Bloomington, MN — In the largest conversion project of its kind in the U.S., Mall of America plans to replace 5,400 lights in its parking ramps with LED fixtures.
Bloomington, MN — On Earth Day (April 22), Mall of America® announces its plan to replace 5,400 metal halide and high pressure sodium fixtures in the parking ramps with specially designed new fixtures featuring LED technology from Acuity Brands, an Atlanta-based provider of luminaires, lighting control systems and related products. The installation will begin in July 2011.
“To continue with our dedication to being environmentally responsible, we are thrilled to announce a project of this magnitude,” says Rich Hoge, director of technical operations for Mall of America.
This conversion project, the largest of its kind in the United States, will reduce energy consumption in the ramps by two-thirds. The energy saved is enough to power more than 11,000 homes for a year. The benefits of LED beyond lower energy consumption include better performance in cold temperatures, a life expectancy of more than 50,000 hours, no use of mercury and directional efficiency. LED lamps are also a powerful way to reduce light pollution, which has become a concern across the country.
Mall of America is located in the City of Bloomington’s South Loop district. The City of Bloomington has made energy conservation and increased sustainability a primary focus for future developments and retrofits to existing facilities in this district. The City of Bloomington and Mall of America are finalizing terms for a Special Assessment Funding Agreement that will make this project possible.
This project was also made possible by a grant of $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Minnesota Department of Commerce through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and an energy conservation rebate from Xcel Energy.
Since opening in 1992, Mall of America has been committed to reducing its operating footprint. The mall recycles more than 60% of its waste, an average of 32,000 tons per year. This includes more than 2,400 tons of food waste to a local hog farm, 6,000 tons of cardboard and paper, and 50 tons of glass every year. This LED project is part of a multi-faceted sustainability program that will emerge over the coming months. Anticipated completion will be fall 2011.
Mall of America is the nation’s largest retail and entertainment complex. At 4.2 million square feet, MOA is home to more than 520 world-class shops. For more information visit www.mallofamerica.com.