By Eric Billingsley SAN FERNANDO VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL STAFF from the San Fernando Business Journal
Valley business owners and executives say there’s a financial case to be made for going “green.” Yes, the term has been overused and abused by some. But as public awareness increases about global warming and depletion of the world’s natural resources, so is the demand for things like recycling, energy efficiency, and clean renewable sources of power.
The following companies in the greater San Fernando Valley area are among many committed to meeting that demand.
ADG Eco Lighting –
A division of Architectural Detail Group Location: Agoura Hills Founded: 2004 Number of employees: 15
“How many people does it take to screw in a light bulb?” jokingly asked Gerald Olesker, CEO of Agoura Hills-based ADG Eco Lighting. “None, if you do it my way”. Olesker, a lighting industry veteran who has worked on more than 900 jobs worldwide, [and] is passionate about the use of induction lighting.
Invented by Nikola Tesla, he said, the induction lamp system uses a revolutionary technology of light generation that combines basic principles of induction and gas discharge. Void of electrodes, it delivers 100,000 hours of high quality white light.
How’s that green?
Induction lights last considerably longer than conventional lights, which reduces replacement costs and maintenance; mercury levels are lower than conventional lighting; and his products are manufactured right here in the U.S., which cuts down on costs and emissions related to shipping.
The induction bulb uses 50 percent less wattage than metal halide and almost half the consumption than a high pressure sodium bulb to produce virtually the same amount of visually effective (or pupil) lumens. It emits considerably less heat, which can reduce air conditioning costs.
The company also specializes in the installation of low energy LED lighting.
ADG Eco Lighting takes a holistic approach, said Olesker. It assesses client’s aesthetic and functional lighting needs, conducts an energy audit, and determines how clients can achieve the fastest possible return on investment.
The company’s retro-fit of a high-end auto dealership is one example.
The client reported that it is saving $122 per year per fixture, which is the result of reductions in air conditioning, energy and maintenance costs. The client also noted that induction lighting brings out the rich colors in cars on the showroom floor, which helps sell more products.
Financial savings to clients is good for everybody, said Olesker. “Tremendous savings on the client side and more revenue on our side mean that we can create more green jobs,” he said.
ADG Eco Lighting’s primary customers include commercial industrial property owners, real estate investment trusts, and individuals or corporations with large real estate portfolios.
The company is also developing a program to recycle all of the lighting material and metals it pulls out of buildings during retro-fit jobs. It offers a lease program where clients pay little money up-front for product and installation.
“I feel like as a small entrepreneurial business person, and American manufacturer of decorative and functional lighting, I had a responsibility to promote this technology,” said Olesker.
Architectural Detail Group, inc.