Media Release

March 3, 2009

1:15 p.m.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - In keeping with the Energy Reduction and Water Conservation Program initiated by the Board of County Commissioners, Alachua County Facilities Management Division has begun the third generation Re-lamping Project.  It is estimated that the project will cut energy consumption of building space lighting by approximately 22%.

The Re-lamping Project will replace T-8 32-watt lamps throughout County buildings and replace them with more efficient T-8 24-watt lamps.

Some of the features of the new lamps include:

• The conservative estimated annual savings is $150,000.00
• T8 24 watt lamps operate on standard T8 start systems and provide 22% energy savings over standard 32 watt lamps where slight reductions in light are acceptable.
• At $0.10/KWh and 4000 hours of operation per year, the 22% savings translates to a savings of $9.80 per fixture per year for a 4-lamp fixture with a normal ballast factor.
• 95% lumen maintenance at 8000 hours.

Facilities management crews are working to relamp all of the County’s buildings.  Targeted first are the Administration Building, Health Department, Sherrif's Office, Community Crisis Center and the County Jail.

"We have already seen a $1,200.00 saving in the utility bill at the partially re-lamped Administration Building. We should see considerably more savings as the re-lamping continues," said Alachua County Facilities Manager, Charlie Jackson, "Reducing energy costs is the right thing to do.  It results in both cost savings and a reduction of the County’s carbon footprint."

For more information, contact Facilities Manager, Charlie Jackson at 352-374-5229.

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