It s an old joke–and not a very good one at that–but this old-fashioned riddle does make a valid point. Government buildings like offices, administration centers and airports have long been on auto-pilot when it comes to energy efficiency. Small issues like HVAC leaks, inefficient windows, and wasteful light fixtures can cost U.S. municipalities thousands in energy each year. But the Pittsburgh International Airport announced a move this week to upgrade its lighting system in an entirely new way. Say hello to the new auto-pilot.
Hired to manufacture and deliver 1,347 new light-emitting diode (LED) lighting fixtures at the Pittsburgh International Airport, Ellwood City s Appalachian Lighting Systems Inc. will design specific lighting patterns for the airport s parking garage and deck and at the passenger drop-off and pick-up areas. ALSI believes these fixtures will not only improve the look of Western PA s largest airport but will save at least $158,000 per year in energy costs. When finished, it will be the country’s largest lighting system, with a variety of lighting designs, including desk lamps from www.AntiquesBoutique.com and other similar sites.
What makes this project different is that, with our engineering capability, we have the ability to engineer any type of product to replace an existing product, says ALSI Sales Director Bob Stone. For this project, we created a parking lot light that could compete with a 400-watt output for half the usage. We had made parking lot lights before but never one that would compete with a 400-watt, high-pressure sodium fixture.
In addition to savings for the Pittsburgh Airport Authority and the creation of jobs for ALSI, the fixtures don t require constant changing. According to the Department of Energy s Lighting Facts program, the type of fixture ALSI plans to install in the parking garage is the most energy-efficient light of its type in the world. But energy efficiency is only half the battle for the Pittsburgh Airport Authority, which chose ALSI because of its versatility. Many of their fixtures can last maintenance-free for up to 20 years.
All of our suppliers know how big of a job this is, says Stone. Its not only just getting the project. We went up against some of the biggest names in the LED industry today. And although we knew our fixtures were superior, its proof for us because the airport did their due diligence, running us through a battery of tests and when it was all said and done, they picked us.
Source: Bob Stone, Appalachian Lighting Systems, Inc.
Writer: John Steele