Interesting article on the advantages and disadvantages of energy efficient LED lighting retrofit covers some interesting points. Of course one of the key disadvantage of any lighting retrofit is the upfront cost.Many LED lighting retrofit companies offer financing programs. For example, Redbird LED based in Atlanta, works with Energy Finance a division of RedClay. Financing a lighting retrofit is obviously important and most visitors to their website visit the Financing info on their website. There are also many state, federal and utility rebate programs available to finance your energy retrofit investments. Some of these rebates pay up to 100% of the cost.
Excerpt from article below.
By Glenn Meyers
Green Building Elements
Energy and lighting efficiency questions are plentiful on whether or not to make a transition from traditional incandescent lighting systems to LED alternatives.According to a post at Buzzle, "Energy efficient lighting not only contributes to a better environment but also saves huge energy costs."
There are few arguments to this thinking except one, the cost. Just switching over traditional incandescent lights to LED lights comes with a significantly price tag, even if the life of the bulbs and the large energy savings they bring are scaled into the picture.
Some large retailers are making the transition. Environmental Leader recently reported that retailer Macy's was retrofitting 117,000 halogen-based accent bulbs in its 86 stores with LED bulbs. Macy's expects the retrofit will reduce the company's energy consumption by 73 percent. The total cost of the Macy's retrofit was not mentioned, however.
Buzzle provides these considerations for retrofitting, "LED fixtures cost more to purchase than the traditional light sources. There are many factors that contribute to the effective and economic performance of LEDs, so a range of payback scenarios exist. But a lower wattage luminaire significantly reduces the payback period."
There are three disadvantages to consider about LED systems, "First is its initial cost," says Anne Linden. Many people are used to the relatively inexpensive traditional light bulb, and the new LED lamps seem expensive in comparison. However, when you recognize that each lamp has an estimated lifespan of over twenty years, and only uses 5 percent of the electricity of the so-called "cheap" glass bulb, you can recognize the inherent value of the newer type. And much of that price differential was due to the fact that the technology is so new that companies were recovering their investment in research and development. Prices are already falling considerably as they become more common in the marketplace. And with the ever-tightening drive to economize on energy usage, they will become even more common in newer fixtures available in stores.
"The second disadvantage is the fact that they cannot be used in "regular" screw-in sockets. They require a GU10 socket, or a screw-in GU10 adapter," says Linden. However, this "disadvantage" may actually have a benefit as a safety feature. Traditional lamps can become cross-threaded and stick in the socket. When you try to use force to remove them, they often break. There is no danger of cross-threading with the GU10 style socket, you just push it in and give a slight twist; thus these bulbs are safer to use.
"Finally, the light from a led lamp is "different" from other lamps. These new LED's emit a more tightly focused beam, and you may need to do some research to determine what level of brightness you need, as wattage is not an accurate measure for this type. Look to see if the package gives equivalent output ratings compared to the wattage output levels we have all become used to," Linden concludes.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS995665020101216
Showing posts with label Lighting ROI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lighting ROI. Show all posts
Friday, December 17, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Macy's Department Stores to Save Millions of Dollars with LED Lights
Macy's worked with MSi Solid State Lighting on the lighting retrofit. Unlike hot burning halogen lights, the extremely efficient LED lights produce very little heat and within hours of installation, store employees had noticed a drop in the store's temperature. "Many retailers are a little concerned about the initial investment of converting to LED lighting," said Bruce Johnson, MSi managing partner, "But if they take the time to run the numbers as Macy's has, they'll see that switching over produces a tremendous return on their investment."LED lighting produces savings that go far beyond just cooling cost. LED's use a fraction of the power required by halogen spots while producing a clean, clear light that enhances product displays and merchandise.
LED Lighting Retrofits- BLOG Sponsor
A good practice for businesses looking to reduce energy expenses is to consider an LED lighting retrofit. Lighting retrofits replace lighting with newer technology such as LED linear lighting to save on energy costs and maintenance costs. Many building experts recommend a lighting retrofit as the first step to reducing energy costs. Redbird LED is an Atlanta based manufacturer and designer of Premium LED lights at value price points. For more information please visit their LED Retrofit website or call ( 678) 733-2473
Monday, November 15, 2010
Furniture Row Undergoes LED Lighting Retrofit
As reported in Chain Store Age website
The Furniture Row Cos., one of the nation’s largest family-owned specialty home furnishings and bedding retailers, is installing LED lighting throughout its 330 Sofa Mart Oak Express, Bedroom Expressions and Denver Mattress Co. stores across the United States.
To date, the company has installed nearly 13,000 LED spotlights (from Cree) in its stores, out of more than 80,000 planned. The 11-watt Cree LED lights are replacing energy-wasting 90-watt halogen bulbs.
“We knew we wanted new lighting that addressed our goal of being environmental stewards, but we also wanted to remain fiscally responsible,” said Rod Schnurr, store planning coordinator, Furniture Row, Denver Col. “We also knew that we couldn’t sacrifice the high quality of light needed to accentuate the wood grains and highlight the beauty of the fabrics -- that’s what these Cree lights do.”
