Profiles in lighting upgrades

Susan Bloom

This special 2008 series offers examples of how real-life commercial, institutional, and industrial properties nationwide have successfully pursued and benefited from lighting upgrades.

When asked to reduce its energy use by 35% by 2010 as part of a federal government requirement, Oklahoma-based Altus Air Force Base proved that it was not only committed to serving as a premier air mobility training location for the United States Air Force, but as a responsible community partner and Federal team member as well.

Altus' project involved the upgrade of old fluorescent T12 lamps, magnetic ballasts, and inefficient incandescent and HID lighting technology within 93 buildings to new, energy-efficient T8 and T5 fluorescent lamps driven by high efficiency electronic and dimming ballasts, as well as the conversion of 250 exit signs using highly-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) technology.

As a result of the upgrade, lighting quality has improved dramatically, the base's energy consumption has been reduced by over 6 million kWh annually, and the base will recoup its investment in just four years, reflecting an attractive ROI of 25%.

Confirms Altus Air Force Base energy manager Warren Howard, "this lighting project has significantly reduced the amount of energy we consume while providing improved light levels in all areas of our facilities, particularly in the hangars. The energy savings will enable the base to make necessary capital improvements without impacting the operating budget, which is a win-win for the thousands we employ as well as the larger community.

Susan Bloom is director of corporate communications, for Philips Lighting & Advance, Somerset, N.J.