Since 2008, LED lighting costs have dropped by 94%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s “Revolution Now 2016 Update.” LED package prices in 2016 fell to approximately $1/kilolumen, resulting in dramatically reduced LED lamp and luminaire prices.
That’s good news for small c-store operators with a few stores, or a larger c-store chain such as Parker’s, headquartered in Savannah, Ga. Greg Parker, company president and CEO, said the c-store chain has done several retro fits, converting old HID (high-intensity discharge) and fluorescent lighting to LED and is specifying LED for all new construction, going forward. Parker’s contacted Lucas Ford Associates Inc. Manufacturer’s Agent for Cincinnati-based LSI Industries to procure LED lighting systems for a few locations in 2013.
Currently, of 48 stores located across Georgia and South Carolina, 13 locations haven’t been retro fitted yet. The c-store launched upgrades at multiple locations, replacing and installing LSI canopy lights, area lighting and interior lighting at a majority of Parker’s locations.
Parker’s has reduced its electrical costs at each store by about $314 per month. That’s an annual savings of $3,678 per store. Aside from energy savings, the company has enjoyed better quality of light to help represent Parker’s brand and provide visual acuity, and better safety and security. The chain has also reduced its carbon footprint.
“Maintenance costs for lighting have been reduced significantly as we do not have to change bulbs or drivers frequently,” Parker said.
STEP INTO THE LIGHT
Rebekah Matheny, an assistant professor of interior design in the Department of Design at Ohio State University, said LED lighting in general is more ef cient because of the luminaires’ ability to reduce heat output, reducing the load on the cooling systems.
“With advances in LED technology, more options in LED light have become available, allowing the overall retail store to reduce its energy consumption dramatically,” said Matheny. “By using LED lighting for everything from overhead down lights to track spot lighting and featured
decorative elements, the overall electrical load is significantly reduced, which allows for other digital elements to be integrated into the store design.”
More c-stores are also taking advantage of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.
While on the surface it’s difficult to link high sales with a LEED certi fication, there are certain advantages. LEED-certi fied buildings usually have faster lease-up rates and may qualify for a host of incentives like tax rebates and zoning allowances.