LED Lighting Retrofits- BLOG Sponsor
A good practice for businesses looking to reduce energy expenses is to consider an LED lighting retrofit. Lighting retrofits replace lighting with newer technology such as LED linear lighting to save on energy costs and maintenance costs. Many building experts recommend a lighting retrofit as the first step to reducing energy costs. Redbird LED is an Atlanta based manufacturer and designer of Premium LED lights at value price points. For more information please visit their LED Retrofit website or call ( 678) 733-2473
The first Furniture Row location to install LED lights saved $4,200 on monthly energy costs compared to the original lighting, Schnurr said. In addition to reduced energy consumption for lighting, the LRP-38 spotlights generate much lower heat output thereby saving on air conditioning costs.
Furniture Row also anticipates significant maintenance savings given the much longer service life of the LED lights, which are designed for a 50,000-hour lifetime in open applications. Prior to the LED lighting retrofit, store employees spent an estimated 15 hours per week replacing burned out halogen bulbs.
To date, the company has installed nearly 13,000 LED spotlights (from Cree) in its stores, out of more than 80,000 planned. The 11-watt Cree LED lights are replacing energy-wasting 90-watt halogen bulbs.
“We knew we wanted new lighting that addressed our goal of being environmental stewards, but we also wanted to remain fiscally responsible,” said Rod Schnurr, store planning coordinator, Furniture Row, Denver Col. “We also knew that we couldn’t sacrifice the high quality of light needed to accentuate the wood grains and highlight the beauty of the fabrics -- that’s what these Cree lights do.”
LED Lighting Retrofits- BLOG Sponsor
A good practice for businesses looking to reduce energy expenses is to consider an LED lighting retrofit. Lighting retrofits replace lighting with newer technology such as LED linear lighting to save on energy costs and maintenance costs. Many building experts recommend a lighting retrofit as the first step to reducing energy costs. Redbird LED is an Atlanta based manufacturer and designer of Premium LED lights at value price points. For more information please visit their LED Retrofit website or call ( 678) 733-2473
The first Furniture Row location to install LED lights saved $4,200 on monthly energy costs compared to the original lighting, Schnurr said. In addition to reduced energy consumption for lighting, the LRP-38 spotlights generate much lower heat output thereby saving on air conditioning costs.
Furniture Row also anticipates significant maintenance savings given the much longer service life of the LED lights, which are designed for a 50,000-hour lifetime in open applications. Prior to the LED lighting retrofit, store employees spent an estimated 15 hours per week replacing burned out halogen bulbs.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Hawaii Hospital Completes LED Retrofit Program
As reported in Environmental Leader
Hawai'i Pacific Health (HPH), comprised of four nonprofit hospitals and 44 outpatient clinics and service sites, expects to save more than $1.2 million thanks to a LED lighting retrofit across its facilities.The switch to LED lighting at its four hospital facilities also will help reduce HPH’s carbon emissions by 465,324.65 pounds per year from just the parking garages alone, according to Pacific Eco-Lights, which is supplying the LED lighting.
By retrofitting existing fixtures with LEDs, HPH is projected to save up to $10,000 to $12,000 per month from the conversion of just one of its parking garage facilities, which will translate into $1.2 million in combined annual savings by retrofitting hallways, waiting areas, cafeterias and offices throughout its four hospitals.
LED Lighting Retrofits
A good practice for businesses looking to reduce energy expenses is to consider an LED lighting retrofit. Lighting retrofits replace lighting with newer technology such as LED linear lighting to save on energy costs and maintenance costs. Many building experts recommend a lighting retrofit as the first step to reducing energy costs. Redbird LED is an Atlanta based manufacturer and designer of Premium LED lights at value price points. For more information please visit their LED Retrofit website or call ( 678) 733-2473
Hawai'i Pacific Health (HPH), comprised of four nonprofit hospitals and 44 outpatient clinics and service sites, expects to save more than $1.2 million thanks to a LED lighting retrofit across its facilities.The switch to LED lighting at its four hospital facilities also will help reduce HPH’s carbon emissions by 465,324.65 pounds per year from just the parking garages alone, according to Pacific Eco-Lights, which is supplying the LED lighting.
By retrofitting existing fixtures with LEDs, HPH is projected to save up to $10,000 to $12,000 per month from the conversion of just one of its parking garage facilities, which will translate into $1.2 million in combined annual savings by retrofitting hallways, waiting areas, cafeterias and offices throughout its four hospitals.
