DePaul University in Chicago expects to achieve energy savings of up to 60 percent with an LED Retrofit at their Sheffield parking garage. They replaced the 210-watt metal halide lights in the parking garage on its Lincoln Park campus with 90-watt LED lights. The new LED parking garage lights use less than half the energy of the previous lights, and will save the University thousands of dollars per year in energy and maintenance costs while providing more uniform light on the ground and increased visibility and campus safety.
In addition to using 60% less energy, the parking garage LED lights are designed to be maintenance-free, requiring no bulb replacements for approximately six years. LED lights are extremely durable and robust in challenging environments, such as high-traffic outdoor areas. The vast reduction in maintenance needs shortens the payback period, allowing DePaul to realize a quicker return on their investment in the energy-efficient lighting.
DePaul’s sustainability efforts on the operations side are led by Bob Janis, vice president for Facility Operations and task force member. His staff has overseen the completion of more than $5 million in energy-related projects in recent years, focusing mainly on lighting and heating/ventilation/air conditioning retrofits.
"DePaul's LED lighting program is one of many environmentally sustainable efforts the university has implemented across our campuses in recent years," said vice-president for faculty operations Bob Janis. "DePaul is committed to preserving resources for future generations and continuing a variety of eco-friendly initiatives that have garnered national recognition in recent years."
About 98 percent of all campus lighting fixtures use energy-efficient illumination, such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, low-voltage LED lighting and automatic daylight shut-off. It’s estimated that DePaul will produce about 237,000 fewer pounds of carbon dioxide as it switches the 24/7 lighting in the Sheffield Parking Garage this year from conventional to LED lighting.
Blog Sponsor: Redbird LED
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
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Redbird LED Completes Parking Garage Lighting Retrofit
Redbird LED, an Atlanta , GA.
The perimeter of Buckhead Marketplace parking garage is now brilliantly illuminated with the Redbird LED Vapor Tight Luminaries (40 watt). Redbird LED selected this product to enhance the lighting of parking spaces and walls along the periphery of the parking garage. The field adjustable illumination pattern allows the walls to be washed with light without any glare to pedestrians. The Vapor Tight Luminaries have a 50,000 hour lifetime, which reduces maintenance and energy costs for the shopping center owner. The Redbird LED parking garage LED lighting uses high efficacy linear light modules with controlled directional intensity which can be adjusted as needed on installation. The directionality of the Vapor Tight Luminaries was a key feature to provide the right lighting for the parking garage walls.
In addition to energy savings, LED lighting provides many advantages for parking garage owners. LED lights contain no harmful mercury so they do not need to be recycled; they operate much better in cold weather than fluorescent lamps and are more resistant to damage. “LED linear lights were a great solution for the Buckhead Marketplace project. The quality of the lighting has been enhanced and they will realize energy savings for many years” said Jonathan Eppstein, President of Redbird LED.
For more information on the Redbird LED Linear Lighting products please visit their website at www.redbirdled.com.or call 678.733.2473
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
DHL Launching Lighting Retrofit Program
DHL has launched a Lighting Retrofit Program at its Global Forwarding unit in the Americas region to help the company improve CO2 efficiency five percent by the end of 2010. The program will initially be rolled out in the United States before expanding to Canada and Mexico.
As part of Deutsche Post DHL and its GoGreen climate protection program, DHL Global Forwarding has committed to improving its CO2 efficiency by 30 percent by 2020 with an interim target of five percent by the end of this year. Deutsche Post DHL says it is the first logistics company in its industry to set a quantifiable environmental sustainability target.
The rollout will start at its Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, operation followed by Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas, Texas; and Miami, Florida. The San Juan, Puerto Rico operations is also planned in the initial rollout before expanding into Canada and Mexico where assessments are already under way.
By the end of the year, DHL Global Forwarding expects to achieve five percent CO2 efficiency improvements in the United States and Puerto Rico, together with a utility cost reduction of 50 percent and a projected CO2 reduction of 52 percent.
“Implementing a lighting retrofit program in our operations in the Americas, is one of the ways DHL Global Forwarding helps to protect the environment — and optimize operational costs,” said Sonia Nuñez, Head of GoGreen for DHL Global Forwarding, Americas.
DHL Global Forwarding operations in Houston, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; and Los Angeles, California already have efficient lighting.
In February 2008, the Toronto, Ontario facility in Canada was built with energy-efficient features. The advanced lighting system installed in the new facility is expected to deliver a 73 percent reduction in energy consumption for lighting.
DHL was one of three expedited shippers named by Inbound Logistics magazine on its list of “50 Green Supply Chain Partners.”
http://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/08/17/lighting-retrofits-to-cut-dhls-utility-costs-50-co2-emissions-52/
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
As part of Deutsche Post DHL and its GoGreen climate protection program, DHL Global Forwarding has committed to improving its CO2 efficiency by 30 percent by 2020 with an interim target of five percent by the end of this year. Deutsche Post DHL says it is the first logistics company in its industry to set a quantifiable environmental sustainability target.
