Holiday Inn Old Town in San Diego and Casa Romantica in San Clemente, Calif. has installed LED light tubes to reduce energy and maintenance costs.They retrofitted their T-8 fluorescent lights with ilumisys MK-1 LED light tubes at both facilities, which will result in nearly $4,000 in energy costs savings annually for Holiday Inn Old Town and more than $10,000 in annual savings for Casa Romantica.
Holiday Inn Old Town retrofitted more than 200 fluorescent light tubes in areas that operate 24/7, including its subterranean parking lot and stairwells throughout the building. Casa Romantica, a registered historic location frequently used for special occasions, retrofitted all of the fluorescent, incandescent and halogen lights on its property to ilumisys LED lighting. The LED lighting was installed throughout the facility including in offices, storage areas, art centers, galleries and common areas.
ilumisys MK-1 tubes have a lifespan of 50,000 hours, twice as long as the average fluorescent tube. The longer life of the LED tubes provides supplementary savings by reducing the need to purchase new product. This also reduces the amount of time maintenance employees spend changing lights, allowing them to be better utilized by engaging in more important activities. For Casa Romantica, this was a key contributing factor in its decision to install LEDs.
Holiday Inn Old Town and Casa Romantica benefited from a zero-out-of-pocket" financing program through their local utility company, which helped to keep initial costs at a minimum.
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Value Energy Solutions is an Atlanta based lighting retrofit company that helps owners, managers and engineers reduce their energy costs. Value Energy Solutions has more than 30 years experience providing creative and effective lighting solutions that improve the illumination for building users and reduce electrical bills. Their expertise, wide selection and value pricing cannot be beat. For more information please call (678) 501-4880 or visit our lighting retrofit website- www.valueenergysolutions.com
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
he Sparkasse Mainfranken Würzburg is one of the largest savings banks in Germany, with 1800 employees and a network of 138 branches and offices. As a bank with roots in the region, the environment is a central concern for Sparkasse Mainfranken, in addition to its commitment to culture and social issues. Consequently, during the general renovation of its headquarters the parking garage was also fitted with a contemporary lighting solution, distinguished by energy efficiency and the highest degree of economy, reliability and safety.
Even during the modernisation of the payment machines in the first building phase care was taken to light the vestibule appropriately, but at the same time in an energy-efficient manner. Outside of the opening times or when there is a low customer volume, the lights are operated at an energysaving level and only adjusted to full lighting strength when people are in the room. During this conversion project the electronic operating equipment of TridonicAtco with its integrated corridor function proved persuasive for the Sparkasse Mainfranken. Since the ballast itself takes on the intelligent control of the light, additional components could be dispensed with. As a result, the installation proved to be both very economical and at the same time energy-saving. When the renovation of the underground garage lighting was undertaken in a further project stage, a convenient and above all energy efficient solution had to be found. Previously at peak periods the entire lighting was operated manually at 100 % on the parking levels. At times when there was little traffic, the light was switched on and off completely. However, until the light switch had been found the person switching it on was in unpleasant darkness. For convenience and safety reasons it was decided to remedy this defect with an intelligent light solution.
Never more in the dark
On the one hand, we require a high lighting level for the underground garage, but at the same time for ecological reasons the system has to save energy, says Herbert Manger, the responsible employee in the Building Department of the Sparkasse Mainfranken. Confronted with this challenge, the fittings from TridonicoAtco with the implemented corridor function, which had already been used in the conversion of the cash machine area, convinced electrical planner Weber Engineering Würzburg. These deal precisely with the dilemma of operating lights 24 hours a day in safety sensitive areas while simultaneously keeping the demand for energy and cost saving in mind.
The function provides for safety and a pleasant atmosphere through sufficient light. In the correspondingly equipped fittings a 100 % dim level of the lights connected is preset at the factory when people are present and 10 % when no one is there. The transition, which occurs fluidly within a time that can be set in advance (dimmed) can be adapted very easily, just like the corresponding dimming levels to individual requirements.
More light, lower costs
The 180 lights with 1 x 58 W T8 lighting elements and magnetic ballasts were replaced by efficient linear luminaires with T5 fluorescent lights. New installation has now occurred for 210 lights with 2 x 35 W T5 lighting elements and Pca Excel one4all Ip dimmable ballasts from TridonicAtco. Despite the higher by 40 % electrical output installed, the Sparkasse Mainfranken will save over 13,000 kW annually through the use of the corridor function. The associated CO2 saving is 21 t and in this way makes a noticeable contribution to relief of the environment.
Simple conversion, uncomplicated start-up
The conversion and realisation of the features required worked perfectly with the ballasts used, Rainer Zachleder,managing director of elektro zachleder GmbH in Gemünden, which was commissioned with the installation, is happy to report. The lights are controlled by presence detectors, which are all connected with a us line. The simple cabling, which occurs as in normal dimming operation, convinced him as did the uncomplicated and user-friendly start-up of the system.
