Airport News
Denver International Airport (DIA) is retrofitting more than 5,400 lights located in the east and west parking garages with energy-efficient LED fixtures, resulting in substantial energy and cost savings.
The majority of the lights are high-pressure sodium bulbs that are rated for 188 watts per fixture, which are being replaced with 51-watt LEDs.
Combined with other lighting systems in the overall retrofit package, DIA expects a net energy savings of about 45%, and energy cost savings of about $327,000 per year.
Over the system’s estimated lifespan of 20 years, the airport expects to save more than $6.5 million in electricity costs.
The new fixtures will also substantially reduce maintenance requirements due to the longer life of LED lights.
Kim Day, DIA's manager of aviation, explains: “By replacing the existing lights with energy-efficient LED lights, we will reduce Denver International Airport’s energy consumption and save a substantial amount of money over time.
“This project will also make the parking garages brighter and more evenly lit, increasing visibility and enhancing safety.”
Construction on the lighting project will begin this month and should take about one year to complete at a cost of $2.7 million.
The project also qualifies for Xcel Energy’s Lighting Efficiency rebate program, and DIA anticipates it will qualify for a rebate of about $630,000, which will reduce the project cost to less than $2.1 million.
It is part of a wider effort to upgrade lights throughout DIA, including lights on taxiways and pavement fixtures on the airfield.
This summer, all the lights used on runway 8/26 will be upgraded to LEDs. Additional lights will be upgraded as funding becomes available.