The rollout will start at its Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, operation followed by Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas, Texas; and Miami, Florida. The San Juan, Puerto Rico operations is also planned in the initial rollout before expanding into Canada and Mexico where assessments are already under way.
By the end of the year, DHL Global Forwarding expects to achieve five percent CO2 efficiency improvements in the United States and Puerto Rico, together with a utility cost reduction of 50 percent and a projected CO2 reduction of 52 percent.
“Implementing a lighting retrofit program in our operations in the Americas, is one of the ways DHL Global Forwarding helps to protect the environment — and optimize operational costs,” said Sonia Nuñez, Head of GoGreen for DHL Global Forwarding, Americas.
DHL Global Forwarding operations in Houston, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; and Los Angeles, California already have efficient lighting.
In February 2008, the Toronto, Ontario facility in Canada was built with energy-efficient features. The advanced lighting system installed in the new facility is expected to deliver a 73 percent reduction in energy consumption for lighting.
DHL was one of three expedited shippers named by Inbound Logistics magazine on its list of “50 Green Supply Chain Partners.”
http://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/08/17/lighting-retrofits-to-cut-dhls-utility-costs-50-co2-emissions-52/
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
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
A comprehensive cash for clunker lighting program already exists, says representatives from the National Lighting Bureau, but far too few commercial lighting decision makers are using it, hurting their own organizations’ bottom lines and the environment. According to National Lighting Bureau President Howard P. Lewis, by qualifying for the Commercial Building Tax Deduction (CBTD), commercial lighting system owners can derive a tax benefit to help offset the cost of a new lighting system or lighting system improvement, up to 60¢ per square foot.
“The federal tax benefit in many cases only scratches the surface of the financial benefits available,” said Mike Colotti, vice president, brand management and marketing communications, for Bureau sponsor OSRAM SYLVANIA. “Other financial incentives include tax or other benefits from state governments as well as rebates from local electric utilities, plus significant utility savings in the form of lower energy costs and lower demand charges.”
Colotti explained that demand charges are based on the rate at which a commercial entity consumes electricity. Those that need more at any given time pay more, because the utility must invest more in generation, transmission, and distribution equipment to meet a customer’s “instantaneous” need. In many cases, demand charges can be influenced for months or an entire year—based on a maximum need that occurs for an hour or less each year. In some cases, demand charges can equal or even exceed the cost of energy consumption.
“It’s important to note that July 1, 2010 marked an important ‘changing of the guard,’” Colotti said. On that date, it became illegal to manufacture or import many popular, conventional, T12 magnetic replacement ballasts. (The use of T12 magnetic ballasts in new lighting fixtures was phased out in prior years.) The Bureau estimates that as many as 500 million conventional T12 lamps are in place; perhaps more. “And conventional T12 lighting, by today’s technological standards, are true dinosaurs,” Colotti added.
Colotti advised commercial building lighting owners not to wait. “Many popular T12 lamps will be eliminated as of July 14, 2012 because of the 2009 Department of Energy lamp rulemaking and the ongoing fluorescent ballast rulemaking process that is expected to eliminate even more T12 ballasts. People need to get those T12 systems out of their buildings while incentives still are available to help offset their costs. Once we reach the point where T12 systems can’t be purchased or maintained—and we’ll be there soon—there will be no reason to incentivize owners to replace them. They’ll have no choice.”
The designation T12 means that the lamp in question is a tube (T) with a diameter of 12/8″ (or 1.5″). Lewis noted, “T12 lamps were introduced in 1938, almost three-quarters of a century ago. And they’re still popular. The simplest replacements for them are one inch diameter T8 fluorescent lamps, but some people look at these with distrust, as though they were the new kid on the lighting block. But the fact is, T8s were introduced commercially in 1981, three decades ago. They’re hardly new, but the T8 lamps and the ballasts that operate them can make a powerful difference, especially given the improved lamps and ballasts that have been introduced in the last five years.”
Colotti observed that T12 users are probably spending about $8 billion or more each year to operate 500 million lamps, not including any demand charges. “Were they to convert to T8 lighting, they’d save just about half—48.8%—lowering their lighting energy bill to less than $4.1 billion. And that includes no allowance for a wide range of control related energy saving techniques such as occupancy sensing, dimming, and daylight harvesting.”
Of considerable concern to everyone, however, are the environmental benefits associated with conversion. According to Lewis, T12 lighting accounts for some 3,615 pounds of mercury “infiltrating” the environment each year as a consequence of lamp disposal and electric utility emissions. The greater efficiency of T8 lighting, and the smaller amount of mercury per lamp, could cut mercury infiltration by 43% and reduce utility carbon dioxide emissions by almost 24 million tons per year—from an estimated 48.8 million tons to 25. “Some say it’s irresponsible to keep T12 lighting in place,” Lewis said, “and I would be hard pressed to disagree.”
