EN-POWER GROUP was featured in Habitat Magazine for its role in helping a New York City co-op reduce hallway lighting costs through a targeted LED lighting retrofit supported by utility incentives.

Context: Why Hallway Lighting Drives Hidden Costs

Hallway lighting is one of the most consistent energy loads in multifamily buildings, operating around the clock to meet safety and visibility requirements. In many older buildings, outdated fluorescent fixtures can quietly drive up electricity costs year after year.

At a 16-story, 175-unit co-op in Greenwich Village, the building’s board evaluated the true cost of keeping hallway lights on continuously and found that lighting alone represented a significant annual expense.

EN-POWER GROUP’s Role

After the board identified the opportunity, EN-POWER GROUP was engaged to validate the analysis and recommend a practical, cost-effective upgrade strategy.

EN-POWER GROUP confirmed the projected costs and advised installing bi-level LED hallway fixtures designed to operate at reduced light levels when hallways are unoccupied and automatically increase output when motion is detected. This approach allowed the building to maintain required lighting levels while significantly reducing energy use during low-traffic periods.

Results: Significant Energy and Cost Savings

The LED retrofit reduced electricity consumption for hallway lighting by approximately 90 percent, dramatically lowering annual operating costs. With support from a Con Edison rebate, the project achieved a relatively short payback period while delivering ongoing savings year after year.

By combining efficient fixtures with smart controls and available incentives, the co-op transformed a fixed operating expense into a long-term cost-reduction opportunity.

Why This Matters for Co-op and Condo Boards

This feature illustrates how common building systems, like hallway lighting, can present some of the fastest and least disruptive energy-saving opportunities. When evaluated strategically, lighting upgrades can deliver immediate financial benefits, improve building performance, and reduce long-term operating risk without requiring major capital projects.

Media Attribution

This topic was originally featured in Habitat Magazine on December 18, 2018.
[Read the full article on Habitat Magazine →]

  • Share: