Energy Saving Solutions are a Bright Idea

In July, 2009, CTL decided to take another step towards becoming more “Green” by undergoing a lighting retrofit project in Columbus. Working with ESP and Eco Engineering, CTL completely renovated all the lighting fixtures at the Corporate Headquarters. The initial “payback” period, where savings in electricity used pays for the cost of construction, was estimated at around 7 years. By applying for a grant from AEP as part of their gridSMART program, the payback period was reduced to 2.3 years. The design as implemented reduced CTL’s lighting energy costs by 68%. This equates to a monthly savings of around $821.00 plus another $62.00 in air conditioning costs or roughly $105,960.00 over 10 years. This means that after 2.3 years this savings goes direct to the bottom line of CTL’s earnings, year after year. This savings will grow exponentially as energy costs continue to rise.

In terms of the environment this equates to:
              Preventing the emission of 238,523 lbs of carbon dioxide annually
              Preventing the emission of 3,040 lbs of sulfur dioxide annually
              Preventing the emission of 1,023 lbs of nitrogen oxides annually
              Equivalent to planting 38 acres of trees annually
              Equivalent to removing 19 cars from the road annually
              Equivalent to saving 12,047 gallons of gasoline every year

Another more “visible” benefit of the program is that the corporate office now has a better color rendering of light. This provides for a more pleasing, brighter light without the glare. The new type of electronic ballasts has also reduced the fluorescent ballast noise and lamp flickering.

As we go forward, CTL is planning on providing the same energy solutions program to all of its branch locations. CTL has also applied and been approved for a grant from the State of Ohio, Office of Energy for a solar panel project that will further reduce our energy costs. As CTL moves forward with our “greening” efforts we will keep you informed of our progress and successes.