May 17, 2021

Every day, Canadian companies struggle to reduce their carbon footprint without increasing their bottom line. That might sound like a lofty goal, but EcoGrid Technologies, an energy equipment and solutions company based out of Toronto, ON, has a proven track record of helping industrial operators launch energy efficiency projects that pay for themselves and increase cash flow at the same time.

Recently, EcoGrid Technologies worked with LHM Technologies Inc. of Woodbridge, ON to replace facility lighting in its 50,000 square foot state-of-the-art manufacturing space, where they produce high quality precision components for the aerospace, military, automotive, oil and gas and nuclear energy sectors. 

“We are proud to have helped LHM fit its production facility with our state-of-the-art wireless solution,” says George Filtsos, President of EcoGrid Technologies. “Using our exclusive cutting-edge Bluetooth controls to automate illumination levels base on usage has resulted in more than 600,000 kWh of annual consumption savings from lighting alone for LHM. This project will pay for itself in a few months, not years”

“These lights were antiquated,” said Filtsos, referring to the facilities previous fixtures, “they were 1000 W metal halide lamps, just insane energy hogs. We were able to get triple the amount of lumens with a 200w product, with very little repositioning,” he explained, adding that they were able to utilize the existing lighting infrastructure to install the new fixtures.

In addition to the increased efficiency, a project like this represents a capital expense incentivized by the government, as opposed to a retrofit, which would be considered maintenance.

“You can write off the depreciation for the entire capital expense in the very first year for an energy savings project ,” said Filtsos.

After the installation of EcoGrid’s custom engineered wireless solution, LHM is now experiencing three times more light on the production floor while enjoying more than 85% efficiency.

Another key, particularly for industrial companies focused on cybersecurity, is that EcoGrid Tech’s solution doesn’t require network access. “We don’t need a wireless area controller or a gateway. That’s the same with most Bluetooth technologies out there. The biggest and most beautiful thing is that it's very simple. Anyone with a phone and the access code can go in and make adjustments,” explained Filtsos.

The system EcoGrid Tech has developed uses microwave sensors that allows them to automate industrial spaces requiring higher egress protection and safety standards which standard PIR technologies were not able to access, such as environments requiring protection from inert gases, chemicals and dust.

“Working with EcoGrid to implement our facility’s new lighting and controls was truly a professional and streamlined experience. From the initial proposals, to the process of testing, installing and setting up the controls, even during our production hours, was a very effortless and safe process for our organization. We gladly look forward to working with EcoGrid on more possible solutions to help make our facility even more energy efficient” says LHM Management.

EcoGrid Technologies has a mandate to future proof everything they do by establishing a digital ceiling in the industrial, commercial built space via their lighting with open standard IoT solutions.

“The way we look at is… you’re going to rent the lift, you’re going to get the labour to go up; it takes five more minutes to disconnect the power and hook up new lights. While you’re up there, have a digital component that future proofs the investment, so five years from now, if Bluetooth technology comes out with something new and fresh and you want to take advantage, we can do it,” commented Filtsos.

EcoGrid Tech is a company that demonstrates a commitment to innovation and the overall progression of the industry. By utilizing open-source technology they have the ability to work with any manufacturer and any dimmable fixture. However, it’s worth noting that not all manufacturers are keen to embrace the disruptive innovation a company like EcoGrid Tech represents.