Now that you've greened your workspace, what's your plan for when the lights go out? Is there dependable, sustainable emergency lighting that works for you?
Yes: photoluminescent technology. Photoluminescent materials are very environmentally friendly. These systems use no electricity, no batteries, and are almost entirely maintenance-free. No more hard wiring, no more finding buried electrical problems—and did I mention?—no more batteries.
Look for photoluminescent products that are charged by whatever light is available in the environment and are made with recycled aluminum and a carbon neutral energy supplier. You should make sure that the products are non-toxic, non-radioactive, and can be readily recycled.
You simply install these systems and... forget about them. They collect and store ambient light when the building is in use, and then emit light in an emergency. Most photoluminescent systems store enough energy to stay illuminated for up to three days. They are visible to a distance of around 100 feet in dark or smoky conditions, a beacon of safety during a blackout or fire.
Because of their energy conservation, photoluminescent emergency egress systems can save thousands of dollars yearly in energy costs, as well as dramatically improve a building's carbon footprint. Compared to incandescents, photoluminescent materials in your sustainable building can reduce air pollution by nearly a half a million pounds of CO2 over the product's life. Most are 100% recyclable, and can simply be disposed of by normal metal recycling.
Your best emergency egress products should be easy to install and a snap to move if needed; they should be durable and able to withstand continuous foot traffic and weathering.
Photoluminescent technology is a sustainable, reliable supplement to electrical emergency lighting systems, because the products are fail-safe, operate immediately, and do not require ongoing maintenance. With UV resistance, the products can be installed indoors and out.
With anti-slip mats, photoluminescent emergency egress systems provide secure footing, along with high-visibility step edge definition and path marking that emit a steady glow—guiding people safely up steps and through passages in all conditions.
Jay Marr is regional manager for RD Weis Companies, Port Chester, NY, 1-888-RDWEIS9, www.rdweis.com