The transition to LED lighting is estimated to save the branch more than $10,000 per year in electricity.

ST. PETERSBURG – As part of a countywide  effort to transition to 100 percent clean renewable energy, the Suncoast Sierra Club, along with several private donors,  has provided the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA of Greater St Petersburg  with funding to install LED lighting throughout the  facility.

The YMCA, 3200 First Ave. S, is in the process of replacing more than 900 fluorescent bulbs with LED bulbs. The project is expected to be completed by the end of this summer.

“We are extremely grateful for the support from the Suncoast Sierra Club in providing energy efficient lighting at our Jim & Heather Gills YMCA,” said  David Jezek,  president/CEO, YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg.  “In addition to the improved lighting, we expect to see significant savings in our energy bills. These savings will allow us to make a great impact in the lives of those we serve.”

The  Jim & Heather Gills YMCA serves the needs of the community with a full-size  gymnasium and fitness room, indoor heated pool,  fitness classes, cycling studio, after school  programs, and outreach services.  The transition to LED lighting is estimated to save the branch more than $10,000 per year in electricity, a savings that will pay for the cost of the bulbs in less than six months, according to Bryan Beckman, chair of the Pinellas Ready for 100 campaign.

Beckman, who spearheaded the energy efficiency project at the YMCA, calculated that the LED lighting use would save an estimated 70 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year –  the equivalent to installing 200 solar panels. Given the estimated life of the bulbs, he said, more than $100,000 is expected to be saved.

“Sierra Club is  very proud  to have helped with the new LED lighting,” Beckman  said at the May 30 ribbon cutting and rededication of the gym and activity center after recent upgrades and renovations.  “Businesses, residents and cities can have a big impact on our environment by installing similar efficiencies that save money and reduce carbon pollution at the same time.”

The Pinellas Ready for 100 campaign aims  to help local cities, businesses and residents transition to 100 percent clean, renewable energy in an effort to  make  Florida  resilient to climate change  and  stop the burning of  fossil fuels. Cities in Pinellas County that have signed on with resolutions to move to 100 percent  clean energy include St. Petersburg, Largo and Dunedin.

To learn about the Pinellas Ready for 100 campaign or how to  transition to clean, renewable energy, contact Bryan Beckman at bryanb@suncoastsierra.org  or go to sierraclub.org/florida/suncoast/100pinellas.

Photo shows Jason McCloud of the YMCA, who is the leading force behind installation of the LED bulbs. Courtesy of Suncoast Sierra Club.

Environment | Pinellas Ready for 100 | Gills YMCA | Tampabay News

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