Reno sees the light

The Reno Arch now lighting up Virginia Street is less wasteful than it was last week. The city of Reno replaced 2,076 of its 11-watt incandescent bulbs with 2.5-watt LED (light emitting diode) bulbs. The $62,180 retrofit is projected to save 9,2011 kW and $10,441 per year.

The Reno Arch is one of many energy efficiency projects the city has been undertaking as part of its Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Initiative. The plan includes water and energy efficiency measures—ranging from solar and wind systems to lighting retrofits—at local parks, parking garages, schools, community centers and other public buildings. Funding for the $20.7 million plan comes from energy efficiency and community block grants and rebates; and conservation, renewable energy and economic development bonds. When all projects within the initiative are completed, the city expects to save just over $1 million each year and have created 222 jobs. And lest we forget it’s not all about money saved, the combined projects are to conserve 6.7 kW of energy, 7.8 million gallons of water and keep 17.2 million pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

Perhaps other lights blinking along Virginia Street might take a cue from the arch.