Photo by EdV_Photo

Seems as though Metro is on a roll recently in announcements that will make your life just a little bit better. According to a press release, Metro “has awarded a zero-cost, performance-based contract for the replacement of over 13,000 parking garage fixtures in the next year.”

(We’re waiting back for details on how long it will take for the project to be zero-cost.)

The 10-year contract, which is part of Metro’s Sustainability Agenda, was awarded to Philips Electronic and will see old lighting in parking garages replaced with high-efficiency LED lights that will “create a brighter environment for riders, use less electricity, and lower costs.” The entire contract will supposedly save $2 million in energy and maintenance savings.

This contract will affect all of Metro’s 25 parking facilities and will save Metro more than 15 million KWh in energy per year, as well as reduce carbon emissions by the equivalent of 140 tanker trucks of gasoline. Richard Sarles, Metro’s General Manager and CEO, said this about the contract.

“Today’s contract award advances our commitment to improving the system’s infrastructure for our customers for years to come. This high-efficiency LED lighting overhaul not only means increased safety and visibility for riders, but also a 68 percent reduction in energy consumption at these facilities.”

Good job, Metro, I’ll give you back that gold star I took away after this happened.

Update: When asked how long it will take for the project to be “zero-cost,” Metro spokesman Dan Stessel tells DCist in an email they’re not quite sure. From Stessel:

“We are investing in upgrading our lighting (we are significantly adding to what is there) – not making a one for one replacement that you would expect to “recoup,” so this is a difficult question to answer. Also would note that it’s not only the energy savings, but also saving hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in maintenance costs. The contract is for 10 years with a 2 year option; it takes the full 12 years to fully “pay off” the project.”