Profiles in lighting upgrades: 2008 series

Without a doubt, lighting upgrades involving energy-efficient lamps, ballasts, controls, etc. stand as some of the most attractive investments around. This special 2008 series offers examples of how real-life commercial, institutional, and industrial properties nationwide have successfully pursued and benefited from lighting upgrades. Welcoming over 16 million visitors in 2007-2008, the central branch of the L.A. Public Library has been a well-known and high-profile part of the downtown L.A. community since its original construction in 1926. In an effort to continually improve its broad array of services as well as highlight its notable art and architecture, the L.A. Library staff recently completed an extensive lighting upgrade. Designed to reduce energy consumption and costs and improve lighting quality, the project involved the upgrade of outdated T12 fluorescent lamps driven by magnetic ballasts to a system involving 25-watt and 32-watt T8 fluorescent lamps driven by electronic ballasts. The new system improved the quality of light within the library, enhancing the contrast, definition, usable light levels, and visual acuity within the interior. In addition, the upgrade reduced the facility's energy consumption by 244 kW and annual energy costs by an estimated $100,000, or 40%. According to a spokesman for the L.A. Central Library, "we have received nothing but thanks from staff and patrons for improving lighting in the open book stacks as well as in the accounting and administrative areas. We are very excited about the elevation in visibility and energy efficiency that this outstanding upgrade has brought to our historic facility." Susan Bloom is director of corporate communications for Philips Lighting & Advance, Somerset, N.J.