City Council Chamber gets Green Tune-Up

Here is the math: 90 incandescent light bulbs using 25 Watt per light bulb consume 2,250 kWh per hour – 90 compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs using 5 Watt per CFL consume 510 kWh. Our City’s Council Chamber now has been upgraded to compact fluorescent light bulbs that reduce our average energy consumption for the five chandeliers by more than 75%.

Costs
CFLs are not as cheap as ordinary light bulbs. However, due to rebate programs, you can buy the CFLs at reduced costs. (Many local shops sell energy star rated CFLs at a rebate costs, courtesy of PG&E and the California Public Utilities Commission). Check out: www.flexyourpower.org/ or www.pge.com/myhome/saveenergymoney/rebates/light/products/

In our example our cost benefit analysis went like this: 

The installation took two electricians about 60 minutes to complete. The amortization of the upgrade will be achieved in less than 2 years assuming a constant energy price of $.17 per kWh.

(Note: In 2005 we replaced the exit signs with LED signage and reduced energy costs from around $28 per exit sign to $4 per exit signs annually.)

CFLs reduce maintenance costs

The CFL will last between 7 – 9 years depending on the actual usage. That means that our electricians do not have to replace light bulbs as often as they do today. Result: other services than light bulb exchanges can be performed. Likewise: the cost avoidance in maintenance will decrease the amortization period.

Want to learn more about CFL and their possible impact on global warming?
This article, ”How Many Lightbulbs Does it Take to Change the World? One. And You're Looking At It.” , is a great start to make your home, office, work place greener.