It only took six months for Sustainativity, the Savannah, Ga.-based 501c3 non-profit organization that directs philanthropic investments in sustainability, to plan, design and finalize its first project: the light retrofit at America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia.
America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia had been chosen in January 2014 as the first recipient of Sustainativity’s sustainability endowment to fund and assist implementing a comprehensive lighting replacement program, which will yield savings of $3,000 per year; funds that then will be used to provide added meals to community members.
On July 29, 2014, at 10 a.m. the new, enhanced and energy efficient lights were turned on during a ceremony, attended by members of the Sustainativity Inc. Board, staff and executives of America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, guests and media.
Roughly light 80 fixtures from Cooper Industries were installed in the offices and warehouse at Second Harvest. Metal halide lights in the warehouse were replaced with a combination of dimmable LED and high output T5 lamps. Some lights were moved to give better illumination with less wattage. Offices went from four-bulb T12 fixture down to two-bulb T8 fixtures, which are not only more efficient lights, but fewer bulbs are needed. Offices also have occupancy sensors so lights turn off automatically.
The retrofit will save Second Harvest more than $3,000 annually, allowing the organization to provide 15,000 more meals to the Savannah community. The project was helped by a rebate from Georgia Power and donations from the community through a variety of fundraisers.
“America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia and the Savannah Community are the winners with this project by Sustainativity,” says Mary Jane Crouch, executive director at America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia. “Implementing these energy savings will give Second Harvest savings for years to come, and will go a long way providing added assistance for families in our community.”