By Marianne Wilson

(July 7, 2009) Energy-efficient lighting is paying off big time for Limited Brands -- and not just in the stores. The apparel specialty chain expects to realize an annualized energy and maintenance cost savings of approximately $775,000 as a result of a comprehensive lighting retrofit of five distribution centers at its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio.

New lighting has increased light levels at Limited Brands’ distribution centers, with some areas up to four times brighter.

The retrofit, which involved 3.5 million sq. ft. of facilities, utilized T5 lamps from GE Consumer & Industrial (GE T5 High-Output Starcoat Ecolux), along with TCLP-compliant 2-ft. and 3-ft. T8 lamps (GE Watt-Miser) in both 28 watts and 23 watts, and T8 ballasts (GE Ultramax).

Additionally, the fixtures are equipped with motion sensors so the lamps operate only when there is activity in the area.

"We're constantly examining new strategies for enhancing the efficiency of our lighting," says Ronald T. Rau, VP stores and facilities maintenance, Limited Brands. "With this project, and others underway now, we're doing more than just trimming electricity bills. We're contributing to our sustainability initiatives while improving the work environment of our associates."

As a result of the retrofit, which reduced lighting-related energy consumption in the five centers by 50%, Limited Brands is expected to achieve an annual savings of $650,000 in energy costs and $125,000 in maintenance expenditures. (Cost-saving calculations for the new lighting were based on an audit of existing equipment, the published input wattages, an agreed upon kWh rate and operating hours of both the before and after lighting products. Cited maintenance savings for the lamp and ballast replacements are based on the published, anticipated failure of the existing system and operating hours.)

In another plus, the new lighting has dramatically increased light levels in the facilities, with some areas up to four times brighter.

"Associates working in the distribution centers have told us that the brighter lighting makes it easier to perform tasks," notes Rau. "They've reported that the work area feels cleaner and that seeing barcoded vendor information more clearly seems to be enhancing productivity.”