LED Lighting Retrofits
A good practice for businesses looking to reduce energy expenses is to consider an LED lighting retrofit. Lighting retrofits replace lighting with newer technology such as LED linear lighting to save on energy costs and maintenance costs. Many building experts recommend a lighting retrofit as the first step to reducing energy costs. Redbird LED is an Atlanta based manufacturer and designer of Premium LED lights at value price points. For more information please visit their LED Retrofit website or call ( 678) 733-2473
Warehouse Retrofits Lighting to Save On Energy Costs
As reported in Environmental Leader
Maines Paper & Food has cut its lighting-related energy use by 87 percent thanks to the installation of Digital Lumens’ Intelligent Lighting System in its 460,000-square-foot headquarters in Conklin, New York. The lighting retrofit also improves lighting levels and helps the company meets is corporate sustainability targets.With the lighting retrofit, Maines expects to save 1,726,108 kWh of electricity per year and prevent 1,240 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
After an evaluation of lighting alternatives including fluorescents and LEDs with the help of its energy-efficiency partner Groom Energy Solutions, Maines selected the Digital Lumens solution, which combines LED lighting fixtures, networking and software, as a one-for-one retrofit of highbay warehouse lights.
Maines can track energy usage and occupancy on a fixture-by-fixture basis, enabling them to fine tune the light retrofit program to maximize efficiency. The system also creates a lighting network inside the facility, which provides opportunities for future capabilities and/or measuring and monitoring other aspects of the facility, says the company.Groom Energy installed the lighting upgrade project and replaced Maines’ existing 400-watt, high-pressure sodium fixtures, reducing both energy use and ongoing maintenance.
“Lighting represents about 20 percent of our warehouse electricity costs, and a great opportunity to reduce our facilities’ costs and improve operational efficiency,” said Pat DeOrdio, vice president of operations, Maines Paper & Food Service, Inc.
“We evaluated the Digital Lumens Intelligent Lighting System and found that it enables us to significantly reduce our energy consumption, improve overall safety by increasing light levels and decrease maintenance. This solution delivers numerous operational and environmental benefits, and positions us to better serve our customers’ needs,” he added.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) provided the project incentive. NYSERDA’s goal is to help New York reduce energy consumption, promote the use of renewable energy sources and protect the environment.
Other recent projects that NYSERDA has provided funding or incentives for include recent HVAC upgrades at six New York State commercial facilities, which together will cut their energy consumption by more than 9.9 million kWH annually, a new energy-efficient grocery store, and a medical center.
http://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/08/25/maines-slashes-energy-use-87-with-lighting-retrofit/
LED Lighting Retrofits
A good practice for businesses looking to reduce energy expenses is to consider an LED lighting retrofit. Lighting retrofits replace lighting with newer technology such as LED linear lighting to save on energy costs and maintenance costs. Many building experts recommend a lighting retrofit as the first step to reducing energy costs. Redbird LED is an Atlanta based manufacturer and designer of Premium LED lights at value price points. For more information please visit their LED Retrofit website or call ( 678) 733-2473
Maines Paper & Food has cut its lighting-related energy use by 87 percent thanks to the installation of Digital Lumens’ Intelligent Lighting System in its 460,000-square-foot headquarters in Conklin, New York. The lighting retrofit also improves lighting levels and helps the company meets is corporate sustainability targets.With the lighting retrofit, Maines expects to save 1,726,108 kWh of electricity per year and prevent 1,240 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
After an evaluation of lighting alternatives including fluorescents and LEDs with the help of its energy-efficiency partner Groom Energy Solutions, Maines selected the Digital Lumens solution, which combines LED lighting fixtures, networking and software, as a one-for-one retrofit of highbay warehouse lights.
Maines can track energy usage and occupancy on a fixture-by-fixture basis, enabling them to fine tune the light retrofit program to maximize efficiency. The system also creates a lighting network inside the facility, which provides opportunities for future capabilities and/or measuring and monitoring other aspects of the facility, says the company.Groom Energy installed the lighting upgrade project and replaced Maines’ existing 400-watt, high-pressure sodium fixtures, reducing both energy use and ongoing maintenance.
“Lighting represents about 20 percent of our warehouse electricity costs, and a great opportunity to reduce our facilities’ costs and improve operational efficiency,” said Pat DeOrdio, vice president of operations, Maines Paper & Food Service, Inc.
“We evaluated the Digital Lumens Intelligent Lighting System and found that it enables us to significantly reduce our energy consumption, improve overall safety by increasing light levels and decrease maintenance. This solution delivers numerous operational and environmental benefits, and positions us to better serve our customers’ needs,” he added.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) provided the project incentive. NYSERDA’s goal is to help New York reduce energy consumption, promote the use of renewable energy sources and protect the environment.
