WEST STAR AVIATION MAKES SIGNIFICANT ENERGY IMPROVEMENTS
West Star Aviation continues to make significant energy upgrades throughout their facilities. Most recently, the team at the Grand Junction, CO (GJT) location implemented practices that saved 75% on energy costs. This savings was achieved by replacing over 50 different parking/street lights with new smart LED light bulbs, as well as replacing old fluorescent tube lighting throughout five buildings at the Grand Junction location.
West Star has estimated their annual energy cost will decrease by nearly $5,300 with the use of the LED lights, and over $20,000 for the lights that have been upgraded throughout five buildings.
The old MH400 light bulbs, which were used for parking/street lights, were inefficient and required frequent replacement, while the new 48-watt LED lights are expected to last up to 20 years. These LED bulbs feature a “Smart Mode” which reduces power by 50% when not in use. At West Star, the light bulbs automatically kick into Smart Mode at midnight when the parking lots are not in use, and then power back up one hour before sunrise, using 1/5 the overall energy when compared to traditional bulbs.
Originally, the buildings throughout the Grand Junction location used T12 fluorescent tube lighting, which were old and inefficient. West Star replaced these bulbs with new T8 efficient lights. The old fluorescent tubes contained two large magnetic ballasts while the new lamps only contain one small electronic ballast. This upgrade in technology is responsible for the huge energy savings.
“We are proud to be one of the first facilities to implement the latest energy-saving initiatives. All of these upgrades were completed in early 2012 and we are already seeing the benefits,” Chris Becker, Energy Manager, West Star Aviation. “Our electric cost for these lights went from $508.48 to $125.79 for the month of July.”
In addition to the improvements being made in Grand Junction, all West Star Aviation locations have implemented a number of green initiatives to conserve energy and lessen their impact on the environment.
