Certifiably Green Denver Program Facilitates Upgrade
AIS Industrial & Construction Supply, a sustainable source for tools and supplies, has scored big energy savings by installing new energy-efficient LED lighting in its five-building Denver complex. The lighting upgrade was part of AIS’s participation in the Certifiably Green Denver sustainability program, sponsored by the city of Denver. Projected savings are over $2,500 annually, while dramatically improving lighting quality.
As part of the Certifiably Green Denver process AIS underwent a comprehensive energy audit conducted by ClearResults/Xcel Energy that addressed energy usage and efficiency throughout the whole facility. The first recommendation put into action was a switch out of all lighting to LED. Xcel Energy informed us that there was a program where approved LED contractor Switch-It-Up Electric would replace existing T12 and T8 fluorescent lamps with LED fixtures throughout the facility at no cost to AIS. Switch-It-Up recommended specific size and wattage fixtures for various locations throughout the AIS warehouses. Among the factors considered in the audit were:
- Existing fixture wattage
- Proposed fixture wattage
- Annual operation hours
- Kilowatt hour savings
- Peak Kilowatt hour savings
- Estimated energy cost savings over 5 years
- Estimated incentive amount
- Estimated project cost
- Effective useful life of the fixtures
- Payback years
Switch-it-Up’s crew installed 504 new LED lamps in AIS’s warehouses, installing new wiring and standardizing to four-foot bulbs. The installation resulted in immediately brighter lighting along with reduced heat output.
“Throughout our 76-year history, AIS Industrial & Construction Supply has always strived for sustainability to support the environment and do our part in the Denver community,” said Dale Hahs, AIS President & CEO. “This means not only being environmentally consciousness, but also taking care of our employees and customers. That is who we’ve always been and always will be.”
With the goal of energy efficiency and sustainability, AIS also installed 233 solar panels on its building rooftops in 2020. In addition to energy efficiency, the firm strives for water conservation, efficient resource management, alternative transportation options and overall business management.
Recently, AIS made a commitment to work with Denver’s Certifiably Green Denver advisors to do a full analysis of the company’s sustainability performance; the switchover in lighting was part of this process among many others to follow. AIS is nearing completion of its Sustainability Manual which will be the guide and the driver of all things Sustainability and ESG – Environmental, Social, and Governance.
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AIS Industrial & Construction Supply, founded in 1945, provides a full assortment of power tools, hand tools, safety tools and safety equipment, ladders and protective gear, lockers and shelving. A dedicated Tool Repair division provides repair of air, hydraulic and electric tools along with torque wrench calibration. Brand names include DeWalt, PIP Gloves, Greenlee, Jobox, Weiler, Stanley, Apex, Penco, Gas Clip, 3M Fall Protection, Louisville Ladder, Milwaukee Electric Tool, Proto, Pyramex, Rigid, Gear Wrench, Jet Tools and Wilton Tools. Products are stocked in its 50,000 square foot Denver facility. Walk-in customers pick up their orders at the expansive 3600 square foot showroom located at 3976 Ulster St. in Denver; Tool Repair is offered at 8103 E. 39th Ave in Denver. Products can also be delivered on AIS’s fleet of local trucks which cover the state of Colorado and beyond to meet customer’s needs.
