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Clean Light Fixtures Can Save Facility Managers Money
Several years ago, the International Association of Lighting Management Companies (NALMCO) conducted a study that found Facility Managers could save as much as 10 percent on their lighting costs, just by cleaning light fixtures. While it is an older study, much of their findings are as relevant today as they were when it was conducted. In fact, as we shall discuss, they may be even more relevant today. 1
Led by Luminaire Dirt Depreciation, an organization that works with light bulb manufacturers, designers, architects, as well as Facility Managers, the study found that facilities could reduce their lighting needs and keep building users happy, just by cleaning soiled light bulbs and fixtures. Additionally, this can help light bulbs last longer, both of which can produce cost savings for Facility Managers.
According to both organizations, the loss of light due to accumulated dust, has become even more of a problem today than it was years ago. This is because so many facilities now use LED technology.
Traditional bulbs or fluorescent bulbs can last several months to three years, but LED bulbs last between five to ten years. This means they are attended to less often, resulting in a much greater potential for dust to accumulate over time. This reduces brightness levels, and since the loss is so gradual, Facility Managers typically do not notice it until building users complain about adequate light.
Another factor that has resulted in today’s light fixtures getting dustier faster, is the fact that facilities are typically totally enclosed. Whereas older buildings had windows that opened and depended less on air-conditioning, most of today’s facilities do not have windows that open and are entirely dependent on HVAC systems year-round. Even if the filters in these systems are changed regularly, they still can generate dust that tends to collect on light bulbs and fixtures.
New or old, “all lighting systems lose light as they operate; fixtures get dirty,” says Robert Levin, a corporate scientist with Osram Sylvania. “So initially you provide for more light, which means more expensive installation [and] more energy consumed, which also means higher operating costs.”
Some contract cleaning companies will clean building light fixtures either as an add-on service, or it may be included in the agreements with their customers. Because Medallion is so sustainability-focused, we encourage our clients to have their fixtures cleaned at least once per year; more often in busy locations, used by many people. The results are greater illumination, less energy consumption and happier tenants.
Every successful company needs a versatile systems specialist with the ability to adeptly orchestrate account startups and deploying technologies at customer sites. With a strong focus providing infrastructure and technological solutions to service delivery teams, Andres is meticulous at mastering the art of contract compliance. As a key member of Medallion’s innovation committee, Andres leads Medallion’s business certifications and operational excellence programs, such as CIMS and ISO compliance.
Mark
Mark
Sr. VP of Regional Operations – National Accounts & Culinary
Few known tenured professionals have had the success that Mark Cornish has earned as knowledgeable and resourceful operator. Mark oversees maintenance programs at a national level and provides another layer of support to our VPs of Operations. As an operational guru, Mark is a master of meeting customer financial objectives while ensuring that customers receive the highest level of service across our service channels. His expertise lies in developing and implementing quality service methods and procedures, optimizing operational efficiency for complex manufacturing sites and campus environments, primarily in the janitorial and culinary space.
Daryl
Daryl
Regional VP Operations – High Tech & Institutional Environments
Leveraging over “x” years of experience in the facility service industry, Daryl stands out by a distinguished track record of unmatched customer experience. Daryl has earned the reputation of a trusted collaborator capable of brining operational stability to the most challenging environments. In addition to having depth of knowledge in building maintenance, he also runs Medallion’s mailroom and event management division.
Elias
Elias
EVP, Chief Sustainability Ambassador
Elias brings extensive business operations expertise and leadership to Medallion as he provides direct oversight of the Executive Team. As Medallion’s Chief Sustainability Ambassador, he champion’s our sustainability initiatives around waste management, green cleaning and maintenance of controlled environments. Elias is TRUE Zero Waste certified, IICRC certified, and has been trained in infectious disease by GBCAI.
