The Cintas plant in Union, NJ recently hired GreenTech Energy Services to perform a lighting upgrade, with the goals of reducing energy consumption and improving safety. In production areas, boiler room, tank room, and maintenance areas, existing 400-watt metal halide high bay fixtures were replaced with T8 fixtures with reflectors. As the project progressed, the company also decided to install additional lighting behind the washers and dryers to increase visibility and safety in the wash alley.
The impact was tremendous, reports Cintas field engineer Doug Cosmini. The KW electrical demand dropped by even more than the original estimates, so the savings will be greater than anticipated. And the level and quality of light has been significantly enhanced. “Before, you needed a flashlight to look at the washers and dryers,” says Cosmini. “Now the partners think that the wash alley is brighter than Yankee Stadium.”