Sliema Car Park and Golden Gate use energy saving lighting systems

The Sliema Car Park and Golden Gate have become the first companies in Malta to fully convert their neon tube lighting systems using the Westinghouse Retrolux T5 energy saving adapters.

These unique light fittings enable existing T8 neon lights to be converted to T5 neon tube fittings that offer reductions in electrical consumption of up to 50 per cent, at an economical price.

Westinghouse developed these products with a worldwide patent after recognising the increasing demand for environmentally friendly and energy saving lighting systems from industry generally. The Kyoto Agreement has put in place a framework for targets to be met in achieving reduced demand for electrical consumption, and products such as these are the first steps in enabling industry to meet these requirements.

During the last six months, many local companies have commenced the conversion of their light systems using the Westinghouse Retrolux energy saving technology. These include Bank of Valletta, Allied Newspapers Ltd, Tumas Group of Companies, Frank Borda Ltd, Nylon Knitting Ltd, Michael Attard Ltd, and Bortex Manufacturing Co. Ltd among others.

Demonstrations are also currently underway in several Government departments including the Ministry of the Environment.

In addition to straightforward savings in consumption generated by the use of T5 neon tubes, the Sliema Car Park has implemented a fully integrated wireless control system that provides for automated adjustment of lighting output subject to movements and external natural light inputs.

The result is that when there are no movements by pedestrians or vehicles on each floor, the light output will be automatically reduced by remote sensors and conversely increased when any movements are detected by these specifically located remote sensors.

The Sliema Car Park has also introduced daylight sensors in certain locations that again will result in an automatic adjustment to the light output by taking into account the level of natural light penetrating the building from side openings at any time, thereby reducing consumption accordingly.

The total lighting consumption savings expected from this project are between 60-70 per cent, while at the same time producing an improved lux level output across the car park floors.

Golden Gate offices and Contessa Ltd's manufacturing and printing facilities have also installed a similar system in San Gwann.

Mr Ingo Sausmekat, from WLM Europe LLP, distributors of Westinghouse lighting products throughout Europe stated that "We are very pleased that these two companies have implemented our first fully integrated energy saving lighting systems in Malta, and have taken the lead in investing in sound economic products that produce long term financial gains to the user and environmental benefits to the community by way of reduced electrical consumption".

An example of this is that over a five-year period, the consumption by the Sliema Car Park is estimated to reduce carbon output by 105,000 kilogrammes and CO2 output by 420,000 kilogrammes from Enemalta power generation plants.

Mr Simon Stilon, Managing Director of CC Car Parks Plc, owners of the Sliema Car Park, stated "Having undertaken trials of these products in the car park last year, we were convinced of the potential savings that could be generated and decided that this investment made sense from both an economic and environmental point of view".

The distributors of Westinghouse Lighting Systems in Malta, Frank Borda Limited, confirmed that demonstrations are being carried out in a large number of premises including factories, offices, car parks, showrooms, etc. where neon tubes are the preferred form of lighting.

Mr Jeremy Kirk, Managing Director of Frank Borda Limited, commented: "We believe that there is tremendous scope for the reduction in energy consumption across industry and commerce in general in Malta. By converting in volume existing lighting systems using Westinghouse Retrolux T5 technology, we will substantially reduce demand on the ever growing electricity output with a consequential reduction in environmental damage caused by such power generation".

Westinghouse has developed a sophisticated software program that enables potential customers to assess the investment required, the savings potential and payback period along with the resultant environmental reduction in carbon and CO2 output that will result from their conversion to this innovative technology.

Potential clients need only note the number and type of tubes in use along with the daily hours usage for a detailed proposal to be generated.

Any interested parties can contact Frank Borda Limited, Gala Centre, Testaferrata Street, Msida, Tel: 2133-1620 for an appointment with Mr Pierre Schembri, the project consultant for these products.