Orion Presents MABIS/DMI Healthcare with Environmental Award
Light-related energy reduction the environmental equivalent of saving 14,903 gallons of gas annually.
Orion Energy Systems has awarded MABIS/DMI Healthcare with an Environmental Stewardship Award for reducing energy consumption through the use of Orion’s Compact Modular™, high-intensity fluorescent (HIF) lighting platform.
MABIS/DMI Healthcare, of Waukegan, Illinois, is expected to cut its light-related electricity consumption by 55 percent. Orion’s lighting systems is expected to decrease the amount of kilowatt-hours MABIS/DMI Healthcare uses for lighting from 328,703 kWh to 148,178 kWh.
The company replaced 183 depreciated metal halide fixtures with 173 of Orion’s energy-saving fluorescent fixtures – increasing light levels, cutting electrical costs and helping the environment.
Light levels in the warehouse prior to the project were on average 5 foot candles in the aisles and 10 foot candles in the open areas. Upon completion of the project, we achieved 25 foot candles in the aisles and 35 foot candles in the open areas – giving the warehouse a whole new look and feel. Several warehouse employees commented on how nice the lighting looked and how it helped them with their jobs, said Todd Sprague, Inbound Distribution/Facility Manager. In addition, we’ve significantly decreased our electrical demand/costs and enhanced our environmental contribution as we recycle computer equipment, steel, glass, paper, aluminum, plastic, paper and corrugated cardboard.
What does reducing electricity consumption have to do with the environment? Electricity that won’t be consumed is never generated, meaning the harmful greenhouse gases associated with its creation won’t be released into the atmosphere.
Therefore, MABIS/DMI Healthcare will indirectly decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 2,371 tons over the lifecycle of Orion’s fixtures. During that same period, MABIS/DMI Healthcare will reduce 9 tons of sulfur dioxide and 3 tons of nitrogen oxides, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
The greenhouse gas emission reductions are the air-scrubbing equivalent of a 33-acre forest or removing 29 cars from the road, according to the EPA. The emission reductions also equate to saving 14,903 gallons of gasoline every year. As if the environmental savings weren’t enough, the company is expected to slash its light-related electricity costs by 55 percent, from $27,940 to $12,595 a year because of the reduced energy consumption.
Orion’s patented, high-efficiency lighting cuts light-related energy consumption by 50 percent or more, while providing about 50 percent more light than traditional, high-intensity discharge (HID) fixtures. Orion’s fixtures also are light and easy to install and maintain.
“We’re proud to be a part of projects like the one at MABIS/DMI Healthcare where the customer saves money on their light-related energy costs while receiving better lighting,” said Orion CEO Neal Verfuerth. “Customers across North America are realizing that with our products, they don’t have to compromise their lighting needs. These are the same companies that are also benefitting from decreased energy costs.
"MABIS/DMI Healthcare is also making a difference in the world we live in and the air we breathe by reducing the harmful emissions, and that’s something we can all appreciate
Orion’s innovation and technology recently won the praise of President Barack Obama, who applauded Orion in a White House speech promoting clean energy, the creation of green collar jobs and the importance of energy efficiency.
About MABIS DMI Healthcare, A Briggs Company
MABIS DMI Healthcare is a recognized leader servicing the acute, non-acute, professional, long-term care and home healthcare markets. Since 2004, MABIS DMI Healthcare has been part of the Briggs Medical Service Company family. For more than 60 years, Briggs has been a trusted partner to the healthcare community. Briggs serves more than 50,000 customers in the senior care, home care, acute care, physician, dealer, and retail markets. The company produces and distributes more than 10,000 products including durable and disposable medical supplies, proprietary medical forms and documentation systems, patient charting products, and education and reference materials. For more information, visit www.mabisdmi.com or call 800.526.4753.
Orion Energy Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: OESX)
is a leading power technology enterprise that designs, manufactures and implements energy management systems, consisting primarily of high-performance, energy-efficient lighting platforms, wireless controls systems and direct renewable solar technology for commercial and industrial customers without compromise. Orion’s technology was recently recognized with a Platts Global Energy Award for the single most innovative and sustainable green technology of 2008. Orion has deployed its energy management systems in 4,796 facilities across North America, including 119 of the Fortune 500 companies. Since 2001, Orion technology has displaced more than 459 megawatts, saving customers more than $642 million and reducing indirect carbon dioxide emissions by 5.5 million tons. For more information, visit www.oesx.com.