ATLANTA--(Business Wire)--
Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) today announced its involvement in a
ground-breaking consensus agreement for Federal outdoor lighting energy
efficiency standards. This agreement was announced by Senator Jeff Bingaman
(D-NM) on Tuesday, November 3rd, and recognized industry and energy advocates on
a process to promote standards that will save substantial energy. Approximately
22 percent of all electricity generated in the United States is used for
lighting, and outdoor lighting represents about 20 percent of that total. Acuity
Brands was a primary stakeholder involved in the development of these standards
which promote the purchase of high-efficiency outdoor lighting for roadways,
streets, and parking lots across the US. In addition, these standards will
mandate the use of lighting controls for outdoor lighting.
The proposed legislation is a step in a multi-stage rulemaking that will
progress over the next several months. It is expected to reduce carbon emissions
between 4.4 and 8.0 million metric tons annually, which is equivalent to
removing between 3.0 and 5.4 million automobiles from the roads each year.
Acuity Brands has a long tradition of transforming building efficiency and has a
demonstrated commitment to environmental advocacy. Acuity Brands has LEED®
Silver and Gold certified facilities and is a member of both the US Green
Building Council and the Clinton Climate Initiative.
"This agreement represents a significant step in promoting high-efficiency
outdoor lighting, without creating undesirable consequences impacting visual
quality or light pollution," said Cheryl English, Vice President, Industry and
Market Development for Acuity Brands Lighting. "Acuity Brands has invested in
the development of a broad range of energy-efficient luminaires and lighting
controls to support proactive energy and climate change policy. This proposed
legislation represents one of many ways our company focuses on reducing carbon
emissions."
About Acuity Brands
Acuity Brands, Inc., the parent company of Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. and
other subsidiaries, is one of the world's leading providers of lighting fixtures
and related products and services with fiscal year 2009 net sales of over $1.6
billion. The Company`s brands include Lithonia Lighting®, Holophane®, Peerless®,
Mark Architectural Lighting, Hydrel®, American Electric Lighting®, Gotham®,
Carandini®, RELOC®, MetalOptics®, Antique Street Lamps, Tersen, Synergy®
Lighting Controls, Sensor Switch® , Lighting Control & Design, and ROAM®.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Acuity Brands employs approximately 6,000
associates and has operations throughout North America and in Europe and Asia.
Acuity Brands, Inc.
Dan Smith, 404-853-1423
Copyright Business Wire 2009