Other recent projects that NYSERDA has provided funding or incentives for include recent HVAC upgrades at six New York State commercial facilities, which together will cut their energy consumption by more than 9.9 million kWH annually, a new energy-efficient grocery store, and a medical center.
http://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/08/25/maines-slashes-energy-use-87-with-lighting-retrofit/
LED Lighting Retrofits
A good practice for businesses looking to reduce energy expenses is to consider an LED lighting retrofit. Lighting retrofits replace lighting with newer technology such as LED linear lighting to save on energy costs and maintenance costs. Many building experts recommend a lighting retrofit as the first step to reducing energy costs. Redbird LED is an Atlanta based manufacturer and designer of Premium LED lights at value price points. For more information please visit their LED Retrofit website or call ( 678) 733-2473
Lighting Retrofits Help Facility Managers Save Time and Money
As reported in Today's Facility Manager
By Craig DiLouie
Between 2005 and 2009, fluorescent ballast regulations imposed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) became effective in phases, limiting availability of T12 magnetic ballasts in new fixtures. In July 2010, the final phase of these regulations went into effect, virtually eliminating fluorescent F40T12, F96T12 and F96T12HO magnetic ballasts from the market. This includes both full wattage and energy saving versions (e.g., ballasts for 34W T12 lamps) as well as replacement ballasts—with few exceptions.
According to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), about seven percent of the fluorescent ballast market is magnetic ballasts. This is an indicator that this type of ballast is no longer popular in new construction, but they continue to be purchased to service existing installations. As facility managers (fms) and distributors deplete their inventories of these ballasts, they will have to make the switch to more efficient lighting systems.
The final nail, however, is coming in 2012. In that year, new DOE fluorescent lamp regulations will take effect, strengthening standards for lamp types covered by previous regulation while also covering 8' T8, 4' T5, along with more wattages of 4' T8 and T12 lamps. The net result, with few exceptions, is that a majority of 4' linear and 2' U-shaped T12, many 8' T12 and T12HO, and some low color rendering 4' T8 lamps will be eliminated.
According to NEMA, about 30% of fluorescent 4' lamps sold each year are T12. As with magnetic ballasts, they are not popular in new construction, but there are millions installed in existing buildings. In 2012, fms will have no choice but to upgrade.
Scheduling The Changes
A basic choice will be whether to replace an existing T12 lighting system all at once in a planned upgrade or to replace individual components as they fail. Replacing the entire system may seem challenging because of the upfront cost for equipment and installation labor; in addition, fms must accept the idea of disposing of ballasts that may still be providing reliable operation.
However, having maintenance staff replace individual components as they fail presents severe disadvantages. First, with T12 lamps being phased out soon, it makes little sense to buy electronic T12 ballasts, so the next basic option is an electronic ballasted T8 system. Since a T8 ballast must operate a compatible T8 lamp, a maintenance department would have to replace the ballast plus the lamps that the ballast operates.
This would result in a mix of T12 and T8 ballasts and lamps in inventory ad also in the general lighting system, which could cause confusion, risk performance problems due to incompatibilities, potentially have a negative impact on lighting conditions and appearance, and deny opportunities to reevaluate the lighting system and take advantage of good lighting practices and volume purchasing.
Fms are seizing these opportunities. According to a survey conducted in February 2010 by Today’s Facility Manager (TFM) and NEMA EnLIGHTen America, 54% of responding fms plan to conduct lighting upgrades within the next three years. (The TFM April 2010 article reporting on the results of this lighting survey can be found here.)
Once a decision is made to upgrade the lighting system, the fm has taken control of the situation and can work to maximize the impact of new lighting. A major benefit is energy costs savings. In this regard, substantial opportunities can be found in buildings that use older technologies (such as T12 systems), that have very high utility costs, and where lighting is uncontrolled and left on all night. T12 systems, for example, can be upgraded to realize energy savings as high as 50% or more in offices, classrooms, and other applications.
The next basic choice facing the fm is whether to retrofit or redesign a lighting system. In a retrofit, new lamps and ballasts are installed in existing fixtures and existing controls replaced. In a redesign, the fixtures themselves may be replaced or moved.
While energy is important, productivity is also very important to businesses. Studies show that large numbers of people are unsatisfied with the lighting in their workspaces. According to a 1999 office lighting study conducted by Steelcase, 38% of workers said the lighting in their workspaces was either too dim or too bright. Further, three out of four workers said better lighting would improve their efficiency and productivity, and two out of three said they would be more creative.lighting fixtures illumination quality
Fms who are interested in an energy saving retrofit, therefore, may instead actually need a redesign that not only reduces energy consumption, but that also improves lighting quality. According to the TFM/NEMA EnLIGHTen America survey, all respondents consider improving occupant satisfaction with the facility, and the organization overall, as an important goal of a lighting upgrade project.
Good lighting quality, according to the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), accounts for factors such as visual comfort, glare, uniformity, color rendering, lighting on walls and ceilings, and harsh patterns, shadows, and flicker. If a facility’s primary spaces have been retasked for new purposes for which the existing lighting system provides insufficient lighting conditions (or uniformity is poor, there is little light on walls and ceilings, or there are obvious, unaddressed sources of glare), and if occupants are unhappy with their lighting, then a redesign may provide the most benefit.
Executing The Project
Once these decisions are made, what follows is a normal retrofit or renovation. Energy efficient lighting technologies have been undergoing development for decades, and there are many reliable solutions now available from manufacturers. Regarding lamps and ballasts, fms can consider T8 systems. There are now 23W, 25W, 28W, 32W (normal output), and 32W (high output, or “Super T8”) T8 lamps available, which offer a choice of power and light output.
