Priority Communications

DuBois, Pennsylvania

Priority Communications logoAn informative interview on NewsTalk Radio 1420 WCED in DuBois, PA led the station itself to launch an energy efficiency program that has saved it nearly $12,000 a year in energy costs.

WCED is operated by Priority Communications, a radio broadcasting and advertising firm, and is one of several stations run by the company in DuBois and nearby Weirton, WV. In February 2006, staff members of the Clarion University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) were the morning talk guests of host Gary Stormer. They were discussing energy efficiency opportunities for small businesses and the ENERGY STAR Small Business website, including the information and tools available there. Gary challenged his guests, Corry Riley and Heather Fennessey, to perform an energy efficiency assessment of the building they were in as part of the discussion.

The approximately 10,000 square-foot facility was an old bank building that had undergone some renovation and upgrading when Priority Communications purchased it and moved in just a month earlier. This included new ceiling insulation, replacement of some light bulbs with more energy-efficient options, replacement of the air conditioner with a more energy-efficient model, maintaining recommended thermostat levels and weather-stripping the front doors.

The building's energy assessment was performed by the SBDC Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP) and recommendations were made. Listeners soon learned that improvements could be made to the building envelope, lighting, and HVAC system. Joe Philippone, president of Priority Communications, was quick to begin making the changes. "Keeping energy costs as low as possible helps us remain competitive," he says.

Priority Communications exteriorFollowing the EMAP recommendations, the remaining incandescent bulbs in the entry way were upgraded to compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and a programmable thermostat was installed. The transition to energy-efficient 34 watt fluorescent bulbs also began. The success of the initial assessment led Philippone to ask for a more in-depth assessment which was performed in early 2007.

This resulted in upgrading the boilers in the building which is expected to pay for itself in a little more than a year and the company is now transitioning to T8 fluorescent lighting. Philippone also contacted his utility company to learn about his demand patterns in hopes of changing usage to reduce peak demand.

All of the upgrades have added up to real cost savings. The Clarion SBDC EMAP estimates that Priority Communications is saving $11,000 annually in fuel costs by reducing fuel oil demand by 4,050 gallons from the HVAC upgrades and $775 annually in electric costs by cutting back 9,200 kWh per year from the lighting upgrades alone. In total, this represents a reduction in annual greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) of over nearly 52 tons, the equivalent of the CO2 emissions from the electricity use of more than six homes.

Collaborators

Heather Fennessey, P.E., Environmental Specialist
Clarion University Small Business Development Center
Environmental Management Assistance Program

Corry Riley, Business Consultant
Clarion University Small Business Development Center

Chris Lynch, Esq.
Director
Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center
Environmental Management Assistance Program

Contact Information:

Jay Philippone, President
12 W Long Avenue
DuBois, PA 15801-2100
Phone: (814) 375-5260
www.sunny1065.fm Exit ENERGY STAR