Ace Energy Co. (Buffalo, New York, U.S.) is working with New York City schools seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and cut energy costs. Schools throughout the city have been turning to Ace Energy for lighting upgrades aimed to reduce overhead costs, electrical consumption and carbon emissions.

The Allen-Stevenson School recently completed an energy-efficient lighting upgrade of its gymnasium and auditorium. By replacing obsolete metal halide fixtures with new energy-saving T-8 fluorescent high-bay fixtures, the school will realize electrical savings of more than US$3500 a year, reduce energy consumption in these areas by 64% and provide improved lighting conditions for students.

Ace Energy also incorporated motion-sensor and photocell technology into the new lighting design. The automated system will shut off lights when the gymnasium is unoccupied and reduce light levels as sufficient daylight is detected to adequately light the facility.

Through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), schools are receiving incentives to "go green" by completing projects such as energy-efficient lighting upgrades. Ace Energy worked with NYSERDA on Allen-Stevenson's behalf to obtain rebates that substantially reduced the overall cost of the project.

The Town School, Lycée Français de New York, Dalton School, Buckley School, Brooklyn Friends, Brooklyn Heights Montessori School and Pratt University also have taken advantage of lighting upgrades through Ace Energy. These schools are estimated to save over $100,000 a year in combined operational costs and have reduced energy consumption on average by 56%. For the school projects, Ace Energy was able to obtain nearly $60,000 in NYSERDA rebates.

"With schools teaching environmental awareness and 'go green' measures every day, a lighting upgrade is the perfect way to further educate students and provide them with results they can see, like better lighting," said Martin Fanaro, director of operations for Ace Energy.