Posted by Pam Hoddinott 
On Fri May 19LED lights are commonplace today. You know what they are – the small lights that illuminate keyboards, computer screens, traffic lights, flashlights, and even car headlights. They also illuminate the inside and outside of businesses. One of the easiest ways an organization can improve its energy sustainability is with an LED lighting upgrade or retrofit.
LED lights have gained popularity in helping organizations with their sustainability strategy because they require less power and use less energy than conventional sources of light (fluorescent or halogen bulbs), thereby saving money and lowering carbon footprint. Installing LED lighting in facilities is a fast and simple way to reduce energy consumption.
“Lighting accounts for nearly 5% of global CO2 emissions,” according to the Climate Group. “A global switch to energy-efficient light emitting diode (LED) technology could save over 1,400 million tons of CO2 and avoid the construction of 1,250 power stations.”
LEDs can use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Organizations that switch from traditional lighting sources see a significant reduction in monthly utility bills. In addition, businesses with high occupancy levels – such as restaurants or retail stores – will also benefit from reduced cooling costs. LEDs produce less heat than incandescent bulbs.
LED lighting has numerous environmental benefits. The most obvious is carbon footprint reduction since less energy is needed to power LED lights. Reduced kWh or energy use directly decreases the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere.
LED lights have a much longer lifespan than traditional bulbs. They also require less maintenance and are more durable overall. This is especially important for businesses that depend on their lighting systems to function properly at all times. Retail stores or manufacturing plants cannot continue business without proper lighting.
LED bulbs need less frequent replacement lowering the cost of product replacements. High-quality LED bulbs can last 3 to 5 times longer than CFL.
Labor or maintenance costs associated with replacing traditional lamps are also significantly lowered, with staff spending less time replacing burned-out lamps. Maintenance personnel can focus their time on other sustainable energy solutions.
Traditional lighting, such as incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, typically contains traces of highly toxic mercury gas. Throwing out or improperly recycling these traditional lights has contributed to the increase of toxic mercury build-up in groundwater. LEDs are manufactured with no hazardous materials and can be recycled safely and easily without harming the environment.
Improvements don’t have to end there. Organizations can also have LED technology installed with sensors and timers for an even larger impact on sustainability and the bottom line.
Chateau Energy will evaluate lighting needs based on the type of application and usage through unique analytics. Based on those metrics, we apply a combination of smart, sensible, and automated upgrades that save money and increase lighting quality while lowering maintenance costs and boosting sustainability.
A qualified lighting partner can offer a full-service approach to lighting optimization that will have a positive impact on the environment. Chateau Energy provides expertise on everything from lighting audits, design and layouts, and installation to project management, rebate and warranty administration, and recycling. Numerous case studies can be read here highlighting our proven lighting upgrade and retrofit expertise and sustainable energy solutions.
It is easy to understand how an LED Light upgrade or replacement can improve sustainability for an organization. It has become one of the most reasonable and easily accessible technologies to assist in decarbonization efforts.
Contact Chateau Energy for your LED lighting upgrade or retrofit needs.
Ready to get started on the path to energy efficiency and sustainability?
