3 minute read
Efficient Lighting, Lasting Savings
Three NALMCO Members Collaborate on Beacon Sales Acquisitions Upgrade
By Parker Allen
Beacon Sales Acquisitions Inc. recently embarked on a transformative project to enhance energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve the lighting quality at their 20,000 sq. ft. facility in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota. In collaboration with Brilled Lighting, Rea Lighting, and Center for Energy and Environment’s (CEE) One-Stop Efficiency Shop®, this lighting system upgrade not only addressed sustainability concerns but also provided significant financial benefits.
CEE’s One-Stop Efficiency Shop®, sponsored by Xcel Energy, is a free lighting consulting and rebate program designed to help businesses save energy and reduce operating costs through lighting upgrades. The program serves commercial facilities with a peak demand of up to 400 kW. The program features:
• Free lighting assessments and consultations
• Rebates covering up to 60% of project costs
• Project guidance: Assistance in finding contractors and reviewing bids
• Access to low-interest financing and grant funding
• Assistance with rebate paperwork: Help complete and submit rebate documentation.
• Start-to-finish project oversight: Comprehensive management from initial assessment to project completion.
The lighting upgrade aimed to reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs associated with the existing lighting. which consisted of HID fixtures on the exterior of the building and fluorescent tubes in the offices, showroom, and warehouse.
The new energy-efficient lighting – backlit LED troffers in the office and showroom and LED highbays in the warehouse – provided more comfortable and uniform lighting throughout the facility, while at the same time reducing the facility’s carbon footprint. PIR motion sensors and dimming controls were equipped, as well as high-end trim to further reduce energy consumption.
PROJECT DETAILS
The project participants were working under a tight deadline, as a scheduled Grand Opening gave them only 30 days to audit the facility, source materials, and install everything.
CEE provided full project oversight from the initial lighting assessment through the final implementation. Alongside the installation, optimized lighting schedules were developed to maximize energy savings.
To ensure the project adhered to environmental and regulatory standards, CEE facilitated the proper disposal of removed lighting equipment and obtained all necessary approvals and signatures. These steps helped minimize environmental harm and ensured project integrity.
The project’s financial strategy was designed to minimize costs while maximizing returns. The utility rebate covered nearly 50% of the total installation cost, and the estimated annual savings translated into a payback period of 1.7 years. The financial breakdown of the project was as follows:
• Total Installed Cost: $17,370.42
• Utility Rebate: $8,798.22
• Final Cost After Rebate: $8,572.20
• Estimated Annual Savings: $5,145.00
• Payback Period: 1.7 years
The lighting system upgrade at Beacon Sales Acquisitions Inc. is a prime example of how strategic partnerships can deliver energy efficiency, cost savings, and environmental benefits. The collaboration between Brilled Lighting and Rea Lighting, along with project oversight and support from CEE, is a testament to the partnerships within NALMCO.
Special recognition goes to the NALMCO members involved in the project:
• CEE: For their role in rebate facilitation and project oversight.
• Rea Lighting: For executing the installation with precision.
• Brilled Lighting: For supplying top-tier, energy-efficient lighting solutions.