Fast amortisation guaranteed
The reduction in light power made possible has led to a considerable energy saving, via which the new light installation amortises itself. If one converts the calculation back to a light output comparable to that of the original installation, the amortisation period is just over three years. Thanks to this function, the underground garages, corridors and staircases can be equipped with energy- and money-saving lighting. Converting existing systems is no problem. Herbert Mangers comment: The added value compared to
non-dimming lighting is very clear for the Sparkasse Mainfranken: great convenience and safety for visitors and customers, major CO2 savings in favour of the environment and noticeable financial advantages in operation.
Even during the modernisation of the payment machines in the first building phase care was taken to light the vestibule appropriately, but at the same time in an energy-efficient manner. Outside of the opening times or when there is a low customer volume, the lights are operated at an energysaving level and only adjusted to full lighting strength when people are in the room. During this conversion project the electronic operating equipment of TridonicAtco with its integrated corridor function proved persuasive for the Sparkasse Mainfranken. Since the ballast itself takes on the intelligent control of the light, additional components could be dispensed with. As a result, the installation proved to be both very economical and at the same time energy-saving. When the renovation of the underground garage lighting was undertaken in a further project stage, a convenient and above all energy efficient solution had to be found. Previously at peak periods the entire lighting was operated manually at 100 % on the parking levels. At times when there was little traffic, the light was switched on and off completely. However, until the light switch had been found the person switching it on was in unpleasant darkness. For convenience and safety reasons it was decided to remedy this defect with an intelligent light solution.
Never more in the dark
On the one hand, we require a high lighting level for the underground garage, but at the same time for ecological reasons the system has to save energy, says Herbert Manger, the responsible employee in the Building Department of the Sparkasse Mainfranken. Confronted with this challenge, the fittings from TridonicoAtco with the implemented corridor function, which had already been used in the conversion of the cash machine area, convinced electrical planner Weber Engineering Würzburg. These deal precisely with the dilemma of operating lights 24 hours a day in safety sensitive areas while simultaneously keeping the demand for energy and cost saving in mind.
The function provides for safety and a pleasant atmosphere through sufficient light. In the correspondingly equipped fittings a 100 % dim level of the lights connected is preset at the factory when people are present and 10 % when no one is there. The transition, which occurs fluidly within a time that can be set in advance (dimmed) can be adapted very easily, just like the corresponding dimming levels to individual requirements.
More light, lower costs
The 180 lights with 1 x 58 W T8 lighting elements and magnetic ballasts were replaced by efficient linear luminaires with T5 fluorescent lights. New installation has now occurred for 210 lights with 2 x 35 W T5 lighting elements and Pca Excel one4all Ip dimmable ballasts from TridonicAtco. Despite the higher by 40 % electrical output installed, the Sparkasse Mainfranken will save over 13,000 kW annually through the use of the corridor function. The associated CO2 saving is 21 t and in this way makes a noticeable contribution to relief of the environment.
Simple conversion, uncomplicated start-up
The conversion and realisation of the features required worked perfectly with the ballasts used, Rainer Zachleder,managing director of elektro zachleder GmbH in Gemünden, which was commissioned with the installation, is happy to report. The lights are controlled by presence detectors, which are all connected with a us line. The simple cabling, which occurs as in normal dimming operation, convinced him as did the uncomplicated and user-friendly start-up of the system.
Fast amortisation guaranteed
The reduction in light power made possible has led to a considerable energy saving, via which the new light installation amortises itself. If one converts the calculation back to a light output comparable to that of the original installation, the amortisation period is just over three years. Thanks to this function, the underground garages, corridors and staircases can be equipped with energy- and money-saving lighting. Converting existing systems is no problem. Herbert Mangers comment: The added value compared to
non-dimming lighting is very clear for the Sparkasse Mainfranken: great convenience and safety for visitors and customers, major CO2 savings in favour of the environment and noticeable financial advantages in operation.
New Survey Released On Parking Garage Security
May 10, 2010 - A survey released today by Federal APD, the foremost North American manufacturer of parking control products, taps into U.S. consumers' minds to better understand what drives parking behavior. Notably, the "American Parking Decisions" survey demonstrates security is a consistently high factor for Americans in addition to traditional cost and location considerations. In addition, the survey provides enlightening comparisons of the preferences of men and women as well as six different age groups.
When asked to rank the top three most important considerations when making a parking decision, the majority of Americans indicated "cost" (34 percent), followed closely by "security" (29 percent) and "location" (25 percent). However, two very different age groups-seniors over age 65 and Americans aged 25‐34 years old-ranked security as the most important factor.
