Green signage
How Technology Can Help Reduce Your Sign-Related Energy Consumption
By Bob Egan
Companies and organizations of all kinds are paying more attention than ever before to their carbon footprint—the amount of pollution they pour into atmosphere, and the overall environmental impact they as an organization have on the world around them.
They've got good reason, too.
Not only is there enormous public relations benefit to being environmentally friendly, there's also the very practical concern of energy costs, which appear headed on a steady upward climb. As a matter of fact, a recent report from the International Energy Agency predicted that energy costs will soar by 35 percent by 2035.
In part because of those ever-rising energy costs, we have seen over the past decade an explosion of interest in so-called "green" building methods, in which environmental concerns are taken into account at literally every step of the planning and construction process. In green building, the goal is to use recycled materials, create healthy working and living environments, avoid the use of toxic chemicals and, maybe most importantly, reduce energy consumption. Oftentimes, that last goal requires organizations to think more deeply about, among many other items, their signage strategy—not just what kinds of signs they need, but also what kind of signs actually make bottom-line sense.
The good news? Thanks to a myriad of technological advances in lighting, reducing signage-related energy consumption is easier than ever before.
Today, all companies—not just those building an entirely new facility—can achieve significant energy savings (not to mention "green" credibility) by putting these new technologies to use. And importantly, they can do so without breaking the bank.
A Trend Towards LED
In my years here at Egan Sign, I've witnessed several major trends and shifts in the sign market. But the most significant change has been the near-universal transition from signs powered by neon to those using light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The technology behind semiconductor-based LEDs is somewhat complicated, but for your purposes, all you need to know is this: LEDs are better than neon in most every way—including cost.
- LEDs are surprisingly durable. That durability, in turn, results in reduced replacement and maintenance costs.
- LEDs are incredibly efficient. In fact, LEDs use anywhere from six to ten times less energy than more traditional lighting options.
- The relatively tiny size of LEDs means LED-powered signs can be built on a smaller (and lighter) scale, giving companies more sizing options and reducing the need for related sign-framing materials.
- LEDs are easier to ship and easier to install.
- LEDs are not only just as bright as neon signs, they are also sharper and clearer. From a distance, a neon sign may look blurry. With an LED sign, that's not a problem.
Given all of the advantages inherent to LEDs, then, it's no surprise that these potent little lights have all but taken over the illuminated sign market. The technology is quite simply better, cheaper and greener than the old neon lights. In other words, when you're planning your company's signage strategy, LED-based signs would serve you well—and save you money.
For more information
To learn more about green building, and how lighting and signage fits within a green building plan, check out the following resources.
About the Author: Bob Egan is the President of Egan Sign, and has been in the sign industry for over 21 years. Egan Sign specializes in regional and national sign management projects.
Contact Egan Sign to learn how Egan Sign can save you time and money on your large sign management projects.
