Light-related energy reduction the equivalent of saving 9,270 gallons of gas annually
As the result of a light-related electricity reduction at its North Aurora, Ill., facility, Interfilm Holdings Inc. has received Orion Energy Systems’ Environmental Stewardship Award.
Orion presents the award to companies that achieve significant environmental benefits through the use of Orion’s energy-efficient products and systems.
Interfilm replaced 68 high-intensity discharge (HID) light fixtures with Orion’s Compact Modular, high-intensity fluorescent (HIF) lighting system. Nearly the entire warehouse and machine area — a total of approximately 58,000 square feet — was retrofitted with the Orion system, according to Plant Manager Jeff Mitchell.
Mitchell said the HID system the company replaced was dim, making it hard for employees to do their job without the aid of additional task lighting.
“There wasn’t a lot of light out there,” Mitchell said about the manufacturing area. “We were looking for something brighter and visually cleaner. And, because this new system will save on energy costs, the decision was easy.”
Mitchell said the employees are very happy with the new, brighter light.
As a result of the lighting change, Interfilm is expected to cut its light-related electricity costs by 57 percent — from an annual $19,730 to $8,500.
In addition to the decreased cost savings come significant environmental benefits, as Interfilm drastically reduces the amount of harmful, greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere.
The lighting change is projected to reduce light-related electricity consumption by 57 percent, from an annual 197,309 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to 85,020 kWh.
Because a reduced amount of electricity is needed to power Interfilm’s lights, Interfilm is helping decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 1,475 tons during the lifecycle of Orion’s high-efficiency fixtures. During that same period, the company will reduce 6 tons of sulfur dioxide and 2 tons of nitrogen oxides, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are all toxic byproducts of the electricity generation process.
The reductions are the air-scrubbing equivalent of a 21-acre forest or removing 18 cars from the road. It is also the equivalent of saving 9,270 gallons of gasoline a year, according to the EPA.
“It was very nice to receive the award and be recognized for our environmental efforts,” Mitchell said.
In addition to the environmentally friendly lighting project in North Aurora, Interfilm has installed similiar lighting in all its facilities. Interilm also recycles its plastic and corrugated cardboard, Mitchell said, adding that the company tries to do “everything we can” to be environmentally friendly.
The environmental and cost benefits of the lighting project are possible because of Orion’s patented, high-efficiency lighting systems that reduce light-related electricity use by 50 percent or more while producing 50 percent more light than the industry standard HID fixtures. Orion’s fixtures also are easy to install and maintain.
“We are always excited to help companies save energy and costs, all the while substantially improving our environment,” said Orion President and CEO Neal Verfuerth. “Interfilm Holdings joins a long list of customers who are making a difference — financially and environmentally. Interfilm’s savings will help its profitability while the emission reductions will help improve the air we all breathe, affecting generations to come.”
Orion’s innovation and technology recently won the praise of President Barack Obama, who applauded Orion in a White House speech promoting clean energy, the creation of green collar jobs and the importance of energy efficiency.
In the photo from left: Mark Passerini; Orion Energy Systems and Jeff Mitchell, Interfilm Holdings.
Interfilm Holdings Inc. is a leading converter and distributor of thin gauge plastics for a variety of markets, including packaging, envelope, folding carton and labels and graphic arts. Interfilm’s products include polyester, polypropylene, polystyrene, cellophane, brushed films, compostable films and metal adhesion films. For more information about Interfilm Holdings, visit www.interfilm-usa.com.
Orion Energy Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: OESX) is a leading power technology enterprise that designs, manufactures and implements energy management systems, consisting primarily of high-performance, energy-efficient lighting systems, controls and related services for commercial and industrial customers without compromising their quantity or quality of light. Orion has deployed its energy management systems in 4,581 facilities across North America. Since 2001, Orion technology has displaced more than 435 megawatts, saving customers more than $577 million and reducing indirect carbon dioxide emissions by 4.9 million tons. For more information, visit www.oesx.com.