There are also electronic ballasts available with a range of efficiencies and ballast factors, enabling further tuning of light output. The most efficient ballasts carry the NEMA Premium mark on the ballast label.
Regarding fixtures, fms can consider T5 systems, direct/indirect lighting, and, if recessed, volumetric-distribution fixtures that place some light on walls to eliminate the “cave effect” common with some parabolic fixtures.
Meanwhile, LED lighting offers opportunities to improve efficiency dramatically. Still, the overall technology remains relatively new, and fms should proceed with caution, particularly hen confronted by options such as LED T8 lamp replacements, which have not fared well in independent product testing at the DOE. (For results from past DOE testing of LED lighting, visit this DOE Website.)
For rest of article please visit
http://www.todaysfacilitymanager.com/articles/services-and-maintenance-planning-the-next-lighting-upgrade.php
LED Lighting Retrofits
A good practice for businesses looking to reduce energy expenses is to consider an LED lighting retrofit. Lighting retrofits replace lighting with newer technology such as LED linear lighting to save on energy costs and maintenance costs. Many building experts recommend a lighting retrofit as the first step to reducing energy costs. Redbird LED is an Atlanta based manufacturer and designer of Premium LED lights at value price points. For more information please visit their LED Retrofit website or call ( 678) 733-2473
By Craig DiLouie
Between 2005 and 2009, fluorescent ballast regulations imposed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) became effective in phases, limiting availability of T12 magnetic ballasts in new fixtures. In July 2010, the final phase of these regulations went into effect, virtually eliminating fluorescent F40T12, F96T12 and F96T12HO magnetic ballasts from the market. This includes both full wattage and energy saving versions (e.g., ballasts for 34W T12 lamps) as well as replacement ballasts—with few exceptions.
According to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), about seven percent of the fluorescent ballast market is magnetic ballasts. This is an indicator that this type of ballast is no longer popular in new construction, but they continue to be purchased to service existing installations. As facility managers (fms) and distributors deplete their inventories of these ballasts, they will have to make the switch to more efficient lighting systems.
The final nail, however, is coming in 2012. In that year, new DOE fluorescent lamp regulations will take effect, strengthening standards for lamp types covered by previous regulation while also covering 8' T8, 4' T5, along with more wattages of 4' T8 and T12 lamps. The net result, with few exceptions, is that a majority of 4' linear and 2' U-shaped T12, many 8' T12 and T12HO, and some low color rendering 4' T8 lamps will be eliminated.
According to NEMA, about 30% of fluorescent 4' lamps sold each year are T12. As with magnetic ballasts, they are not popular in new construction, but there are millions installed in existing buildings. In 2012, fms will have no choice but to upgrade.
Scheduling The Changes
A basic choice will be whether to replace an existing T12 lighting system all at once in a planned upgrade or to replace individual components as they fail. Replacing the entire system may seem challenging because of the upfront cost for equipment and installation labor; in addition, fms must accept the idea of disposing of ballasts that may still be providing reliable operation.
However, having maintenance staff replace individual components as they fail presents severe disadvantages. First, with T12 lamps being phased out soon, it makes little sense to buy electronic T12 ballasts, so the next basic option is an electronic ballasted T8 system. Since a T8 ballast must operate a compatible T8 lamp, a maintenance department would have to replace the ballast plus the lamps that the ballast operates.
This would result in a mix of T12 and T8 ballasts and lamps in inventory ad also in the general lighting system, which could cause confusion, risk performance problems due to incompatibilities, potentially have a negative impact on lighting conditions and appearance, and deny opportunities to reevaluate the lighting system and take advantage of good lighting practices and volume purchasing.
Fms are seizing these opportunities. According to a survey conducted in February 2010 by Today’s Facility Manager (TFM) and NEMA EnLIGHTen America, 54% of responding fms plan to conduct lighting upgrades within the next three years. (The TFM April 2010 article reporting on the results of this lighting survey can be found here.)
Once a decision is made to upgrade the lighting system, the fm has taken control of the situation and can work to maximize the impact of new lighting. A major benefit is energy costs savings. In this regard, substantial opportunities can be found in buildings that use older technologies (such as T12 systems), that have very high utility costs, and where lighting is uncontrolled and left on all night. T12 systems, for example, can be upgraded to realize energy savings as high as 50% or more in offices, classrooms, and other applications.
The next basic choice facing the fm is whether to retrofit or redesign a lighting system. In a retrofit, new lamps and ballasts are installed in existing fixtures and existing controls replaced. In a redesign, the fixtures themselves may be replaced or moved.
