New Products: August 2008

Performance Contract Tackles Lighting Problems, Guarantees Savings

Facing rising energy costs and state budget cuts, the Manatee County Public School System in Southwest Florida needed to cut costs without eliminating educational programs, services or staff. While investigating a solution for the low lighting levels in the schools, Jennifer Malloy, Manatee County School’s recycling and energy coordinator, realized a new lighting system could conserve energy and dollars simultaneously.

To coordinate the retrofit, Florida Power & Light Services was hired for a performance contract. After a feasibility study for an upgrade that would reduce overall demand, minimize maintenance costs and improve the lighting levels, FPL Services guaranteed the school system would save $655,481 in energy and more than 8 million kWh per year.

The 16,694 lights in the schools’ existing lighting systems were replaced with 32-watt T-8 fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts and compact fluorescent lamps.

Cleaning the many excessively dirty fixture lenses increased light levels up to 10 percent. Fixture socket holders that were broken or brittle and socket wiring were replaced. Low-output electronic ballasts and tandem wiring were used where possible to further maximize savings.

The costs of the retrofit, which added up to a total of $806,082 in capital improvements for eight elementary schools, are expected to be recouped through energy savings within seven years.

Preventing the release of more than 11 million pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere, the retrofit inspired a districtwide interest in energy conservation measures. Upgrades currently under development for the district include more lighting improvements as well as water conservation methods and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning enhancements.

FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT SERVICES

High-profile Facility Demands High-caliber Security

The Hearst Corp.’s global headquarters, the 850,000-square-foot Hearst Tower, is home to more than 2,000 employees and nearly 200 businesses: magazines such as Cosmopolitan, daily newspapers, television stations, radio stations, cable networks, business publishers, Internet businesses, television production firms, and newspaper features distribution companies.

With tenants like these, Hearst Tower has a high volume of visitors, including many VIPs and celebrities. When the Hearst Corporation set about selecting a security force for its showcase facility, it needed well-trained officers who would not be star-struck or intimidated.

What’s more, the security officers also provide security for the more than 200 high-profile events a year held at the Tower. These range from fund-raising celebrations for non-profit organizations and museums to movie premieres and magazine events.

Hearst Corp. selected AlliedBarton Security Services as its contract security provider. The firm provides its security officers with training in physical security, a variety of tactical and strategic matters, and customer service. All of the security officers will attend the New York State Homeland Security Enhanced Security Officer 40-hour training course.

The Hearst Tower security force enjoyed a staff turnover rate of less than 10 percent in the past two years. The officers have learned enough of the company’s history and building’s information to serve as building tour docents.

ALLIEDBARTON