The BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Centre is the newest partner of BC Hydro’s PowerSmart Program, aimed at helping the province’s largest hospitals, universities and schools reduce energy consumption.
As a result of changes made to its lighting structures, the Agency could realize $45,000 in electrical savings each year.
The Agency’s Vancouver Centre is a 280,000 square foot facility providing radiation, chemotherapy, research and support services for cancer patients and their families. Built in 1982, the concrete structure is occupied by more than 1,000 staff, and more than 800 patients and visitors enter its doors daily.
The Vancouver Centre building used T12 fluorescent lamps - the standard in 1982 - but newer buildings have been fitted with T8 lamps, which are more energy efficient, reduce maintenance costs and provide more pleasing lighting for a building’s occupants. Reconfiguring the electrical wiring to use the T8 bulbs, however, cost more than $140,000.
Given the prohibitive cost, Ron Kapp of the Vancouver Centre’s Maintenance Department, turned to industry experts to see if they could help.
The Maintenance Department contacted BC Hydro Business Account Representative Twylla Bergen who put together a team of specialists to conduct a full analysis of the lighting system at the Vancouver Centre. "We discovered that if we converted our lighting to a T8 configuration, we could save about $45,000 a year just in energy costs, which was pretty impressive," says Ron. "In addition, BC Hydro provided us with a $92,000 grant, so we could retrofit the building for the new lights."
With financial support from BC Hydro, the building - once completely refitted - will consume 25 per cent less energy.
"This story is really about the power of partnerships," says Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) President and CEO Lynda Cranston. The BC Cancer Agency is one of several specialized provincial health care organizations governed by the PHSA. "This is a win-win for everyone: more money can be redirected to patient care where it’s needed, it’s kinder to the environment because less energy is consumed, and our patients and staff have a more comfortable environment to heal and work in."
Advantages of T8 lighting at a glance
- Saves $45,000 in energy costs per year
- Uses fewer bulbs because the lights are brighter and more efficient thus promoting a reduction in landfill waste
- Exerts less pressure on the building’s cooling system as the lights are cooler running (don’t produce as much heat as normal lighting)
- Saves in maintenance costs because lights don’t need to be changed as often
- Provides an esthetically pleasing environment as the warmer light creates a better ambiance
- Decreases eye strain due to less flicker
- Improves safety, as emergency signs and other signage is more visible
As part of the Power Smart program, BC Hydro is partnering with schools, universities, colleges and hospitals around the province to help them improve the overall efficiency of their facilities through funding assistance for energy audits, re-commissioning and energy managers. The program also provides incentives that enable these publicly funded institutions to implement energy saving projects, while saving them money in the long-term. To date, BC Hydro has partnered with over 40 schools, universities, colleges and hospitals and helped save them approximately $800,000 in electricity costs.
The BC Cancer Agency, a part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Research Centre conducts research into the causes and cures for cancer.
For more information, please contact:
Papinder Rehncy, BC Cancer Agency
Public Relations
(604) 877-6000, local 2378
Barbara Broughton, BC Hydro
Public Relations Manager, Power Smart
(604) 623-4216