Exit Sign Energy and LEEDS Program Information
November 02, 2007US Department of Energy
Accordingto the US Department of Energy, Photoluminescent (PL) exit signs are the most energy efficient exit signs available.
"In locations with proper charging sources, PL exit signs can have an unlimited service life." Source: US Department of Energy
LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
Photoluminescent (PL) exit signs are a highly sustainable product that can directly contribute toward securing points in the following LEED credits:
- EA Credit #1 - Energy and Atmosphere: Optimizing Energy Performance
- MR Credit #4 - Materials and Resources: Recycled Content
- ID Credit #1.1 - Innovation in Design: Exceptional Performance
Operating costs:
500 LED exit signs at 5 watts of power each = 22,000 kwh of electricity annually = $3000/year @ $.14/kwh
500 PL exit signs at 0 watts of power each = 0 kwh of electricity annually = $0/year @ $.14/kwh
Comparison of the Three Most Popular and Best Selling Exit Signs
|
Key factor
|
LED
|
Radioluminescent
|
Photoluminescent
|
|
Energy Efficiency
|
Good
|
Better
|
Best
|
|
Power Consumption
|
5 watts
|
0
|
0
|
|
Service Life
|
10 yrs
|
10-20 yrs
|
Unlimited
|
|
Maintenance
|
Electrical
|
Expiration date
|
Dust
|
|
Disposal Hazard
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Periodic Testing
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
|
Toxic
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Radioactive
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|