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VTA Saves Energy and Costs with New Lighting System
Upgrades Installed at Two Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Divisions
| Release Number: | NR 10 01 10 |
| Release Date: | Jan 27, 2010 |
San Jose, Calif. – In its efforts to continue conserving energy, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has installed new energy-efficient lights at its Cerone and Chaboya Bus Operating Divisions as part of an initiative by its Sustainability Program in partnership with PG&E’s customer energy efficiency program.
VTA began retrofitting in fall of 2008, resulting in hundreds of fluorescent lamps upgraded and incandescent bulbs replaced. The energy savings is realized due to less power consumption, better dimming options, instant start-up and better color rendition. Since the implementation of the energy efficient lights, VTA has noted a 15 percent reduction in electricity usage at its Cerone and Chaboya Divisions. Approximately $57,000 in PG&E rebates have been received so far for the lighting retrofits. VTA is currently implementing a similar installation at its Guadalupe Light Rail Operating Division and expects completion by early summer 2010.
“We are proactive with reducing our consumption of natural resources,” said VTA General Manager Michael T. Burns. “VTA is environmentally responsible with this new initiative.”
In addition, VTA has changed its exit signs from incandescent to LED lights at itsRiver Oaks Administrative Building and has made additional lighting retrofits to its River Oaks warehouse and storage areas. Motion sensors are planned in a variety of areas allowing the lights to automatically turn off when there is no activity for a set amount of time. Once completed, these initiatives combined could save VTA approximately $380,000 in energy costs per year.
VTA’s Sustainability Program began in July 2007 with the approval of funds to support staff time and small-scale capital improvements to VTA facilities and vehicles. A Sustainability Team was also established in July 2007 to provide overall direction for the program. VTA staff meets monthly to evaluate and implement green improvements and programs.
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About VTA
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region. VTA is responsible for bus, light rail and paratransit operations and also serves as the county’s congestion management agency. As such, VTA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, including congestion management issues, specific highway improvement projects, pedestrian and bicycle improvement projects, and provides these services throughout the county, including the municipalities of Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County.
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