Colotti also urged T12 lighting system owners to consider T5 fluorescent lighting. “This, too, is regarded as something new,” he said, “but 2010 marks the 10th anniversary of commercial use of T5 fluorescent lighting systems. Generally speaking, one T5 high output lamp can replace two conventional T12s, and that in itself can have a major impact. Compared to T12 lighting, T5s cuts environmental mercury infiltration by almost 56% and reduces CO2 emissions by 12 million tons. Users could easily save 26% on their energy bill and could probably cut their demand bill even more” by converting from conventional T12 to T5.
According to Lewis, “T12 lighting system owners should at least evaluate alternatives. We are convinced that, in many cases, the benefits of conversion would be so eye popping, conversion would begin almost immediately.” Colotti added that “all of us pay dearly for a lighting system owner’s decision to keep obsolete lighting in place, because of the energy waste and avoidable environmental degradation it causes.”
http://todaysfacilitymanager.com/facilityblog/2010/08/untapped-resource-cash-for-clunkers-lighting-program.html
“The federal tax benefit in many cases only scratches the surface of the financial benefits available,” said Mike Colotti, vice president, brand management and marketing communications, for Bureau sponsor OSRAM SYLVANIA. “Other financial incentives include tax or other benefits from state governments as well as rebates from local electric utilities, plus significant utility savings in the form of lower energy costs and lower demand charges.”
Colotti explained that demand charges are based on the rate at which a commercial entity consumes electricity. Those that need more at any given time pay more, because the utility must invest more in generation, transmission, and distribution equipment to meet a customer’s “instantaneous” need. In many cases, demand charges can be influenced for months or an entire year—based on a maximum need that occurs for an hour or less each year. In some cases, demand charges can equal or even exceed the cost of energy consumption.
“It’s important to note that July 1, 2010 marked an important ‘changing of the guard,’” Colotti said. On that date, it became illegal to manufacture or import many popular, conventional, T12 magnetic replacement ballasts. (The use of T12 magnetic ballasts in new lighting fixtures was phased out in prior years.) The Bureau estimates that as many as 500 million conventional T12 lamps are in place; perhaps more. “And conventional T12 lighting, by today’s technological standards, are true dinosaurs,” Colotti added.
Colotti advised commercial building lighting owners not to wait. “Many popular T12 lamps will be eliminated as of July 14, 2012 because of the 2009 Department of Energy lamp rulemaking and the ongoing fluorescent ballast rulemaking process that is expected to eliminate even more T12 ballasts. People need to get those T12 systems out of their buildings while incentives still are available to help offset their costs. Once we reach the point where T12 systems can’t be purchased or maintained—and we’ll be there soon—there will be no reason to incentivize owners to replace them. They’ll have no choice.”
The designation T12 means that the lamp in question is a tube (T) with a diameter of 12/8″ (or 1.5″). Lewis noted, “T12 lamps were introduced in 1938, almost three-quarters of a century ago. And they’re still popular. The simplest replacements for them are one inch diameter T8 fluorescent lamps, but some people look at these with distrust, as though they were the new kid on the lighting block. But the fact is, T8s were introduced commercially in 1981, three decades ago. They’re hardly new, but the T8 lamps and the ballasts that operate them can make a powerful difference, especially given the improved lamps and ballasts that have been introduced in the last five years.”
Colotti observed that T12 users are probably spending about $8 billion or more each year to operate 500 million lamps, not including any demand charges. “Were they to convert to T8 lighting, they’d save just about half—48.8%—lowering their lighting energy bill to less than $4.1 billion. And that includes no allowance for a wide range of control related energy saving techniques such as occupancy sensing, dimming, and daylight harvesting.”
Of considerable concern to everyone, however, are the environmental benefits associated with conversion. According to Lewis, T12 lighting accounts for some 3,615 pounds of mercury “infiltrating” the environment each year as a consequence of lamp disposal and electric utility emissions. The greater efficiency of T8 lighting, and the smaller amount of mercury per lamp, could cut mercury infiltration by 43% and reduce utility carbon dioxide emissions by almost 24 million tons per year—from an estimated 48.8 million tons to 25. “Some say it’s irresponsible to keep T12 lighting in place,” Lewis said, “and I would be hard pressed to disagree.”
Colotti also urged T12 lighting system owners to consider T5 fluorescent lighting. “This, too, is regarded as something new,” he said, “but 2010 marks the 10th anniversary of commercial use of T5 fluorescent lighting systems. Generally speaking, one T5 high output lamp can replace two conventional T12s, and that in itself can have a major impact. Compared to T12 lighting, T5s cuts environmental mercury infiltration by almost 56% and reduces CO2 emissions by 12 million tons. Users could easily save 26% on their energy bill and could probably cut their demand bill even more” by converting from conventional T12 to T5.
According to Lewis, “T12 lighting system owners should at least evaluate alternatives. We are convinced that, in many cases, the benefits of conversion would be so eye popping, conversion would begin almost immediately.” Colotti added that “all of us pay dearly for a lighting system owner’s decision to keep obsolete lighting in place, because of the energy waste and avoidable environmental degradation it causes.”
http://todaysfacilitymanager.com/facilityblog/2010/08/untapped-resource-cash-for-clunkers-lighting-program.html
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