Profiles in lighting upgrades

Without a doubt, lighting upgrades involving energy-efficient lamps, ballasts, controls, etc. stand as some of the most attractive investments around. The final installment in this special 2008 series offers examples of how real-life commercial, institutional, and industrial properties nationwide have successfully pursued and benefited from lighting upgrades. A lighter, brighter, more energy-efficient future was in store for the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) when it recently undertook a lighting upgrade within three of its Central and North Island hospitals. Possessing an outdated lighting system consisting primarily of inefficient T12 fluorescent lamps driven by magnetic ballasts, VIHA Energy Manager Nancy Gunn's main objective was "to conserve energy and help sustain the environment without compromising lighting levels or quality of light." The solution came in the form of over 13,000 highly efficient 25 Watt low-mercury T8 fluorescent lamps driven by electronic ballasts, an optimized system which delivered outstanding light output at minimal energy cost without risk of interference to any electronic equipment. As a function of the upgrade, energy consumption within the three facilities has been reduced by more than 1 million kWh annually, light levels have improved significantly, and, says VIHA's Gunn, "the staff members within the facilities have been very happy and appreciative of the change, which has definitely enhanced the work environment for both themselves and their patients." Concludes Gunn, "the lighting upgrade project was a tremendous success, allowing us to increase our lighting levels, achieve projected energy saving targets, and help support the purification of our environment." Susan Bloom is director of corporate communications for Philips Lighting & Advance, Somerset, N.J.