While energy is important, productivity is also very important to businesses. Studies show that large numbers of people are unsatisfied with the lighting in their workspaces. According to a 1999 office lighting study conducted by Steelcase, 38% of workers said the lighting in their workspaces was either too dim or too bright. Further, three out of four workers said better lighting would improve their efficiency and productivity, and two out of three said they would be more creative.lighting fixtures illumination quality
Fms who are interested in an energy saving retrofit, therefore, may instead actually need a redesign that not only reduces energy consumption, but that also improves lighting quality. According to the TFM/NEMA EnLIGHTen America survey, all respondents consider improving occupant satisfaction with the facility, and the organization overall, as an important goal of a lighting upgrade project.
Good lighting quality, according to the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), accounts for factors such as visual comfort, glare, uniformity, color rendering, lighting on walls and ceilings, and harsh patterns, shadows, and flicker. If a facility’s primary spaces have been retasked for new purposes for which the existing lighting system provides insufficient lighting conditions (or uniformity is poor, there is little light on walls and ceilings, or there are obvious, unaddressed sources of glare), and if occupants are unhappy with their lighting, then a redesign may provide the most benefit.
Executing The Project
Once these decisions are made, what follows is a normal retrofit or renovation. Energy efficient lighting technologies have been undergoing development for decades, and there are many reliable solutions now available from manufacturers. Regarding lamps and ballasts, fms can consider T8 systems. There are now 23W, 25W, 28W, 32W (normal output), and 32W (high output, or “Super T8”) T8 lamps available, which offer a choice of power and light output.
There are also electronic ballasts available with a range of efficiencies and ballast factors, enabling further tuning of light output. The most efficient ballasts carry the NEMA Premium mark on the ballast label.
Regarding fixtures, fms can consider T5 systems, direct/indirect lighting, and, if recessed, volumetric-distribution fixtures that place some light on walls to eliminate the “cave effect” common with some parabolic fixtures.
Meanwhile, LED lighting offers opportunities to improve efficiency dramatically. Still, the overall technology remains relatively new, and fms should proceed with caution, particularly hen confronted by options such as LED T8 lamp replacements, which have not fared well in independent product testing at the DOE. (For results from past DOE testing of LED lighting, visit this DOE Website.)
For rest of article please visit
http://www.todaysfacilitymanager.com/articles/services-and-maintenance-planning-the-next-lighting-upgrade.php
LED Lighting Retrofits
A good practice for businesses looking to reduce energy expenses is to consider an LED lighting retrofit. Lighting retrofits replace lighting with newer technology such as LED linear lighting to save on energy costs and maintenance costs. Many building experts recommend a lighting retrofit as the first step to reducing energy costs. Redbird LED is an Atlanta based manufacturer and designer of Premium LED lights at value price points. For more information please visit their LED Retrofit website or call ( 678) 733-2473
Saturday, January 30, 2010
New Website Launched for Parking Garage Lighting Retrofits
Redbird LED, an Atlanta based designer, manufacturer and distributor of LED Tubes launched a website for parking garage owners and managers, www.parkingdeckleds.com. The website provides information on the many benefits of LED Tube lights in a parking deck applications. Parking garage owners can achieve even bigger savings from the reduced energy costs from operating LED Tube lights versus conventional lighting. LED Tube lights last much longer than conventional lighting- between 5 and ten years. This dramatically reduces maintenance costs because the lights do not have to be changed as frequently.
Many retailers, hotels, universities and corporations are saving between 30 and 60 % on their energy bills with the conversion to LED Tube lights.
For more detailed information please visit www.parkingdeckleds.com
or call 678-733-2473
Many retailers, hotels, universities and corporations are saving between 30 and 60 % on their energy bills with the conversion to LED Tube lights.
For more detailed information please visit www.parkingdeckleds.com
or call 678-733-2473
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Grocery Stores uses LED Lighting in their Sustainability Model
Star Market’s renovated store in Chestnut Hill in Newton, Mass., is breaking new ground for the supermarket industry in terms of sustainability, combining the use of fuel cell electricity, LED lighting, and glycol/carbon dioxide refrigeration. Not only is it the first grocery store in the nation to receive the Environmental Protection Agency’s GreenChill Partnership platinum award, but it’s one of the first to be lit entirely with LEDs.
The advanced refrigeration technology in the store, which is part of Supervalu’s Shaw/Star Market line of supermarkets, significantly reduces its impact on climate change and the stratospheric ozone layer by cutting the use of refrigerants by 85%, compared with the typical supermarket. The heat-exchange fluids for the refrigeration systems are glycol (for cooler cases, such as dairy) and carbon dioxide (for the colder freezer cases). The use of glycol and carbon dioxide will translate into a reduction in refrigerant charge of up to 90%.
“This store shows that smart design and advanced technologies help us right now to better protect our climate, the ozone layer, and our health,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation.
The GreenChill Advanced Refrigeration Partnership is an EPA cooperative alliance with the supermarket industry to promote advanced technologies, strategies, and practices that reduce refrigerant charges and emissions of ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases.
The supermarket is powered by an ultra-clean fuel cell, which is virtually pollution free. It uses natural gas, and its by-products are water and heat energy. By using the fuel cell, Star Market is guaranteed power at all times for refrigeration, HVAC, elevators, cash registers and lighting. The harnessed heat energy will cool refrigeration cases (through absorption chiller technology) year round and heat the store in the winter. By providing virtually all the power for the store, the fuel cell does not tax the public power grid.
