Amherst company, Albright collaborate on energy savings
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

It's as simple as changing a light bulb.

Energy-smart changes to any space can save money and for the Albright-Knox Gallery the savings are expected to reach $1 million in a 20-year time span.

Amherst based Gerster Solutions recently completed a two-year project at the Elmwood Avenue gallery. Improvements to the air conditioning system, and replacement of light bulbs and motors, is expected to save $34,000 in the first year.

Ronald Swanson, vice president of Gerster Solutions, said adjustments to just the lighting is a big economic payback. They identified areas that needed lighting all the time and those areas that weren't being occupied as often.

"As a result of this upgrade, the Albright-Knox will use less energy, and enjoy a more comfortable environment," he said.

Also replaced was the air conditioning system. Swanson said that old systems are designed for the hottest days, approximately 95 degrees. But in Buffalo those temperatures are recorded only a few times a year.

By running at a capacity to handle 95 degree heat when it isn't that hot, wastes a lot of energy. The new system is modulated to use only the amount of energy needed to cool the size of the area for the given temperature.

At Albright-Knox the climate is very important.

"The preservation of our collection of artworks necessitates strict monitoring and control of temperature and humidity levels," Albright-Knox CFO Patrick J. Kilcullen said. "The upgrades in our heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment have allowed us to more effectively maintain that level of control, while reducing both operating costs and the environmental impact."

The gallery is expecting to reduce its electricity use by 332,000 kilowatt hours and 303,00 pounds of greenhouse gases each year.

A cash incentive of $24,387 from NYSERDA to the art gallery will reduce the project's cost. According to Swanson that will be paid back with energy cost savings.

Swanson, who has more than 20 years experience, said Gerster Solutions also assisted Main Place Mall and two television stations with becoming more energy efficient.

The single best change residents can do to their homes is buying high efficiency lighting.

"The bulbs cost more but the payback is definitely there," he said. "That is also applicable for smaller, commercial buildings. It doesn't have to be a big art gallery to see savings."

Gerster Solutions is a division of Gerster Trane. For information, call 626-1260.