COMPANY
New Canadian Technology Promises To Reduce Office Lighting Energy Consumption By Up To 60 Percent
Sustainable Development Technology Canada Confirms Funding For a Demonstration of Fifth Light Technologys Groundbreaking Cost, Energy, Environmental and Lighting Quality Benefits.
TORONTO, Nov. 10, 2005 A world-first technology that can reduce office and commercial lighting energy costs by 30 to 60 percent has taken a major step toward commercialization, Fifth Light Technology Ltd. and Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) announced today.
The new technology, now undergoing its first commercial-scale demonstration at a downtown Toronto office building, could dramatically change the economics, energy requirements and environmental impact of commercial lighting.
SDTC has confirmed $3 million in funding toward the demonstration project, leveraging a further $6.2 million in funding from Fifth Light and its consortium partners Great West Life Realty Advisors Inc., Lindsay Electronics, New Orbit Technologies Inc. and Toronto Hydro Energy Systems Inc.
Fifth Light technology became interested in this field several years ago out of a belief that the key to better commercial lighting efficiency and energy savings lay in dimming, intelligent control systems and management protocols, rather than expensive electronic ballasts and light tubes, says Dr. Joseph Dableh, President, Fifth Light Technology Ltd. The participation of SDTC and support from our federal government has helped us to realize our vision for a clean technology solution that is good for business and the environment.
The technology utilizes a unique, patented controller system that, for the first time, allows fluorescent lighting systems using magnetic ballasts to be dimmed. The system allows for the individual, automated control of each lighting fixture in a building, in step with lighting needs and the time of day.
Prior to Fifth Lights technology, fluorescent lights operated by magnetic ballasts by far the most common type of office and commercial lighting installed worldwide, with more than one billion fixtures in North America alone could not be adjusted. At a time of heightened concern over rising energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, ironically most commercial spaces are over-lit, with tenants generally preferring lower light levels than they currently experience.
In addition to reduced energy consumption and related costs, the technologys benefits include:
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions through lower energy use.
- An average payback of 2.5 years for installation costs, based on 30 to 60 percent energy savings (the actual savings depend on the current electricity consumption of the buildings lighting system) along with government and utility incentives, and reductions in maintenance and office reconfiguration costs.
- Improved light quality, with over-lighting eliminated.
- More than doubles the life of fluorescent bulbs and ballasts, reducing maintenance and capital costs.
- Flexible control that can be placed in the hands of the property manager, tenant organization or individual office workers via computer desktops, telephones or wireless devices.
- Works with existing or new magnetic ballasts, fixtures and bulbs.
- Reduced landfill because the technology does not require fixture replacement and disposal.
- Provides the ability to control light levels seasonally, thereby reducing the mortality of migratory birds at downtown office towers.
- Qualifies for energy efficiency rebates offered by the federal government and some utilities.
"The Government of Canada strongly supports new energy technologies that provide cost, energy and environmental benefits to Canadians," says the Honourable John McCallum, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Natural Resources. "By supporting industry leaders like Fifth Light Technology Ltd., Natural Resources Canada is helping to bring innovative energy solutions into the marketplace."
Lighting represents at least 30 percent and more often greater than half -- of a buildings electrical energy costs. With each Fifth Light dimmer saving an average 350 KWh of electricity per year, if the technology were installed in 200 office towers, it would replace the output of one large coal-fired generator or 80 percent of an average nuclear reactor.
Fifth Light is a great example of Canadas rich resource of clean technology expertise that has the potential to deliver enormous environmental and economic benefits," says Vicky J. Sharpe, SDTCs President and CEO. "SDTC helps move technologies like this toward commercialization not only through financial support but also by helping our partners build strategic business links and develop go-to-market business plans."
Fifth Lights technology has been tested in a smaller installation in downtown Toronto over the past three years, in conjunction with Great West Life Realty Advisors and Toronto Hydro Energy Services Inc.
About SDTC
Sustainable Development Technology Canada is a foundation created by the Government of Canada that operates a $550 million fund to support the development and demonstration of clean technologies solutions that address issues of climate change, air quality, and clean water and soil to deliver environmental, economic and health benefits to Canadians.
An arms length, not-for-profit corporation, SDTC fills the void in the innovation chain between research and commercialization helping clean technology developers move through the development and demonstration phases, in preparation for commercialization.
SDTC encourages collaboration among private, financial, academic, public sector partners and with the Government of Canada and all levels of government to build a sustainable development infrastructure in Canada.
Since April 2002, SDTC has completed seven funding rounds, committed $169 million to 75 clean technology projects, and leveraged $446 million from project consortia members, for a total portfolio value of $615 million.
About Fifth Light Technology Ltd.
Oakville, Ont.-based Fifth Light Technology Ltd. is the exclusive North American manufacturer and supplier of a new patented device and complete turnkey control and management system that will enhance the performance of fluorescent lighting utilizing magnetic ballasts.
At a time when most lighting systems are over-lit and under-managed, Fifth Lights patented technology conserves energy and significantly reduces costs by emphasizing sensible and flexible lighting options.
Media Contacts
SDTC
Elisabeth Napolano
Environics Communications for SDTC
416-969-2705, enapolano@environicspr.com
Don Hogarth
Environics Communications for SDTC
416-969-2755, dhogarth@environicspr.com
Andre Mongeon
Director of Communications
(613) 234-6313 ext. 224
Mobile: 613-276-2044, a.mongeon@sdtc.ca
Ghyslain Charron
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
(613) 992-4447