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The Benefits of Using LED Area Lights in Parking Lots

As building owners and tenants, the safety, aesthetics, and efficiency of your parking lot are crucial. One of the most impactful upgrades you can make is switching to LED area lights. 

This blog will explore the numerous benefits of using LED lighting in parking lots, providing examples and insights to demonstrate why this change is worth considering.

Parking Lot Before Lighting Retrofit | Stouch Lighting

Parking Lot After Lighting Retrofit | Stouch Lighting

Enhanced Safety and Security

The primary function of parking lot lighting is to ensure safety and security for visitors and vehicles. LED area lights offer superior brightness and coverage compared to traditional lighting options like metal halide or high-pressure sodium lamps.

Before and After LED Lighting in a Parking Lot | Stouch Lighting

LED lights provide uniform illumination with minimal glare and shadows. This consistent lighting helps reduce accidents by increasing visibility for drivers and pedestrians. Additionally, well-lit areas deter criminal activity, making parking lots safer for everyone. A study by the New York City Police Department and the New York City Housing Authority found that improved lighting can reduce crime rates by up to 39%.

 

Cost Savings and Energy Efficiency

One of the most compelling reasons to switch to LED area lights is the significant cost savings on energy bills. LEDs consume up to 75% less energy than traditional lighting, leading to substantial reductions in electricity costs. For property owners, these savings can be reinvested into other critical aspects of property management, enhancing overall profitability and operational efficiency.

Consider an old parking lot that switches from metal halide fixtures to LED lights. According to Stouch Lighting, such a retrofit can reduce energy consumption by up to 66%, resulting in thousands of dollars saved annually. The Franklin Institute, for instance, saw a 264,902 kWh reduction in energy use and saved $7,674 in annual maintenance costs after upgrading to LED lighting.

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Durability and Longevity

LED Lights | Stouch Lighting

LED lights are known for their durability and long lifespan, which significantly reduces maintenance costs and the hassle of frequent replacements. LEDs can last up to 100,000 operating hours or more, far exceeding the lifespan of traditional bulbs.

SEPTA | Stouch LightingThe Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) replaced their fluorescent bulbs with LED lights and experienced a 64% reduction in lighting energy consumption. Additionally, their annual maintenance costs dropped by $617,624 due to the long lifespan and durability of LED lights, demonstrating the financial and operational benefits of making the switch. 

 

Environmental Benefits

Switching to LED lighting is also an environmentally responsible choice. LEDs produce less carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses compared to traditional lighting solutions. They also contain no hazardous materials like mercury, making them safer for the environment.

Today’s consumers are more environmentally conscious than ever, and they often make purchasing decisions based on a brand’s sustainability practices. LED lights are much more energy-efficient than traditional lighting solutions, consuming up to 80% less energy.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design | Stouch LightingBy upgrading to LED lighting, landlords and tenants not only cut down on their energy bills but also reduce their ecological footprint. Publicizing this commitment to sustainability can strengthen the property’s image and resonate strongly with eco-conscious tenants and customers, potentially influencing their loyalty and advocacy. Achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification further demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship, enhancing the property’s credibility and appeal in a competitive market.

R.J. Waters & Associates implemented an LED conversion for the exterior lighting at the F&N Shopping Center. By replacing 1000w metal halide lights with 223w LED fixtures, they achieved a 79% reduction in energy consumption, reducing their KWH by 63,812 annually. This significant reduction in energy use lowers their ecological footprint and supports sustainability goals.

 

Improved Aesthetics

Beyond functionality, LED lighting enhances the visual appeal of parking lots. LEDs offer a range of color temperatures, allowing you to create the desired ambiance and enhance the overall aesthetics of your property.

Apple Store Lighting | Stouch Lighting

Apple stores are renowned for their sleek, modern design, which is heavily supported by strategic LED lighting. This approach not only makes their products stand out but also reinforces their brand identity of innovation and sophistication. Implementing similar lighting strategies in parking lots can create an inviting atmosphere and improve the overall perception of your property.

 

Flexibility and Control

LED lighting systems offer advanced control options, including dimming, motion sensors, and smart lighting systems that can be programmed for optimal performance. These features not only enhance energy efficiency but also provide flexibility in managing lighting needs.

Stouch Lighting offers advanced LED lighting solutions with smart control systems that adjust lighting based on occupancy and time of day. This ensures optimal illumination and energy use, providing a customized lighting experience that meets the specific needs of your parking lot.

 

Return on Investment (ROI)

While the initial cost of LED lighting may be higher than traditional options, the long-term savings on energy and maintenance make it a worthwhile investment. Many properties see a return on investment within a few years.

Before and After Parking Lot Retrofit. Increase Your ROI | Stouch Lighting

M&T Bank achieved a projected ROI of just 10 months after replacing their high-pressure sodium and metal halide lights with LEDs. The financial savings from reduced energy consumption and maintenance costs quickly offset the initial investment, demonstrating the economic viability of LED lighting.

 

Conclusion

For building owners and tenants, upgrading to LED area lights in parking lots offers a multitude of benefits, from enhanced safety and security to significant cost savings and environmental benefits. The improved aesthetics, flexibility, and long-term financial advantages make LED lighting a smart choice for modernizing your property. 

Area Lighting for Parking Lot | Stouch LightingBy investing in LED lighting, you can create a safer, more attractive, and energy-efficient environment for your tenants and visitors.

For more information on how to upgrade your parking lot lighting to LED, visit Stouch Lighting. We offer a wide range of LED lighting solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of commercial properties, helping you achieve optimal lighting performance and cost savings.

By leveraging the power of LED area lights, you can transform your parking lot into a safer, more efficient, and visually appealing space that benefits both your business and the environment.