As a result of the Hôtel Le Crystal upgrading its lighting, an annual saving of 365,158 kWh – translating into $24,985 in energy savings and avoidance of 265,013 kilograms of CO2 emissions from electricity plants – is projected. In addition, because of the long life of the lighting systems, the hotel also expects to save approximately $27,159 in maintenance costs per year.
Growing awareness of climate change challenges has spurred action across the country to improve the environmental performance of Canada's businesses, organizations and communities. While some measures – such as switching energy systems to low-carbon sources – can be challenging to implement, others are regarded as "low-hanging fruit."
Lighting is among the latter, says Jennifer Dolin, manager of sustainability and environmental affairs at LEDVANCE, provider of SYLVANIA illumination products in Canada and the U.S., which was known as OSRAM SYLVANIA until the name change earlier this year.
Using innovative lighting technology is known to bring considerable financial benefits due to energy savings – it can also do more, says Ms. Dolin. "We're an energy efficiency company, so our products are designed to save our customers energy, but we also work with them to meet additional environmental goals."
As an example, Ms. Dolin mentions a parking garage relighting project located in an area with frequent power outages. Operating the garage with traditional high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps was challenging since HID lights have to cool down before they can come back on, she says. "When the lights don't come back on quickly, this can be a safety concern for a facility like this."
Other concerns related to environmental issues, such as mercury content, and the fact that HID technology can't be dimmed, says Ms. Dolin. "Parking facilities only need lighting 20 per cent of the time, but often keep it on continuously."
The relighting project addressed all those challenges. Integrating LED technology – with instant-on capabilities – means the lights come on immediately, even when powered by a back-up source during a power outage. LEDs can be dimmed and controlled so they come on when someone is going to a car. In addition, LED technology doesn't contain mercury and typically lasts longer. "With this project, our customer saved a large amount of money, and we were able to quantify the benefits both in financial and environmental terms," she adds.
Energy savings can be substantial, according to Ms. Dolin, who quotes an 85 per cent lower energy consumption profile of some SYLVANIA LED products compared to traditional lights. "When you look at how much you have to spend from start to finish – including purchase, installation use and disposal – 86 per cent of those costs are generally in operating the lighting. So if you can reduce those operating costs by 85 per cent, that has a huge impact on your bottom line," she says.
Ms. Dolin also keeps track of regulatory changes, consumer rebate programs and incentives for commercial users that "encourage them to replace older technology and energy inefficient products," which can make upgrading lighting technology more affordable.
Running a cost-benefit analysis – which translates carbon emission numbers into terms that make sense, such as emissions from an equivalent number of cars – and providing case studies can help businesses and organizations communicate their sustainability efforts to stakeholders, clients and employees, says Ms. Dolin.
She knows first-hand that more and more employees are committed to making their places of work more sustainable. Spearheaded by a green team, LEDVANCE's Drummondville, Quebec, location, for example, has implemented a number of best practices in lighting control, recycling and other waste reduction, and energy reduction measures. Similar efforts are underway in all LEDVANCE plants, distribution centres and headquarters.
With an extensive background in industry, government and environmental organizations, Ms. Dolin matches her colleagues' passion for reducing the company's environmental footprint. "We always consider how we can improve the way that we make, package and transport our products," she says. When a customer asked LEDVANCE to reconsider packaging options since its signature orange shrink wrap wasn't recyclable, for example, the company didn't hesitate to eliminate the orange wrapping.
While advances in LED technology can translate to energy savings, better environmental performance, longer lamp life and improved light quality, it doesn't end there, says Ms. Dolin. "People are starting to ask, what else can lighting do?"
All buildings have an infrastructure for lighting, which can potentially support additional functions, such as pairing light with sensors, sound and cameras, says Ms. Dolin. "Things haven't been this exciting since Edison invented the light bulb," she adds.
This content was produced by Randall Anthony Communications, in partnership with The Globe and Mail's advertising department. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.