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The recent lighting upgrade at BWH’s Mission Park Garage not only brightens the parking area, it also reduces energy use and associated power plant emissions and delivers substantial cost-savings to the hospital.
“The project at Mission Park Garage is part of an ongoing effort to upgrade lighting systems throughout the hospital,” said Jim Turner of Engineering.
Last spring, Engineering installed more than 700 new high-output fluorescent light fixtures, replacing the old fixtures. In addition, 48 conventional “Exit” signs were upgraded to ultra-efficient light emitting diode. Working with NStar Electric, BWH was able to secure more than $42,000 in energy-efficient incentives to help fund the upgrade.
The new lighting will reduce BWH’s annual electrical consumption by almost 400,000 kilowatt-hours per year—the equivalent use of 50 residential homes. This will also reduce power plant CO2 emissions by approximately 240 tons. Cost-savings of more than $67,000 per year will accrue over the expected 10-year life of the upgrade. To top it off, the project will pay for itself in just over two years.
“The garage lighting is 100 percent better than before,” said Robert Chicarello, director of Security and Parking. “From a safety perspective, that’s great news.”
Engineering has received much praise from hospital officials and patrons of the garage.