Kilawatt Technologies and Gardener’s Supply Company Complete Efficiency Lighting Project Lighting retro-fit will slash greenhouse gases 51%, lower energy costs $350,000 at Gardenworks Fulfillment Center

Shelburne, VT-November 8, 2007- Kilawatt Technologies is pleased to announce the completion of a lighting retro-fit for Gardener's Supply Company, at the company's 100,000 sq. ft. Gardenworks Fulfillment Center located in Essex, VT.   Over the past year, Gardener's Supply Company's management, employees and their "green team" have been working with Kilawatt Technologies to reduce energy use and lower greenhouse gas emissions at their three Vermont facilities.  Since completing the lighting efficiency project, measured electricity use has fallen by over 50%, and over the eight year life of their lease, the Gardenworks lighting retro-fit will reduce greenhouse gases by 51%, preventing an amazing 2.8 million lbs. of harmful carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere. In addition, the company will save over $350,000 in energy expenses.  The return on investment for Gardener's Supply, including all costs and fees, is less than one year. 

"As a national leader in environmental stewardship through earth-friendly gardening, we are impressed with the carbon reduction" says company President Jim Feinson. "But, we are also thrilled with the dollar savings and the dramatically improved lighting quality in the facility.  Everyone loves it." 
 
Kilawatt Technologies identified and quantified the environmental and financial impact of improving the lighting in this facility, which is part of their ongoing conservation work.  Using Kilawatt's EnerSuite software, the company performed rigorous financial analysis to develop an efficiency installation that met Gardener's Supply's business needs with a payback on their investment of less than one year.  Using EnerSuite's financial analysis, Kilawatt Technologies was able to help Gardner's Supply secure additional funding available through Efficiency Vermont, contributing further to the viability of the project.
 
Kilawatt Technologies worked with Light Space Design and Gardner's Supply managers and employees to evaluate business schedules, workflow patterns and operational practices in the fulfillment center, and developed a custom plan that conserves maximum energy and provides optimum light levels for employees in each part of the warehouse.  The Gardenworks building is leased from R.E.M Development Company and over 220 lighting fixtures were installed by Hammond Electric.  Many of these fixtures incorporated advanced occupancy sensors to further cut electricity use and demand.