I would like to make my voice heard about Key West shopping centre with their fluorescent lights burning throughout the night at their new parking areas.
The cost should be significant and it is difficult to ignore while so many are suffering.
* General Manager of Key West Karla Liebenberg responds:
We are well aware of the energy constraints in South Africa and we herewith wish to inform you of the following in response to your query:
• Currently there are various construction activities in and around the car park during the evenings. Safety regulations require adequate lighting for this.
• Security also requires that the car parks are well lit-up when they do their patrols.
• Cleaning staff require a lit-up area to clean and prepare the premises for the next day.
Also note that along with the current centre upgrade, we are replacing old light fittings with new energy efficient lighting. We have appointed engineering consultants to ensure that the energy usage is as efficient as possible. The fluorescent lights in the parkade are more energy efficient, reflecting a saving of 6,3watts per linear metre.
When the construction activities are complete, a staggered phasing system will be operational that controls and manages non-essential common area lighting after trade hours, but still maintains certain lighting for security and cleaning purposes. This is controlled via timer switching.
