The Phase I of the project, which is expected to be completed in early 2011, includes replacement of traffic signal incandescent lamps with energy efficient LED lighting at 335 intersections, while the proposed Phase II project is anticipated to include 525 additional intersections.
The new long lasting LED lamps contain no hazardous materials and are claimed to use up to 90% less energy than the existing lamps, resulting in an estimated annual energy reduction of over 5,000,000kWh and decreasing operations and maintenance costs.
The LED retrofits, which are expected to provide energy demand reductions and lower the cost of energy usage in the community, will enable the city to pay for the cost of installing them with the savings in energy costs incurred over time from the project.
In addition, the project is anticipated to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by 2,517 tons, sulfur dioxide by ten tons and nitrogen dioxide emissions by eight tons; equivalent to removing 475 cars from the road.
Ameresco executive vice president David Anderson said that Ameresco commends the city for its aggressive approach to energy conservation and sustainability, which will provide both financial and environmental benefits now and well into the future.
