Have you ever walked down a stairway in a multi-unit residential building and noted that those lights are always on. When no one is in the stairway those lights are, by definition, 100% inefficient. So what would help? 

I don't say this very often but Alberta has just instituted a very smart idea. Provide a monetary incentive on a per-light basis to upgrade to newer, more energy efficient lighting.

It's called Light It Right and it's being administered by one of my favourite arms length non-profit organizations, Climate Change Central. These incentives are aimed at the commercial market where, conceivably, they're going to get the most bang for your buck. The types of buildings that can apply are below

• Restaurants
• Retail
• Multi-unit Residential
• Office/Hotels; and
• Warehouse/Recreational Facilities

Back to our original example of the permal-lit stairway, with a $40 rebate on occupancy sensors and a $2 rebate on each CFL fixture not only is the original financial blow softened but the building owner will pay far less on the electricity bill.

The simple fact is the internal rate of return on upgrading your lighting system is better than almost any other retrofit option out there. It just makes sense. Check out this example from the LightItRight.com site with Crowfoot Dodge in Calgary. Their project cost to replace the metal halides in their shop was $80,000. The project payback is 24-42 months and the fixtures they're installing are 60 to 65% more efficient. There are more examples of how businesses upgraded their lighting and saw the benefits. One office saved over $100,000 and a popular Calgary bar saw great results as well.

If you are a business owner, property manager or anyone who makes decisions in regards to building management you need to bring this up. Not only will you save money but, I say this without a trace of hyperbole, the opposite sex will swoon at your sight, riches will be laid before you and delicious victuals will constantly be on the menu. What are you waiting for? Go to Light It Right.