Go Green in the Workplace

The workplace is one place where the green movement is really catching on.  Many businesses have realized that being environmentally sensitive can actually boost the bottom line.  Companies that cut back on energy and resources often save significant money.

The Ultralife corporation in Newark has seen the light.  About three years ago they switched from an old lighting system to a new, more energy efficient one.  Now they are saving both power and money.

"Being a power related company involved in both power and communications. Related systems power is a very important part of what we do every day. So not only do we create power but here is an opportunity to conserve power," said Julius Cirin of Ultralife. 

They hired the local company Unitrac to come in and replace their high wattage lights, with ones that use much less energy.  "Could you imagine driving around in a car built in 1939 today? Most people say no. But yet many facilities are lit with lighting of the same technology or vintage." said A.J. Hetzke of Unitrac Energy Management. 

They have different types of low-wattage lights to fit the needs of different businesses.  More and more companies are looking into the alternatives.   "Everyone seems to be concerned with the environment. Also, they are concerned with profitability," said Allyn Hetzke Unitrac's President. 

The savings are big, at Ultralife, it took only two and a half years for the upgrades to pay for themselves.

"We're saving on the order of 125,000 a year or more in lighting and electricity costs alone."  The energy they save prevents the burning of 707 tons of coal a year.  And, it's just like taking 226 automobiles off the road.