From Bruce Gershon, CEO of Arrow.
"In my ever continuing effort to go green, while at the same time paying attention to Arrow's bottom line, I recently filled out a survey from my friends a Western Extralite. In this survey, I learned about ways to properly dispose of and re-cycle spent florescent tubes, and that there were programs available to take advantage of rebates from KCP&L, if we were to consider upgrading the lighting in our buildings.
"As I began to research the different lighting options, I learned that we could really improve the overall quality of our lighting, and at the same time save energy. Western Extralite, the electrical contractor and I walked our entire facility, we discussed my goals and priorities, the new lighting fixture options, and how they would improve the quality of our lighting. The next step was to contract for a thorough scientific evaluation of the lighting in our facility. Western, together with the contractor, KC One Service Company, crunched the numbers and prepared a proposal with three different options for the project. The first option was clearly the winner; in fact it was a “no brainer”. It called for replacing nearly every light fixture with new energy efficient fixtures that would provide better, more consistent lighting, at less than half of the energy cost.
"Another amazing thing that came of the study was that by using this new technology, we would end up with over 100 fewer fixtures, which would also save on the installation costs for the project. We then submitted our application to KCP&L for the rebate, signed off on the proposal, and materials were ordered.
"The project is now 100% complete, and the results are amazing, there is a day and night difference. The newly lit areas look brighter and cleaner and the staff even seems more cheerful! The investment was significant, but after the KCP&L rebate, along with the projected energy savings, it pencils out to a two year return on investment….what a deal!
We get greener, brighter, cleaner, happier, and save money to boot!"
4 comments:
Dear Mr. Gershon,
I read with some interest your letter about striving to "get greener". I do not share your enthusiasm, and don't believe for a moment that we are creating global warming and that "going green" beyond prudent use of our globe is necessary. I covet my incandescent lighting and fear mercury toxicity from all the fluorescents.
Just one person's opinion.... Sincerely, Don K., M.D.
Dear Dr., K -
Thank you for your comment and I certainly respect your right to voice your opinion, however, in addition to our ongoing effort to become more cost effective and energy efficient here at Arrow, we will continue to strive to do our part to save the environment that we all live in. I hope that we can agree to respect each other's viewpoints, but based on what I have read and the information that we are receiving from the dry cleaning industry and the EPA, small businesses and large alike should all be doing everything that we can to care for our planet.
Best regards to you and many thanks for your long-standing business with Arrow.
What on the "earth" does going green have to do with dry cleaning? I came to this site because someone told me that Arrow knows how to clean leather...something that most dry cleaners don't. Then I am presented with "green" stuff. Like the previous doctor, I am sick of "going green". Tell us how you get dirt and stain out of a leather jacket. Then perhaps I can do business with you. Sorry. I guess I am just feeling grouchy.
Dear Tiny Terry, I'm sorry you're feeling grouchy. Please go to our website and check out our "frequently asked questions" about leather cleaning. You can also browse through our hundreds of customer testimonials, many of which are about their leather cleaning experience with Arrow.
As for the "Getting Greener" column, I just wanted to share something that I thought made a lot of sense. As a businessman, anytime I can save energy, reduce my operational costs, and at the same time do a little bit to save the environment, I think that's a win, win, win, situation. It's all there in our name, "With every garment, every customer, every employee, and our environment, Arrow Cares"
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