| P2 Success Stories Lighting Changeovers – A First Step Toward Saving Energy |
| From: Protecting the Ozone Layer, Creating Markets for
Recycled Materials, and Conserving Natural Resources; Federal and State
Agencies Share Successes
Depending on the size of a facility, lighting changeovers can often be a short-term project that produces long-term gains in energy conservation. Several federal facilities in Alaska, including Fort Wainwright, and the Bureau of Land Management’s Alaska Fire Service and Office of Aircraft Services, have started programs where inefficient fluorescent light fixtures and ballasts are replaced by energy-efficient, low-mercury bulbs and electronic ballasts. A lighting changeover program can either be funded entirely up front, or can be implemented on an attrition basis as bulbs and ballasts need replacing.
OBJECTIVE:
Replace older, inefficient lighting fixtures with more environmentally friendly fixtures that contain less hazardous substances, use less energy, and last longer.
PROCESS:
Fort Wainwright has changed their procurement specifications to require the purchase of low-mercury fluorescent lights and PCB-free ballasts. The Office of Aircraft Safety replaced approximately 120 fluorescent lights and ballasts with new, low mercury, energy-efficient systems.
RESULTS:
Fort Wainwright is eliminating their old fluorescent lights through attrition and has stopped the purchase of any new bulbs that do not meet the new specifications for low mercury and increased energy efficiency. Although the new bulbs cost about 15% more than the older models, the costs are offset by a reduction in energy consumption. The new bulbs provide 98% as much light as the old ones and use up to 40% less energy when installed with electronic ballasts. In addition, the old bulbs were still considered mercury-contaminated waste after being processed through their bulb recycler. The new bulbs have eliminated this waste stream and the expensive disposal costs associated with it. The Alaska Fire Service estimates a 3-year payback for their investments in the new bulbs and ballasts from decreased energy costs. Another benefit of the new electronic ballasts is that they operate 30% cooler than the old ones, which decreases their energy costs for air conditioning during the summer. The Office of Aircraft Safety estimates a 3-year payback for their lighting changeover program from decreased energy costs. They have seen imporvements in worker productivity since the new fixtures require less maintenance and expose workers to less hazardous substances.
CONTACT:
Mr. Larry Pellegrino Mr. Ron Kirshnek Charles Mathwig |