Photos courtesy Osram Sylvania
By Peter Saunders
Illuminated signs are not just ornaments to increase buildings’ curb appeal; they are also an essential component of an overall marketing strategy. They help reinforce brands, attract customers and enhance their communities’ image.
All of these goals were top-of-mind when Chris’s Sign Service of Langley, B.C., installed new light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in an existing McDonald’s sign on Annacis Island in Delta, B.C. In addition to making the golden arches shine more brightly, the retrofit would significantly reduce the sign’s power consumption and long-term maintenance needs.
The previously fluorescent outdoor sign was retrofitted using Osram Sylvania’s BackLED L modules from Nedco Distributors. Chris’s Sign Service had previously done similar work for another McDonald’s restaurant in Sumas, B.C.
The changeover is expected to cut the sign’s energy consumption by 68 per cent or 36,000 kWh per year, resulting in an annual savings of $3,000. Over the lifetime of the system, this is reportedly equivalent to averting 22,823 kg (50,315 lb) in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Further, the restaurant is benefiting from BC Hydro’s Power Smart program, receiving rebates totalling nearly $10,000.
The project was one in an ongoing series for Chris’s Sign Service, which has focused on more actively helping businesses ‘go green’ across British Columbia’s Lower Mainland.
“Most businesses leave their signs on 24-7, so there is a huge opportunity,” says Kevin Balzer, the company’s lighting business development manager. “Over the past year, we have converted five roadside pylon signs over to LEDs. And we have worked with BC Hydro to achieve rebates for our customers on all of these projects.”
