Electrician shines a light on energy efficiency BEAR MOUNTAIN — For homeowners converting their homes to energy efficient lighting, all that is usually required is a quick shopping trip for new light bulbs and the patience to change out some lamps and light fixtures. But when you’re charged with handling lighting in an entire state park region, going green is a much larger undertaking. The money and time invested will yield huge dividends long term, noted a CSEA member converting lighting in the Palisades Parks Region to energy-efficient LED lighting. “If you do the math, it’s a no-brainer,” said Jeff McCloud, a regional maintenance electrician and a longtime CSEA peer trainer for workplace safety. McCloud is converting the Queensboro Water Treatment Plant, one of a number of facilities servicing area state parks, to full LED (light-emitting diode) lighting. It’s a project McCloud and CSEA Palisades Parks Local President Danny Corigliano credit their new deputy parks region director, Robert Kuhn, with spearheading. During cold winter weather and rainy days, McCloud heads to the water plant to continue changing fixtures. Once complete, he expects to start similar work at the regional maintenance garage in Bear Mountain State Park. “LEDs have come a long way in the last five years, which makes it cost effective to reach out to this resource,” said McCloud. “You might pay more upfront for the initial cost of the LED lamp, but you make that back in time because the estimated life span is 10 years.” Numerous benefits In sharp contrast, McCloud and the three other electricians and two helpers on staff change out the existing fluorescent lighting in many parks buildings every couple of months. The LED lighting will free workers to spend more time on other projects, and the parks budget will see a benefit from reduced electricity costs. While a standard 60-watt light bulb uses 60 watts per hour and newer CFL lighting uses 13 watts per hour, the equivalent LED lighting uses only three watts per hour. With bulbs priced at $21.75, McCloud figures the cost to the state per year will be only 75 cents. An unexpected but added benefit, Corigliano said, is that LED lights are brighter. Workers at the Queensboro plant are now better able to see the water coming through and mechanics such as himself will appreciate the better lighting once the Jeff McCloud, a regional maintenance electrician, discusses the energy efficiency that will be gained from the new LED lighting he is installing in the Queensboro Water Treatment Plant. garage is converted. While not as visible as recycling efforts or solar panels, energy efficient lighting is one initiative allowing state parks to serve as a role model for green practices. — Jessica Ladlee Shedding light on LEDs For more, see pages 7 and 9 LEDs, or light–emitting diodes, are semiconductor devices that produce visible light when an electrical current passes through them. While a standard 60-watt light bulb uses 60 watts per hour and newer CFL lighting uses 13 watts per hour, the equivalent LED lighting uses only three watts per hour. This saves a lot of electricity. While LED bulbs cost more upfront than more traditional forms of lighting, their estimated life span is 10 years. The fluorescent bulbs being replaced must be taken to a recycling facility and processed as hazardous waste. The LED bulbs are not harmful to the environment. Jeff McCloud, left, pictured with Palisades Parks Region Local President Danny Corigliano, discusses the environmental benefits of LED lighting. 8 The Work Force June 2015
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