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Uniek Inc. recognized for energy efficiency initiatives
As the result of a light-related electricity reduction at its Waunakee, Wis., facility, Uniek Inc. has received Orion Energy Systems’ Environmental Stewardship Award. Orion presents the award to companies that achieve significant environmental benefits through the use of Orion’s energy-efficient products and systems.
Uniek, a leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of picture frames, home furnishings, and craft products, replaced 377 metal halide light fixtures with Orion’s Compact Modular™, high-intensity fluorescent (HIF) lighting system. Energy Business Services, a Madison-based company and authorized distributor for Orion Energy Systems, performed the lighting testing and helped provide the data Uniek needed to get the project approved.
In addition, Uniek replaced 145 inefficient plant task lights with the same high-efficiency systems from Orion. As a result, the new lights were installed in the manufacturing and distribution area of the facility, which is approximately 200,000 square feet. The only area not retrofitted during this project was the office area, according to Brian Duzan, facilities manager for Uniek Inc. The office area is being evaluated for a similar project.
"Uniek is making energy-efficient projects a main priority in their corporate outlook," said Kim Trautner, sales manager of EBS. "I worked with them to achieve the goals that they wanted to reach environmentally and financially. The end result was even better than they had anticipated."
Duzan said the initial reaction to the new lighting system has been very positive. During the first phase of the project, "our employee’s immediate reaction was 'wow, it’s very bright,'" Duzan said. "But after a couple of days, employees started asking us when they were going to get the new lights installed in their area. It has been really positive."
As a result of the lighting change, Uniek is expected to cut its light-related electricity costs by 69 percent according to a project proposal from Orion. Duzan said a detailed post-project analysis of Uniek’s energy costs provided by Waunakee Utilities shows the company likely will save between 76 to 82 percent of their annual lighting costs as a result of the retrofit.
"There’s no doubt we have reduced our energy requirements significantly for the facility, and as a result we’re saving money," Duzan said.
In addition to the decreased cost savings come significant environmental benefits, as Uniek drastically reduces the amount of harmful, greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. The lighting change is projected to reduce light-related electricity consumption by 65 percent, from 1.2 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) a year to 423,253 kWh.
Because the electricity no longer needs to be generated to power Uniek lights, Uniek is helping decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 10,658 tons during the lifecycle of Orion’s high-efficiency fixtures. During that same period, the company will reduce more than 42.5 tons of sulfur dioxide and 16 tons of nitrogen oxides, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are all toxic by-products of the electricity generation process. The emission reductions are the air-scrubbing equivalent of a 143-acre forest or removing 126 cars from the road. It is also the equivalent of saving 64,553 gallons of gasoline a year, according to the EPA. Duzan said Uniek is exploring other energy efficient initiatives, from small projects to some potentially very large projects. Duzan said the company is considering everything it can to reduce its energy consumption.
The environmental and cost benefits to Uniek are possible because of Orion’s patented, high-efficiency lighting systems that reduce light-related electricity use by 50 percent while producing 50 percent more light than the industry standard high-intensity discharge lights. Orion’s fixtures also are easy to install and maintain.
"We applaud Uniek for reducing their energy consumption as it benefits everyone through reduced greenhouse gas emissions," said Neal Verfuerth, Orion’s president and CEO. "And while the company is doing its part to help the environment, they received better light and substantial cost savings, which makes this project a win-win for everyone."
Orion has deployed its energy management systems in 4,068 facilities across North America. Since 2001, Orion technology has displaced more than 386 megawatts, saving customers more than $455 million and reducing indirect carbon dioxide emissions by 4 million tons. Orion’s technology was recently internationally recognized with a Platts Global Energy Award for the single most innovative and sustainable green technology of 2008.
Uniek Inc. is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of home furnishing and craft products. The Pyle Group, a Madison, Wis.-based investment firm with expertise in marketing and business management, purchased the company in 1998. Since that time it has become one of the largest and fastest growing suppliers of ready-made frames. Uniek supplies a wide variety of picture frames, mirrors, craft products and photo storage units to major retailers under the brand names of Uniek, National, Thomasville, Martha Stewart, as well as numerous private labels. Uniek’s customers include Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot, Family Dollar, Kmart, Shopko, Walgreen’s, Office Depot, Menards, Hobby Lobby, Michael’s and Woodmans to name a few larger accounts. Uniek products are exported as well, primarily to Canada. For more information, visit www.uniekinc.com.
Energy Business Services (EBS) is a Madison Based company that has been providing energy efficient products and design service since 1992. EBS is an authorized distributor of Orion Energy Systems.
Orion Energy Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: OESX) is a leading power technology enterprise that designs, manufactures and implements energy management systems, consisting primarily of high-performance, energy-efficient lighting systems, controls and related services for commercial and industrial customers without compromising their quantity or quality of light. For more information, visit www.oesx.com.
Media Contacts
Brian Duzan
Kim Trautner
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