Manufacturers Best Practice Guide
Lighting: Programs and Resources
2005 California's Title 24
California's Title 24 2005 updates called for increased efficiency measures in non-residential lighting. These include overall power limits for lighting, increased use of skylights, improved lighting control systems and LED signage.
There are many incentives, rebates and programs available through state and local agencies. Check Flex Your Power's Industrial Rebate Finder for more info.
2005 Energy Policy Act - Lighting
In 2005, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act. The industrial sector can take advantage of federal incentives, rebates and tax deductions for efficiency measures in lighting, HVAC, water and the building envelope. Specific to industrial lighting, this federal act establishes new standards for fluorescent lamps, ballasts and exit signs, as well as an overall reduction in allowable power across the board. Not only does this encourage facility compliance, but also new product development in the lighting market.
General Electric hosts in-depth information on its web site regarding the 2005 US Energy Policy Act, including regulations, a toolkit containing estimating tools, answers to frequently asked questions, and IRS tax deduction information.
Leading by Example: FoodTech
FMC FoodTech is one of the world's foremost suppliers of food processing systems, with headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. Their Madera plant is one of only three plants located in the United States, and has been in Madera since 1980.
In 2006, FMC FoodTech retrofitted over 300 high bay fixtures and replaced several 1,000-watt fixtures with new, hi-bay T8 fixtures. Prior to the retrofit the mediocre lighting was an orange-yellow color, and was not uniform throughout the manufacturing area. After the installation, the lighting became consistent and more visualyl appealing, emitting a more pleasant white light.
Through its retrofit, FMC FoodTech has reduced energy use at the Madera plant by almost 90 KW and 250,000 kWH. These dramatic energy savings mean that FMC FoodTech has avoided the release of over 137 tons of CO2. They have also reduced their energy costs by $34,000 per year, which represents an impressive 10% reduction in their overall energy costs.
FMC Foodtech provides an outstanding example to other businesses. The facility is located in an industrial park where there are still several facilities with old, hi-bay lighting. FMC has offered to allow managers from nearby facilities to tour the plant and experience first-hand the improvements that energy efficient lighting provide.
Resources
Department of Energy
Case Studies for Lighting