Lighting: Solid-state lighting, or LEDs, provide all the illumination, both on the exterior and interior, at the supermarket, which has about 35,000 sq. ft. of selling space. The LEDs, are expected to last eight to 10 years. In contrast, conventional lighting lasts approximately eight to 18 months. Star Market estimates that the LEDS will reduce energy usage by 50% to 65.
The lighting was supplied by Osram Sylvania.
In other energy-saving features, automated pull-down shades cover the deli and produce cases.
According to published reports, the Chestnut Hill store is a test lab for energy-efficient technologies that Supervalu hopes to use next in California.
Simon Property Group Retrofitted Lighting in Kiosks with LED Technology
Simon Property Group, the country's largest shopping center owner, developer and manager is taking advantage of the tremendous energy savings that can be realized by retrofitting their lighting with LED lights. It has retrofitted nearly 650 carts and kiosks in 29 malls from New Jersey to New Hampshire with energy-efficient LED lamps.
Simon decided to replace the haolgen reflector lights that were used in the self-standing carts and kiosks with 5 watt replacement LED lamps. "While providing the same high-quality lighting that Simon mall shoppers have come to expect, the Lighting Science Group energy-efficient LED lamps will reduce energy consumption by 85%, save over 1.3 million kWh of electricity, annually, and will have a positive impact on the environment by avoiding the emission of 944 metric tons of CO2," said George Caraghiaur, VP energy services at Simon.
It’s expected that Simon will also realize an immediate positive impact on its bottom line, with an annual operational savings of over $250,000 and a payback in 10 months, according to Zach Gibler, CEO of Lighting Science Group.
The energy-savings calculation for the retrofit is based on replacing 10,000 35-watt halogen lamps with 5-watt LED retrofit lamps operating 12 hours/day at $0.15/kWh rate. Maintenance savings has also been included in the payback analysis.
RedBird LED based in Atlanta recently announced new LED Tube lighting that offer retailers opportunities to save energy and maintenance costs. For more information please visit their website at www.redbirdled.com
Simon decided to replace the haolgen reflector lights that were used in the self-standing carts and kiosks with 5 watt replacement LED lamps. "While providing the same high-quality lighting that Simon mall shoppers have come to expect, the Lighting Science Group energy-efficient LED lamps will reduce energy consumption by 85%, save over 1.3 million kWh of electricity, annually, and will have a positive impact on the environment by avoiding the emission of 944 metric tons of CO2," said George Caraghiaur, VP energy services at Simon.
It’s expected that Simon will also realize an immediate positive impact on its bottom line, with an annual operational savings of over $250,000 and a payback in 10 months, according to Zach Gibler, CEO of Lighting Science Group.
The energy-savings calculation for the retrofit is based on replacing 10,000 35-watt halogen lamps with 5-watt LED retrofit lamps operating 12 hours/day at $0.15/kWh rate. Maintenance savings has also been included in the payback analysis.
RedBird LED based in Atlanta recently announced new LED Tube lighting that offer retailers opportunities to save energy and maintenance costs. For more information please visit their website at www.redbirdled.com
Monday, December 28, 2009
The Future of LED Lighting is Now
When LEDs were discovered in the‘60s, they had relatively limited applications. Now, however, they’re doing hundreds of different types of jobs. They give light to traffic signals, take the place of LCDs in television sets, light up the jumbo boards at entertainment arenas, illuminate streets, parking lots and provide architectural and spot lighting for building exteriors and interior spaces. Adoption of these and other applications has been growing exponentially because, other than the sun, LEDs are the most efficient light source on the planet.
Smarter Than The Average Bulb
LEDs are different than conventional bulbs in that they fit directly into an electrical circuit. Instead of creating light by heating filaments or electronically exciting mercury vapor or other gases, they are illuminated by electrons that run through the semiconductor material to which they’re attached. Because there are no filaments, LEDs don’t get hot and, due to their efficiency, they require far less electric power than traditional light bulbs. They’re about 10 times more efficient than incandescent bulbs and double the efficiency of fluorescents. When you consider that they last 6 times longer than fluorescents (and easily outlast incandescent and HID bulbs by 40 times), the equation can yield a savings of up to 80% on lighting costs. Since lighting accounts for approximately 40% of total energy spend in buildings (lighting consumes 29% of all the electricity in the US), an LED retrofit can cut anenergy bill up to 40%!
True, LEDs are significantly more expensive to purchase initially—but the ROI over just one year is phenomenal, and the cost is continually coming down. LEDs are also much kinder to the environment and eliminate the hazards of mercury toxicity, CO2 emissions, etc.
