Allegheny County officials yesterday unveiled new “green” lighting at the county jail after more than 805 light fixtures were replaced with high-efficiency LED lights, which are expected to use 83 percent less energy, the equivalent of reducing the facility’s energy consumption by 184 kilowatts.
“The green lighting project at the jail is a win-win for Allegheny County,” said County Executive Dan Onorato.
“We’re increasing energy efficiency while decreasing costs to taxpayers. When I launched Allegheny Green, I promised that Allegheny County would lead by example, and we’re doing just that. We will continue to look for ways to operate government more efficiently and environmentally friendly,” he added.
The cutting-edge, patented LED fixtures were installed in the pod areas of the jail where lights are required to remain on 24 hours a day. The LED lights are expected to last 20 to 25 years with a projected savings of more than $178,000 in the first year.
The LED fixtures are manufactured by Appalachian Lighting Systems in Ellwood City, and 75 percent of the fixture components are produced in the United States. Pittsburgh-based ImbuTec Inc., an energy solutions company and minority business enterprise, served as project manager.
