LED Tube lighting for retailers. For more information on their LED Tube Lighting for retailers please visit their website www.commercialledretrofits.com
Redbird LED Participating in Greenprints Conference
Redbird LED will be showcasing their new line of LED Tube Lights at the Annual greenprionts show in Atlanta. The Annual Conference is co-sponsored by SouthFace and the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority. A number of attendees stopped by their booth and were impressed with the light quality and value pricing of the LED Tubes and Luminaires. Greenprints continues today with the trade exhibition and residential/commercial seminars.
For more information on Redbird LED please visit their website- www.parkinggarageleds.com
For more information on Redbird LED please visit their website- www.parkinggarageleds.com
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