Horizon Goodwill Industries Reduces Energy Costs Over Eighty Percent by Investing in a LED Lighting Campaign
Hagerstown, MD (PRWEB) June 10, 2016 -- Horizon Goodwill Industries (HGI) has begun an initiative to convert to energy efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting and associated fixtures as part of an investment in energy savings, greenhouse gas emission reductions and to enhance customer and employee safety. CEO, John McCain said, “The first phase of the initiative was completed in February 2016 at the MacLean Career Development Center in Hagerstown. By reducing energy consumption, this conversion is expected to save more than $32,771 or 84% of the current estimated energy costs for lighting the facility annually.”
Also, automatic motion sensors were installed on most fixtures to reduce further energy in areas of intermittent activity. Since LED lights have a lifespan of approximately 15 years, savings will also be realized through reduced maintenance requirements.
This program continues HGI’s commitment to sustainability and resource stewardship. Conserving energy by utilizing LED fixtures in all of their owned buildings compliments existing sustainability efforts that include the processing and resale of donated goods, recycling and e-cycling, and salvage programs already in place.
The project is expected to save approximately 356,209-kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, equivalent to annually providing electricity for 32 homes. Over a ten year period, the conversion is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 26,710 metric tons, equal to taking 479 cars off the road. Additionally, all existing metal halide, fluorescent, and incandescent fixtures, ballasts, and lamps were recycled to the fullest extent possible to minimize landfill waste.
Later this year, a second phase will convert all lighting fixtures at two additional locations in Cumberland, MD. Estimates for this phase of the project predict additional annual utility savings of $32,925 and 332,575 kWh. Also, the Hagerstown-South End shopping center will receive LED lighting when a new store location opens in fall 2016.
Horizon Goodwill collaborated with kW Efficiency of Frederick, MD on the conversion. HGI expects to invest $114,648 in capital funding to complete both phases and will leverage $35,942 in non-profit grants and an estimated $118,000 in rebates from Potomac Edison for the conversion. HGI also received a grant from the Ferguson Electric Foundation of $20,000. The annual utility savings are expected to pay for the cost of the new fixtures within three years.
HGI serves people in Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia and can support needs that could otherwise go unmet in local communities. Goodwill’s vision is helping people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work.
Tracie Hovey, Ovation PR & Advertising, http://www.ovationpr.net, +1 916-712-2781, [email protected]
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