"We have always known parkers primarily make a decision based on cost, especially in a down economy," said Bob Kane, Director of New Business Development for Federal APD. "But, the ‘American Parking Decisions' survey demonstrates safety is a close second that trumps the potential increased convenience of another facility's location. Clearly, a secure parking experience is a critical factor for women and men, as well as Americans of all ages."
To provide additional insight regarding the most important parking security factors, survey respondents were asked to rank their top three considerations among five choices. Most (38 percent) chose "a clear security presence with a guard at a desk or in a patrol car," followed closely by "lighting in garage or stairwells" (35 percent) and, in third place, "visible security cameras" (17 percent). Other choices given in the survey were "operating elevators" (seven percent) and "operating call buttons to speak with attendant" (four percent).
Additional Findings The survey revealed interesting demographic comparisons. For example:
* Greater use by Men. More men use paid parking facilities than women. 47 percent of men and 36 percent of women said they will pay or have paid to park in the past.
* Unity through Security: An almost equal percentage of men and women (27 percent compared with 30 percent, respectively) ranked security as the most important factor when thinking about parking.
* Younger Americans want to chat: While only 11 percent of all respondents chose "operating call buttons to speak with a live attendant at exit and entrance kiosks," 18‐34 year‐olds chose this as the most or second most important consideration when thinking about parking security, above all other age groups.
* We want perks. A rewards program for frequent parking and lost ticket/ vehicle locator assistance were closely tied as consumers' second most influential choice in choosing a parking facility. Following discounted parking (47 percent), 15 percent of consumers said lost ticket/vehicle locator assistance or an incentive program would influence parking decisions.
Methodology
Federal APD commissioned the survey to learn more about what influences and considerations affect Americans' parking decisions. The online survey was conducted among a sample of 1,054 adults comprising 510 men and 544 women 18 years of age and older. Interviewing for this survey was completed on March 25‐26, 2010. The online omnibus study is conducted twice a week among a demographically representative U.S. sample of 1,000 adults 18 years of age and older using Greenfield Online Part of The Toluna Group sample.
When asked to rank the top three most important considerations when making a parking decision, the majority of Americans indicated "cost" (34 percent), followed closely by "security" (29 percent) and "location" (25 percent). However, two very different age groups-seniors over age 65 and Americans aged 25‐34 years old-ranked security as the most important factor.
"We have always known parkers primarily make a decision based on cost, especially in a down economy," said Bob Kane, Director of New Business Development for Federal APD. "But, the ‘American Parking Decisions' survey demonstrates safety is a close second that trumps the potential increased convenience of another facility's location. Clearly, a secure parking experience is a critical factor for women and men, as well as Americans of all ages."
To provide additional insight regarding the most important parking security factors, survey respondents were asked to rank their top three considerations among five choices. Most (38 percent) chose "a clear security presence with a guard at a desk or in a patrol car," followed closely by "lighting in garage or stairwells" (35 percent) and, in third place, "visible security cameras" (17 percent). Other choices given in the survey were "operating elevators" (seven percent) and "operating call buttons to speak with attendant" (four percent).
Additional Findings The survey revealed interesting demographic comparisons. For example:
* Greater use by Men. More men use paid parking facilities than women. 47 percent of men and 36 percent of women said they will pay or have paid to park in the past.
* Unity through Security: An almost equal percentage of men and women (27 percent compared with 30 percent, respectively) ranked security as the most important factor when thinking about parking.
* Younger Americans want to chat: While only 11 percent of all respondents chose "operating call buttons to speak with a live attendant at exit and entrance kiosks," 18‐34 year‐olds chose this as the most or second most important consideration when thinking about parking security, above all other age groups.
* We want perks. A rewards program for frequent parking and lost ticket/ vehicle locator assistance were closely tied as consumers' second most influential choice in choosing a parking facility. Following discounted parking (47 percent), 15 percent of consumers said lost ticket/vehicle locator assistance or an incentive program would influence parking decisions.
Methodology
Federal APD commissioned the survey to learn more about what influences and considerations affect Americans' parking decisions. The online survey was conducted among a sample of 1,054 adults comprising 510 men and 544 women 18 years of age and older. Interviewing for this survey was completed on March 25‐26, 2010. The online omnibus study is conducted twice a week among a demographically representative U.S. sample of 1,000 adults 18 years of age and older using Greenfield Online Part of The Toluna Group sample.
Parking Garage Security Best Practices
Best Practices for Securing a Parking Lot or Garage
by Joe Wenzl
Parking facilities have always made popular locations in horror films, with dim lighting, footsteps eerily following and shadows lurking to create classic scary scenes. At the same time, these movies have unfortunately contributed to negative preconceived notions about parking safety in many patrons’ minds.
