This month, Federal efficiency standards regulating fluorescent magnetic T12 ballasts entered their final phase, effectively eliminating these ballasts from the market, with few exceptions.
WattStopper Controls Contribute to 40% Energy Savings in Kaiser Permanente Warehouse
Kaiser Permanente installed WattStopper lighting controls as part of a warehouse renovation designed to improve lighting and reduced energy consumption. The upgrade resulted in better task lighting throughout the facility and energy savings of over 40%, as detailed in the following case study.
Congress Extends Commercial Buildings Deduction to 2013
The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005 created the Commercial Buildings Deduction (CBD), which established an accelerated tax deduction rewarding investment in energy-efficient interior lighting, HVAC/hot water systems and building envelope. Initially set to expire December 31, 2007 and then December 31, 2008, the CBD was recently extended by Congress to expire in five years: December 31, 2013.
NEMA Premium Brand Now Includes High-Efficiency Fluorescent Electronic Ballasts for 4-Ft. T8 Lamps
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) launched the Premium Ballast program to identify the industry’s most efficient fluorescent fixed-output and dimmable electronic T8 ballasts, thereby providing a mechanism for market recognition and specification of these products.
Watt Stopper Lighting Control Panel Upgrade Provides Dramatic Improvement at Lander University
For years, Lander University relied on a programmable relay-based system installed in the mid 1980s to provide energy-saving scheduled control of lighting and equipment for its most vital buildings. While the system, which controlled the Learning Center, Cultural Center, Student Center and Athletic Complex, had initially served its purpose, the controls had become antiquated and unreliable. After experiencing numerous disruptions to classes and events, engineers at the state university in Greenwood, S.C., set out to research replacement options.
Engineering Services Department personnel priced equipment and installation costs for a variety of solutions and were delighted to learn about Watt Stopper/Legrand’s unique ability to upgrade older GE panels, retrofitting them with new control engines. For less than ten percent of the cost of a new system, they could refurbish the existing panels and enjoy the benefits of a sophisticated, modern control system. The university could significantly extend the life of its capital equipment and avoid sending materials to a landfill. Additionally, the upgrade would take much less time than a full replacement.
Square D Clipsal Lighting Control Products Key Cog in Award-Winning Elementary School Retrofit Project
Square D® Clipsal® lighting control products from Schneider Electric were key components in a retrofit project at Fay Herron Elementary School near Las Vegas, Nev., that was honored as a Best of 2007 project by Southwest Contractor magazine. The award program, which honored the Fay Herron Elementary School Rehabilitation and Modernization project as winner of the Mechanical/Electrical category, recognizes construction and design excellence in Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico. The project was one of 218 entries submitted from Nevada, among more than 700 total entries from the tri-state area.
Square D® Clipsal® Products Key Part of Energy Retrofit Project at Las Vegas Area Elementary School
Schneider Electric announced that its Square D® Clipsal® line of lighting control products is being incorporated into a major energy retrofit project at Fay Herron Elementary School in North Las Vegas, Nev. The school, part of the Clark County School District, is the subject of a project that includes HVAC replacement and installation of new insulated walls and dropped ceilings, in addition to lighting control. Eight of the 12 buildings on the Fay Herron Elementary School campus have been completed; the entire project should conclude in summer 2007.
Advance Offers Exclusive New “Ballast Checker” Tool to Support Lighting Audits and Upgrades
Advance introduces its exclusive new Ballast Checker, an easy-to-use hand-held device that quickly identifies a ballast’s technology type for use in confirming ballast status and pinpointing lighting upgrade opportunities.
A Retrofit Dimming Solution: The Philadelphia Marriott and the Lytemode Architectural Lighting Control System
How do you upgrade the 14-year-old dimming system of a 33,000 sq. foot ballroom that utilizes low voltage wiring? Simple: a retrofit installation utilizing the LYTEmode™ Architectural Lighting Control System.
At the Philadelphia Marriott, in Philadelphia, PA, this was the task at hand that was given to Larry Fine, Senior Architectural Representative for Lightolier®.