Case Study: Public Storage LED Retrofit & Sensor Upgrade
Rancho Cordova, CA
Project Details
- Project Type - Interior LED Lamp Retrofit with Ceiling Occupancy Sensor Controls Upgrade, Emergency Lighting & Exit Sign LED Retrofit
- Contractor - Earth Savers Energy Services, Inc.
- Location - Rancho Cordova, CA (Property #21506)
Project Overview
Public Storage, the largest self-storage brand in the United States, partnered with Earth Savers Energy Services, Inc. to modernize the lighting systems in its facilities nationwide. This collaboration follows the company’s earlier successful retrofit initiative in 2015, where Earth Savers delivered measurable improvements in energy efficiency, lighting performance, and operational savings.
For the Rancho Cordova facility, Earth Savers implemented a comprehensive interior LED retrofit, upgraded ceiling occupancy sensors, and modernized emergency lighting and exit signs. These upgrades aimed to reduce energy consumption, enhance safety and compliance, and improve the overall customer experience. The project highlights how strategic lighting improvements can combine operational efficiency, sustainability, and tenant satisfaction.
Project Challenges
Before the retrofit, the facility faced several operational and technical challenges:
- Outdated Lighting Systems: The facility relied heavily on CFL and incandescent lamps, which consumed significant energy while providing subpar illumination. Poor lighting impacted visibility in hallways, offices, and storage areas, potentially affecting customer safety and overall satisfaction.
- Aging Occupancy Sensors: Existing ceiling sensors were outdated and incompatible with modern LED technology. As a result, lighting often remained on unnecessarily, increasing energy costs and reducing efficiency.
- Emergency Lighting Concerns: Outdated exit signs and emergency lighting fixtures posed compliance risks and could compromise safety during power outages or emergencies.
- High Maintenance Costs: Frequent lamp replacements, inconsistent lighting performance, and sensor failures contributed to high operational costs, straining facility resources.
These challenges made the Rancho Cordova property an ideal candidate for a turnkey energy efficiency solution that could deliver both financial and operational benefits.
Earth Savers' Approach
Earth Savers Energy Services, Inc. employed a structured and detail-oriented approach to ensure the project delivered measurable results. The process combined technical expertise, innovative solutions, and strict quality control measures.
1. Site Audit & Quality Control
- A comprehensive site audit documented fixture counts, sensor placement, emergency lighting requirements, and overall lighting conditions.
- A quality control (QC) checklist was implemented to verify all retrofit aspects, including wiring, lumen output, and fixture compatibility with LED technology.
- The audit allowed Earth Savers to identify areas where energy savings could be maximized while maintaining or improving lighting quality.
2. LED Retrofit Installation
- All CFL and incandescent lamps were replaced with high-efficiency LED lamps.
- Illumination levels were enhanced across lobbies, hallways, offices, restrooms, storage areas, and utility rooms to meet current lighting standards.
- LEDs were chosen for their long lifespan, energy efficiency, and superior light quality, which improved both operational efficiency and tenant experience.
3. Occupancy Sensor Upgrade
- Outdated ceiling sensors were replaced with LED-compatible motion sensors.
- Sensor layout was optimized to ensure lights operated only when spaces were occupied, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.
- Upgraded sensors not only reduced energy usage but also extended the life of LED lamps by preventing excessive run-time.
4. Emergency Lighting & Exit Sign Retrofit
- Emergency Lights were upgraded to LED, ensuring reliability during power outages.
- Exit signs were replaced with high-visibility LED models, improving safety and compliance with local building codes.
- These upgrades ensured tenant and staff safety while reducing maintenance requirements for emergency lighting systems.
5. Final Inspection & Verification
- A final walkthrough verified proper functionality of all LED lamps, sensor responsiveness, and coverage.
- Emergency Lights and exit signs were tested to ensure they functioned correctly under power loss conditions.
- The QC checklist confirmed that the installation met both technical and safety standards.
Measurable Results & Impact
The LED retrofit and sensor upgrade delivered immediate and measurable benefits:
Visual Transformation
- Before: Dim, yellow-tinted hallways with outdated fixtures and bulky exit signs.
- After: Bright, evenly lit spaces with clean LED lighting, modern exit signs, and reliable sensor-based controls.
Energy & Cost Savings
• Annual Energy Savings: 14,597 kWh
• Annual Energy & Maintenance Cost Savings: $1,977
• Reduced energy consumption directly contributed to lower utility bills, while LEDs’ longer lifespan reduced maintenance costs associated with frequent lamp replacements.
Safety & Compliance
• Reliable emergency lighting and updated exit signs enhanced safety for tenants and staff.
• Upgrades ensured compliance with building codes and emergency preparedness regulations.
Sustainability & ESG Benefits
• Reduced carbon footprint supports Public Storage’s long-term environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.
• Projects like this demonstrate the company’s commitment to sustainability and responsible facility management.
Enhanced Customer Experience
• Bright, clean, and well-lit hallways, offices, and storage areas improve tenant comfort and security.
• Modern lighting creates a positive impression on customers and reflects the company’s commitment to facility quality.
Why This Project Matters
Lighting upgrades that pair efficient LED lamps with occupancy sensor controls provide maximum benefits for facilities with intermittent use, such as storage units. Key advantages include:
- Energy Efficiency: Lights operate only when needed, reducing energy consumption and costs.
- Safety Assurance: Updated emergency lighting and exit signs enhance tenant and staff safety.
- Scalable Solutions: Nationwide brands can replicate these upgrades across multiple locations to achieve consistent operational and energy savings.
- Long-Term Value: Reliable, low-maintenance LED systems reduce operational costs and support sustainable facility management.
Conclusion
By rehiring Earth Savers Energy Services, Inc., Public Storage reaffirmed its commitment to energy efficiency, cost savings, safety, and sustainability. The Rancho Cordova facility now benefits from:
- Modern, high-efficiency LED lighting that meets current standards.
- Optimized occupancy sensor controls that maximize energy savings.
- Reliable emergency lighting and exit signs that ensure compliance and tenant safety.
- Reduced operational and maintenance costs, freeing resources for other facility improvements.
This project demonstrates how thoughtful, well-executed lighting upgrades can deliver lasting benefits for commercial facilities.
If your commercial facility still relies on outdated lighting systems, Earth Savers Energy Services can provide a similar transformation—reducing energy bills, improving safety, and creating bright, welcoming spaces for staff and tenants alike.