Commercial, Energy Efficiency, Industrial - May 25, 2017
LED retrofit scales efficiency at Vancouver airport
In addition to reducing electricity use, a new LED lighting system has expanded the lighting coverage and increased safety for pilots, air traffic controllers and ground crews at Vancouver International Airport.
The lighting system, which marks the first time an airport in North America is using an adaptive dimming system based upon gate usage, was retrofitted onto the airport's existing structures and gives a more uniform distribution of light, according to a May 24 news release from Musco Lighting, which designed the system. The apron lighting system also features patented glare control technology so that high-quality light is applied only where needed, and darkness is preserved where light is not intended, which is said to improve operational efficiency by eliminating glare.
Don Ehrenholz, vice president of engineering for Vancouver Airport Authority said in a statement that the project fits into the authority's primary objective of operating and maintaining a safe, secure and sustainable airport. The airport's environmental management plan, which spans 2015 through 2019, has four strategic priorities with corresponding goals, targets and baselines that influence its the sustainable growth and development.
Those four priorities aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce waste, reduce potable water consumption and improve ecosystem health. As part of that plan, Vancouver International Airport also developed a long-term energy strategy that aims to reduce energy consumption and invest in alternative energy solutions
"The new apron lighting system significantly reduces [the airport's] energy consumption, while streamlining operations and improving safety with improved coverage, reduced glare and increased lighting levels," Ehrenholz said. "It's a win-win situation. We will continue to work collaboratively to find innovative ways to reduce energy consumption as we strive for environmental excellence."
The airport utilizes incentives for the project made available by its utility, BC Hydro, through its Industrial Energy Manager program; the airport has participated in that utility program for more than ten years.
According to the release, the apron lighting is adaptive based on gate usage, meaning that lighting levels will increase and decrease based on the gate schedule in order to save power when not in use. It is expected to reduce electricity use at the airport by 715,000 kWhrs/year.
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