The Midwestern supermarket chain Hy-Vee Inc has reduced lighting-related energy consumption by 74% in its Chariton IA perishables distribution center’s freezer warehouse after a LED lighting upgrade installed by SmartWatt Energy. This new energy-efficient lighting system is expected to save the company $23,456 in annual energy costs.
Hy-Vee is committed to promoting the well-being of customers, employees, and the local communities in which they operate through implementation of energy and resource conservation initiatives. As part of these initiatives, the company was interested in pursuing opportunities to reduce its lighting energy consumption.
SmartWatt Energy performed a construction-grade energy audit of the facility, and then engineered a plan to replace 209 T-5 fluorescent lighting fixtures with 141 LED high bays throughout the distribution center’s freezer warehouse. This lighting upgrade came with a utility incentive of $28,473, reducing Hy-Vee’s payback period for the project to approximately 35 months.
The new energy-efficient lighting system installed by SmartWatt Energy will save 469,128 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year and, according to US Environmental Protection Agency calculations. This will have the same effect on the environment as removing 703,692 pounds of carbon dioxide or planting 103 acres of trees.
SmartWatt Energy provides whole-building energy assessments and implements lighting retrofits, variable-frequency drive upgrades, control system enhancements, and HVAC upgrades. Its energy-efficiency services include construction-grade energy audits, value-engineered designs, self-performed installations, utility incentive procurement, facilitation of EPAct 2005 tax deductions, and maintenance support.
For more information, visit www.smartwattinc.com.
