Onorato Unveils “Green” Lighting Project at County Jail
County pursuing federal stimulus money for similar energy-saving projects at other facilities
PITTSBURGH — Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato today unveiled new “green” lighting at the County Jail. More than 805 light fixtures were replaced with high-efficiency LED lights, which will consume 83 percent less energy, the equivalent of reducing the County’s energy consumption by 184 kilowatts.
“The green lighting project at the jail is a win-win for Allegheny County,” said Onorato. “We’re increasing energy efficiency while decreasing costs to taxpayers. When I launched Allegheny Green, I promised that Allegheny County would lead by example, and we’re doing just that. We will continue to look for ways to operate government more efficiently and environmentally friendly.”
The cutting-edge, patented LED fixtures were installed in the pod areas of the jail where lights are required to remain on 24 hours a day. The LED lights are expected to last 20 to 25 years with a projected savings of more than $178,000 in the first year.
“In addition to the energy and cost savings, we’re also looking forward to being more efficient with staff time,” said Warden Ramon Rustin. “The life expectancy of the LEDs means we no longer have to purchase and store extra bulbs, and we’ll cut down on the time spent changing bulbs as well.”
The LED fixtures are manufactured by Appalachian Lighting Systems in Ellwood City, and 75 percent of the fixture components are produced in the United States. Pittsburgh-based ImbuTec Inc., an energy solutions company and minority business enterprise, served as project manager.
“Everything we do at ImbuTec is focused on saving money for our commercial, industrial and municipal customers, and we are pleased to bring this cutting-edge, locally-produced green technology to the market,” said ImbuTec Chief Executive Officer Richard Taylor. “As the County seeks to achieve greater energy savings, our LED products can address many interior and exterior lighting applications, such as parking garages, parking lots, street lights and warehouse lighting.”
“Allegheny County will pursue federal stimulus money for similar energy-saving projects in our other facilities,” added Onorato. “With these cutting-edge companies right here in Southwestern Pennsylvania, we will be stimulating our economy by putting local people to work.”
The lights were installed by Sargent Electric. The total cost of the project was $954,000.
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Allegheny Green is a comprehensive initiative to promote sustainable practices within County government and through countywide policies and programs. The key elements of the plan are the hiring of a sustainability manager reporting directly to the County Executive and creation of the Allegheny Green Action Team, a group of experts and stakeholders who will help the County to meet its green objectives and goals.
Appalachian Lighting Systems Inc. (ALSI) specializes in the development and manufacture of high-powered, ultra energy-efficient light emitting diode (LED) lighting fixtures. With research, development and production facilities located in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, ALSI has developed several products using cutting-edge, patented technology. ALSI products include next generation streetlights, warehouse lighting, sign illumination, parking lot, parking garage lighting, tunnel lighting, indoor office lighting, and other specialty lighting applications. For additional information, visit www.appalachianlightingsystems.com.
Imbue Technology Solutions Inc. (ImbuTec) is an energy solutions company focused on helping commercial and institutional customers reduce operating expenses. ImbuTec operates through three divisions: lighting and energy solutions; public utility solutions; and electrical supplies. In addition, ImbuTec is actively involved in the development and deployment of energy-efficient lighting technologies that dramatically reduce energy consumption, as well as operating expenses in commercial, industrial and institutional applications. For additional information, visit www.imbutec.com.