Busting the Budget Barrier Lifting an Affordable Path to Sustainability
A Big Impact on a Small Community
The City of Center Line is a safe and beautiful community, offering a small-town lifestyle in the heart of Detroit. Maintaining the appearance and functionality of all city properties, and conserving resources, are some of the city’s key responsibilities. With a limited budget, the City of Center Line was struggling to achieve their sustainability goals.
Objectives
Have modern, LED lighting fixtures installed in all municipal buildings, to receive the sustainability and financial benefits without any long-term commitment or obligation to the taxpayers of their community. And, if possible on their zero budget plan, help the high school football field get lights so they could play night games at home, something the entire small town community would enjoy.
Solution
Upgrade all existing fixtures to new 2x2 and 2x4 LED flat panels with zero additional costs to the city. Additionally, explore a solution to power lights for the football field.
Strategy
• Existing lighting fixtures were upgraded to new 2x2 and 2x4 LED flat panels.
• We developed a custom solution for the City which allowed for the upgrade of all new poles and lights to power the football field with no upfront cost.
• ERC purchased the equipment and the City of Center Line pays only for what they use, with zero upfront cost and additional cost-savings over time due to reduced energy use.
Additional Outcomes
LED lighting can save money, but it comes at a steep price with the risk that purchasing it cannot be justified if power rates and other circumstances change—such as reducing hours or closing facilities—or if better technology comes along. The City of Center Line was able to establish a long-term working partnership with ERC to eliminate any risk; giving them confidence that this was the right solution for them now, and would benefit them for many years to come.
