LED Switch Could Save Resources, Lives

March 12, 2015

LED Switch Could Save Resources, Lives 
By Anne McGregor

I live in an 18-unit condominium with a lighted parking lot. This parking lot is lit by four, 260-watt wall-mounted metal halide light fixtures that run from dusk to dawn.  These light fixtures are impractical and waste energy. Using more efficient light bulbs would not only save money for our building but save our planet’s resources. The vast majority of Missouri’s energy comes from burning coal, which has dangerous health and environmental side effects. Saving energy literally saves lives. Metal-Halide lights were developed in the 1960s and were considered efficient at the time, but today’s LED efficiency leaves them in the shade Photo: Anne McGregor

To replace the metal halide light fixtures with LEDs would cost about $900. This replacement would yield annual energy savings of $382. This means we would make our investment back in less than 3 years.  Additionally, the LEDs will last a lot longer than the metal halides, saving replacement costs for years to come.

Last summer KCP&L was making $1000 grants for sustainability projects that could be used to pay for the new LEDs plus their installation.  It is helpful to check with your local utility about rebates, programs, or any other incentive when considering lighting or other energy efficiency upgrades. While my condominium chose to not make the investment this time, I will keep trying! 

What energy efficiency improvements have you made to your home? Share them with us by emailing Gretchen at 

gretchen.waddellbarwick@sierraclub.org.