Industry and Company News

PARTNERING PROGRAMS

Posted June 6th, 2012 by GreenTech Energy Services

GreenTech is pleased to announce that we are now participating in trade ally/market partner programs with ConEd, PPL, BGE and other utility companies in the Mid-Atlantic region. These programs provide listings of experienced energy efficiency contractors and other professionals who are trained to provide technical support to commercial and industrial customers for the installation of energy efficient equipment. Prior to being listed on the utilities’ websites, all market partners are pre-approved.

SHARED SAVINGS PROGRAM

Posted June 6th, 2012 by GreenTech Energy Services

GreenTech Energy Services is now offering a shared energy savings program. We will design, install and finance a lighting project, using a percentage of the annual energy savings to cover the payments.  This provides the customer with the following benefits:

• NO out-of-pocket expenses
• 20% of the annual energy savings over the term of the agreement
• Significant tax benefits
• New state-of-the-art equipment that will permanently lower utility bills, cut energy consumption and improve aesthetics

THE ART AND SCIENCE OF STREET LIGHTING

Posted April 26th, 2012 by GreenTech Energy Services

Because newer light technology, like T8 and T5 fluorescents, provides much better color rendering than older technology like metal halide, it is possible to do an interior retrofit that dramatically reduces energy consumption without affecting the quality of light that people perceive.  However, we have yet to accurately calculate the effect on pedestrians and drivers when the same approach is taken with street lights. There is a point where reducing wattage levels may put older drivers and pedestrians at risk.

That is the focus of research currently being conducted by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Roadway Committee. Until that research provides conclusive results, highway lighting will continue to be based on the American National Standard Practice for Roadway Lighting (RP-8-00), published by the IES in 1999. The goal of these guidelines is less about reducing energy consumption than reducing nighttime accidents, aiding police, facilitating traffic flow, and promoting business during nighttime hours.

However, in addition to these standards, each city and town has its own set of rules concerning streetlights on roads other than major highways.  And this is where they may find energy-savings opportunities. In general, there is more leeway to lower light levels in areas where speed limits are lower.

There is a variety of technology on the market that can achieve this goal. Induction lights, for example, consume a fraction of the energy of high pressure sodium, and throw a whiter, crisper light. They also have a longer life, which means lower maintenance costs. And they are less affected by temperature extremes and vibration than older exterior lights. LED street lights are another technologically sound option, although their high price tag translates to a much longer payback period. But whichever option is selected, the energy savings resulting from the replacement of old, outdated technology will eventually make the transition worthwhile.

Planning to attend any of these shows? If so, stop by our booth & say hello!

Posted April 3rd, 2012 by GreenTech Energy Services

• Essex County Green School Expo, April 20, Essex County Government Complex in Newark, NJ
• Con Edison Energy Efficiency Conference, May 1, Hilton Hotel, New York City
• New Jersey Apartment Association annual convention, May 21-23, Atlantic City Convention Center
• Hauppauge Industrial Association of Long Island 2012 Trade Show, May 24, 9am – 4pm,  Suffolk County Community College Sports & Exhibition Complex, Brentwood Campus

PROTECTING NIGHT SKY WHILE MEETING NEED FOR NIGHT LIGHT

Posted April 2nd, 2012 by GreenTech Energy Services

The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and the International Dark Sky Association have created a Model Lighting Ordinance setting standards for outdoor lighting. These recommendations, which apply to all areas of a community – residential, commercial, and multifamily residences – are intended to:

• Set standards that do not exceed the minimum levels specified in IES recommended practices for night-time safety, utility, security, productivity, enjoyment, and commerce.
• Minimize adverse offsite impacts of lighting such as light trespass and obtrusive light.
• Curtail light pollution and improve the nighttime environment for astronomy.
• Protect the natural environment from the adverse effects of night lighting from gas or electric sources.
• Conserve energy and resources to the greatest extent possible.

GreenTech Presents on Green Jobs

Posted March 20th, 2012 by GreenTech Energy Services

GreenTech account executive Trish Harrington gave a presentation on opportunities in the “green job market” to students attending a recent Career Day at the Archbishop Carroll High School in Radnor, PA.  Not only did the students find it informative, but we are hoping Trish might have planted some seeds for the future growth of companies like ours!

Rare earth metals get rarer, lamp prices escalate

Posted February 24th, 2012 by GreenTech Energy Services

If you are thinking of retrofitting your existing lights with any type of fluorescent lamps, you might want to push this item up to the top of your to-do list because the price of these products is going up fast.

The key factor behind this trend is a growing scarcity of rare earth metals in the U.S.  These materials, which include Yttrium, Europium, and Terbium, are processed into the phosphors that are used to produce fluorescent bulbs. The United States stopped mining rare earth metals in 1999 as part of a natural-resource preservation program. This forced manufacturers to purchase the elements from other countries such as China, which currently produces 97% of all rare earth metals in the world.

Unfortunately, the need for these elements has grown within China itself, causing it to drastically cut back on exports. Not only did this allow China to protect its own resources, but it also forced manufacturers who wanted access to cheaper materials to move their operations over there. So, as the law of supply and demand would dictate, we are paying more both for the lamps still made here in the U.S. as well as those made in China for export.

Without U.S. government interference, there’s no reason to expect this crisis to diminish anytime soon. Some old mines in the United States have been re-opened, but it will be several years before they are operating at full capacity.

Lighting up the 2nd Largest U.S. Industrial Park

Posted January 19th, 2012 by GreenTech Energy Services

GreenTech Energy Services of Maple Shade, N.J., and Long Island, NY, has joined the Hauppauge Industrial Association, an organization representing approximately 1300 businesses in the second largest industrial park in the U.S., located in Suffolk County, Long Island. GreenTech, which provides energy efficiency services for commercial facilities, is currently implementing lighting retrofits for several companies in the industrial park housing HIA.

HIA provides a forum for business leaders to network, problem-solve and obtain advice on critical issues facing their businesses. GreenTech will be participating in a number of HIA events, such as the annual Business Trade Show and Conference in May, and will be serving on committees such the Green Industries group, which meets monthly to share information about the environment, energy, and clean technology.

Creating Sustainable Schools That Practice What They Preach

Posted January 13th, 2012 by GreenTech Energy Services

From: The Moorestown Patch
By John Shields

Would you trust a plumber if you visited his workshop and found leaks sprouting everywhere? You shouldn’t. In the same way, should we trust our educators to proselytize the importance of transitioning to sustainability if the school itself wasn’t an example of its own teachings?

Fortunately, we’re beginning to see positive progress in educating green, inside of school buildings that embody the very same principles.

Holy Cross High School in Delran is one in particular that took major steps to cut energy consumption in 2007. They focused on lighting retrofits and contracted with Maple Shade-based GreenTech Energy Services. (Read more: The Moorestown Patch).

Join Us as We Grow!

Posted December 27th, 2011 by GreenTech Energy Services

After a great 2011, GreenTech Energy Services is positioned for growth in 2012. We’re looking for a sales rep in Pennsylvania with a proven track record selling lighting retrofit services. Please help us get the word out!