A system of energy saving adapters for neon light fittings has been introduced into Malta with the Sliema Car Park and Golden Gate being the first companies in Malta to fully convert their neon tube lighting systems using the new Westinghouse Retrolux T5 technology.

These unique light fittings enable existing T8 neon lights to be converted to T5 neon tube fittings that reduce electrical consumption by up to 50 per cen, at an economical price.

Westinghouse developed these products with a worldwide patent after recognising the increasing demand from industry generally, for environmentally friendly and energy saving lighting systems. The Kyoto Agreement has put in place a framework for targets to be met in achieving reduced demand for electrical consumption, and products such as these are the first steps in enabling industry to meet these requirements.

During the last six months many local companies have started the conversion of their light systems using the Westinghouse Retrolux energy saving technology; these include Allied Newspapers Ltd, Bank of Valletta, Tumas Group of Companies, Frank Borda Ltd, Nylon Knitting Ltd, Michael Attard Ltd, Park Towers Supermarket, the Car Clinic &VTR and Bortex Manufacturing Co. Ltd among others.

Demonstrations are also currently underway in several government departments including the Ministry of the Environment.

In addition to straightforward savings in consumption generated by the use of T5 neon tubes, the Sliema Car Park has implemented a fully integrated wireless control system, which provides for automated adjustment of lighting output subject to movements and external natural light inputs. When there are no pedestrians or vehicle movements on each floor, remote sensors automatically reduce the light output and conversely increase it when these specifically located sensors detect any movements.

The Sliema Car Park has also introduced daylight sensors in certain locations that again will result in an automatic adjustment to the light output by taking into account the level of natural light enter the building from side openings at any time thereby reducing consumption accordingly.

The total lighting consumption savings expected from this project are between 60-70 per cent, while at the same time producing an improved level output across the car park floors.

Golden Gate offices and Contessa Ltd’s manufacturing and printing facilities have also installed a similar system in San Gwann.

Ingo Sausmekat, from WLM Europe LLP, distributors of Westinghouse lighting products throughout Europe, stated: “We are very pleased that these two companies have implemented our first fully integrated energy saving lighting systems in Malta, and have taken the lead in investing in sound economic products that produce long term financial gains to the user and environmental benefits to the community by way of reduced electrical consumption.”

An example of this is that over a five-year period the consumption by the Sliema Car Park is estimated to reduce carbon output by 105,000 kilogrammes and CO2 output by 420,000 kilogrammes from Enemalta power generation plants.

Simon Stilon, managing director of CC Car Parks plc, owners of the Sliema car park, stated: “Having carried out trials of these products in the car park last year, we were convinced of the potential savings that could be generated and decided that this investment made sense from both an economic and environmental point of view.”

The distributors of Westinghouse Lighting Systems in Malta, Frank Borda Limited, confirmed that demonstrations are being carried out in a large number of premises including factories, offices, car parks, showrooms, and so on. where neon tubes are the preferred form of lighting.

Jeremy Kirk, managing director of Frank Borda Limited, commented: “We believe there is tremendous scope for the reduction in energy consumption across industry and commerce in general in Malta. By converting in volume existing lighting systems using Westinghouse Retrolux T5 technology, we will substantially reduce demand on the ever growing electricity output with a consequential reduction in environmental damage caused by such power generation.”

Westinghouse has developed a sophisticated software programme that enables potential customers to assess the investment required, the savings potential and payback period along with the resultant environmental reduction in carbon and CO2 output that will result from their conversion to this innovative technology. Potential clients need only note the number and type of tubes in use along with the daily hours of usage for a detailed proposal to be generated.

Interested parties can contact Frank Borda Limited, Gala Centre, Testaferrata Street, Msida, on 2133 1620 for an appointment with Pierre Schembri, the project consultant for these products.