Hy-Vee, Inc., West Des Moines, Iowa, reduced lighting-related energy consumption by 74% in their Chariton, Iowa, perishables distribution center’s freezer warehouse after an LED lighting upgrade installed by SmartWatt Energy, Ballston Lake, N.Y. The new energy-efficient lighting system is expected to save the company $23,456 in annual energy costs.

Hy-Vee is committed to promoting the well-being of its customers, employees and local communities in which they operate through the implementation of energy and resource conservation initiatives. As part of these initiatives, the company wanted to pursue opportunities that reduce their lighting energy consumption.

SmartWatt Energy performed a construction-grade energy audit of the facility, and then engineered a plan to replace 209 T-5 Fluorescent lighting fixtures with 141 LED High Bays throughout the distribution center’s freezer warehouse. This lighting upgrade came with a utility incentive of $28,473, reducing Hy-Vee’s payback period for the project to approximately 35 months.

The new energy-efficient lighting system installed will also save 469,128 kWh of electricity per year and, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calculations, will have the same effect on the environment as removing 703,692 pounds of carbon dioxide or planting 103 acres of trees.