Energy-Saving Lighting Project Spotlights Sustainability at the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry

August 04, 2020

By: Javier Fernandez

One of the main design principles of the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry (LPOE) modernization and expansion project was to construct “the port of the future”. That vision included installing the latest technology for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to carry out its security and inspection mission, as well as new energy-saving fixtures at a facility that’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The port’s around-the-clock operation, and the associated high energy costs, posed a challenge for the project team.

In order to move a step closer towards generating all of the energy the port uses and achieving greater energy cost savings, GSA recently completed a series of lighting retrofit projects to reduce utility costs and the port’s environmental footprint. These projects included the replacement of existing fixtures with more energy-efficient lighting. In total, the lighting retrofit projects have resulted in energy cost savings over $132,800 a year, highlighting GSA’s commitment to the American taxpayer and the environment. Recent improvements in energy-efficient lighting technology made these kinds of projects cost-efficient and sustainable.

One of the most visible upgrades included replacing the tall stadium lights that illuminate the expansive northbound vehicle pre-inspection area. Previously, if a light burned out, the building manager would need to spend a considerable amount of time and resources to hire the right contractor with the proper insurance, equipment, and training to service the massive stadium lights, towering 150 feet in the air. This work could last an entire day and shut down five vehicle lanes, dramatically increasing traffic and crossing wait times. The new stadium lights are more reliable, reducing maintenance costs and downtime. GSA is able to provide increased lighting, reduced disruptions to operations, and a safer environment for CBP officers.

“As the federal landlord, GSA takes a proactive approach to build sustainable facilities that cost less to operate, achieve energy efficiency, and support our tenant agencies’ missions,” said Dan Brown, Public Buildings Service Regional Commissioner for the GSA Pacific Rim Region. “This project perfectly captures our agency’s dedication to doing just that.”