However, parking operators have the opportunity to prove Hollywood wrong and offer patrons peace of mind by improving security in their garages and lots. Parking facilities that dedicate efforts to enhanced safety and security measures can not only promote a better customer experience, but also improve overall business operations.
Securing a parking facility can be a challenge. Most facilities have open access to any individual. The sheer size of some facilities requires careful thought and consideration by all parties in visualizing the patron experience and constructing every aspect of a facility’s design.
Two ways parking operators can help improve the security of patrons, and meet business objectives, are by implementing an ongoing planning process based on best practices and using leading-edge technologies. As a result, patrons who feel safe due to security precautions implemented throughout a facility will likely continue to use and recommend that particular facility.
Best practices for securing a parking lot or garage should include:
* Keeping all areas, especially stairwells, adequately illuminated.
* Providing intercom call stations for stranded patrons or patrons requiring assistance.
* Providing alarm stations that immediately summon security to the alarm station location (this is used predominately on university campuses).
* Providing well-illuminated shelters for waiting patrons.
* Providing intuitive directional instruction signs to areas, levels, terminals, shuttle stops, etc.
* Designing parking lots and structures that minimize the distance required for the patron to access their vehicle, thus reducing the time spent outside their vehicle.
* Installing CCTV systems (e.g. video surveillance) that are regularly monitored.
* Displaying notifications about each facility’s safety measures (e.g. “This Facility is Under 24 Hour Surveillance”).
Utilizing leading-edge technology plays a substantial role in providing security for parking lots and garages. Parking operators should look to new, advanced technologies to improve security and business operations. For example:
* Using a CCTV system, utilize imaging analysis software to detect if a person is loitering within the same area. This provides a proactive method of responding to a potential security issue.
* Using Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) with a blacklist that automatically notifies the operator if a vehicle enters the facility with a suspect license plate number.
* Using ALPR to also offer parking patrons a service to find their car if they forgot where they parked (e.g. just scan a ticket and find your car’s location).
* Using Emergency Notification and Alerting Systems to send alerts to registered patrons should a known issue arise in the facility. Text message and email alerts may be sent to a patron’s cell phone or PDA to report an emergency or can also be used to regularly communicate new offerings and happenings at the facility.
Joe Wenzl
Joe Wenzl is director of strategic systems development for Federal Signal Corporation – Federal APD
by Joe Wenzl
Parking facilities have always made popular locations in horror films, with dim lighting, footsteps eerily following and shadows lurking to create classic scary scenes. At the same time, these movies have unfortunately contributed to negative preconceived notions about parking safety in many patrons’ minds.
However, parking operators have the opportunity to prove Hollywood wrong and offer patrons peace of mind by improving security in their garages and lots. Parking facilities that dedicate efforts to enhanced safety and security measures can not only promote a better customer experience, but also improve overall business operations.
Securing a parking facility can be a challenge. Most facilities have open access to any individual. The sheer size of some facilities requires careful thought and consideration by all parties in visualizing the patron experience and constructing every aspect of a facility’s design.
Two ways parking operators can help improve the security of patrons, and meet business objectives, are by implementing an ongoing planning process based on best practices and using leading-edge technologies. As a result, patrons who feel safe due to security precautions implemented throughout a facility will likely continue to use and recommend that particular facility.
Best practices for securing a parking lot or garage should include:
* Keeping all areas, especially stairwells, adequately illuminated.
* Providing intercom call stations for stranded patrons or patrons requiring assistance.
* Providing alarm stations that immediately summon security to the alarm station location (this is used predominately on university campuses).
* Providing well-illuminated shelters for waiting patrons.
* Providing intuitive directional instruction signs to areas, levels, terminals, shuttle stops, etc.
* Designing parking lots and structures that minimize the distance required for the patron to access their vehicle, thus reducing the time spent outside their vehicle.
* Installing CCTV systems (e.g. video surveillance) that are regularly monitored.
* Displaying notifications about each facility’s safety measures (e.g. “This Facility is Under 24 Hour Surveillance”).
Utilizing leading-edge technology plays a substantial role in providing security for parking lots and garages. Parking operators should look to new, advanced technologies to improve security and business operations. For example:
* Using a CCTV system, utilize imaging analysis software to detect if a person is loitering within the same area. This provides a proactive method of responding to a potential security issue.
* Using Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) with a blacklist that automatically notifies the operator if a vehicle enters the facility with a suspect license plate number.
* Using ALPR to also offer parking patrons a service to find their car if they forgot where they parked (e.g. just scan a ticket and find your car’s location).
* Using Emergency Notification and Alerting Systems to send alerts to registered patrons should a known issue arise in the facility. Text message and email alerts may be sent to a patron’s cell phone or PDA to report an emergency or can also be used to regularly communicate new offerings and happenings at the facility.
Joe Wenzl
Joe Wenzl is director of strategic systems development for Federal Signal Corporation – Federal APD
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