AB&I Foundry is starting to enjoy the benefits of $100,000 a year in energy savings after a lighting retrofit at its facility.
The Oakland, Calif., manufacturer of cast iron pipe was able to tap into $45,000 in incentives, including subsidies from a California utility rebate program, said Matt Krieger, a spokesman at Ruder Finn Israel, which handles PR for Metrolight, the firm that handled the retrofit.
In total, 255 existing lighting fixtures were replaced with 240 electronic HID fixtures and intelligent lighting controls, he said.
The retrofit of the 100-plus year old foundry should result in a reduction of energy use by about 732,000 kilowatt hours a year, according to a press release.
The retrofit was the result of an audit to determine potential energy savings potential.
Other companies are taking advantage of lighting retrofits for their factories, warehouses and office buildings.
Even retailers are active in the sector.
For instance, Canadian Tire, a retailer of tire and automotive parts, gas stations and general merchandise and apparel, is completing an energy-efficient lighting program in 361 stores.
The lighting retrofits translated into energy savings of $6 million in 2009. The company expects to save another $12 million in 2010.