Numbers Don’t Lie
Imagine an office with a bay of 2' x 4' fluorescent tubes that run from 9-5 weekdays at a cost of about $100 per year for electricity. To light the same area, LED tubes would cost only $30 a year. Every 100 lighting bays, therefore, represents an annual savings potential of 7,000—even more, actually, because of the life expectancy of the bulbs. The LEDs will last for 50,000 hours (25 years at 2,000 hours per typical year); by comparison, the fluorescent bulbs will burn for an estimated 20,000 hours, and they will lose 60% of their light output after 12,000 hours. The reduced maintenance costs could boost lighting savings beyond 80%.
Of the 1.5 billion sf of central business district office inventory in the US, the average floor plate is approximately 25,000 sf. Fire codes typically require one fire escape per 10,000 sf.
Extrapolating from that, there are approximately 150,000 fire escape doors in the central business districts of the nation. If just these fire escape doors were retrofit with LED tube bulbs, applying the 80% savings factor would result in a national savings of $54 million (or an expenditure of $13.5 million per year as opposed to the $67.5 million for the currently used low-tech fluorescent tubes). Over an 8-year period, the collective savings would exceed $400 million for just fire door illumination!
A major east coast hotel with significant convention and meeting space had a run rate of just over 5 million kWh per year for its lighting. The annualized lighting cost for 2009 was slated to be $492,000; with deregulation in 2010, the cost could have increased to $690,000. In 2009, however, the hotel performed an LED retrofit. It is now projected that electricity consumption will drop to just over 665,000 kWh and the lighting costs for 2010 will be just under 90,000—an annual savings of $600,000! For a million square feet, the $.60 per sf tax deduction adds another $600,000. In a 33 percent tax bracket, the net to bottom line savings is $200,000.
Article continues at Realcomm.com please click here
Article Sponsor RedBird LED
Redbird LED is your resource for quality engineered and designed LED Tube lights. We offer value pricing so you can increase your ROI from this investment even faster. Please call us for more information on financing programs and tax incentives. For more information please us at 678.REDBIRD or www.redbirdled.com
Smarter Than The Average Bulb
LEDs are different than conventional bulbs in that they fit directly into an electrical circuit. Instead of creating light by heating filaments or electronically exciting mercury vapor or other gases, they are illuminated by electrons that run through the semiconductor material to which they’re attached. Because there are no filaments, LEDs don’t get hot and, due to their efficiency, they require far less electric power than traditional light bulbs. They’re about 10 times more efficient than incandescent bulbs and double the efficiency of fluorescents. When you consider that they last 6 times longer than fluorescents (and easily outlast incandescent and HID bulbs by 40 times), the equation can yield a savings of up to 80% on lighting costs. Since lighting accounts for approximately 40% of total energy spend in buildings (lighting consumes 29% of all the electricity in the US), an LED retrofit can cut anenergy bill up to 40%!
True, LEDs are significantly more expensive to purchase initially—but the ROI over just one year is phenomenal, and the cost is continually coming down. LEDs are also much kinder to the environment and eliminate the hazards of mercury toxicity, CO2 emissions, etc.
Numbers Don’t Lie
Imagine an office with a bay of 2' x 4' fluorescent tubes that run from 9-5 weekdays at a cost of about $100 per year for electricity. To light the same area, LED tubes would cost only $30 a year. Every 100 lighting bays, therefore, represents an annual savings potential of 7,000—even more, actually, because of the life expectancy of the bulbs. The LEDs will last for 50,000 hours (25 years at 2,000 hours per typical year); by comparison, the fluorescent bulbs will burn for an estimated 20,000 hours, and they will lose 60% of their light output after 12,000 hours. The reduced maintenance costs could boost lighting savings beyond 80%.
Of the 1.5 billion sf of central business district office inventory in the US, the average floor plate is approximately 25,000 sf. Fire codes typically require one fire escape per 10,000 sf.
Extrapolating from that, there are approximately 150,000 fire escape doors in the central business districts of the nation. If just these fire escape doors were retrofit with LED tube bulbs, applying the 80% savings factor would result in a national savings of $54 million (or an expenditure of $13.5 million per year as opposed to the $67.5 million for the currently used low-tech fluorescent tubes). Over an 8-year period, the collective savings would exceed $400 million for just fire door illumination!
A major east coast hotel with significant convention and meeting space had a run rate of just over 5 million kWh per year for its lighting. The annualized lighting cost for 2009 was slated to be $492,000; with deregulation in 2010, the cost could have increased to $690,000. In 2009, however, the hotel performed an LED retrofit. It is now projected that electricity consumption will drop to just over 665,000 kWh and the lighting costs for 2010 will be just under 90,000—an annual savings of $600,000! For a million square feet, the $.60 per sf tax deduction adds another $600,000. In a 33 percent tax bracket, the net to bottom line savings is $200,000.
Article continues at Realcomm.com please click here
Article Sponsor RedBird LED
Redbird LED is your resource for quality engineered and designed LED Tube lights. We offer value pricing so you can increase your ROI from this investment even faster. Please call us for more information on financing programs and tax incentives. For more information please us at 678.REDBIRD or www.redbirdled.com
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