U.S. Post Office Lighting Upgrades

Mail sorters at the main U.S. Post Office in Reno, Nev., became the most productive and error-free in the western half of the U.S. after a major energy and lighting upgrade in their building. A main feature of the overhaul was new ceiling and lighting system. Before completing the entire $300,000 renovation, managers installed the new system above one of their two sorting machines. In five months, productivity on that machine shot up almost 10%, while the other showed no change. A year later the increase stabilized at about six percent. Working in a quieter and more naturally lit area, employees did their jobs better and faster. The error rate by machine operators in the renovated area dropped to only one mistake per thousand letters. Energy savings projected for the whole building come to about $22,400 a year. The new ceiling also saved $30,000 a year in maintenance costs. Combined energy and maintenance savings came to $50,000 a year, a six-year payback. But the productivity gains were worth $400,000 to $500,000 annually — paying for the renovation in less than 12 months.