Shedding light on energy savings at Harmony Natural Food Coop

According to a 2016 RETAP study we had done, lighting accounted for 22% of Harmony’s electrical load. Upgrading our existing T8 fluorescent lamps, which were reaching the end of their life, to LEDs was the most cost-effective and efficient way to significantly reduce electrical consumption at the store. The LED lights—over 400 in total—were installed by an electrician. We worked closely with our contractor to select the right technology and with Otter Tail Power Company to get rebates for all of the efficient LEDs we installed.

1. Do an inventory of existing lighting—RETAP can help if needed
2. Work with your local electric utility earlier on to get an estimate of available rebates
3. Invite electrical contractors out for cost estimates for different lighting upgrade options and for selecting the correct lighting spectrum for different areas
4. Engage social media to spread the word about your project!

During the last few years, there has been an explosion of interest in sustainability in the Bemidji region. Harmony has hosted and participated in a number of well attended community events that attest to this: the annual Bemidji Sustainable Places Tour, Security Bank’s Lunch and Learn, solar awning presentations and tours, and support by member-owners of Harmony’s annual sustainability packages.

However, community members often don’t know where to start in implementing the most effective energy conservation practices in their homes and businesses. This project provides a model that can serve as an example to help them start. It also could create change far beyond the scope of the project.

It is estimated that the team of six who made this project a reality reached more than 1,600 people. The community interacted with this project through:

• Displays at the store’s entry and during member meetings
• Newsletter articles, mailings to members, and the annual report
• Inclusion in the popular Solar United Neighbors workshop
• Postings on the website and at least 10 Facebook posts

Now that this project is complete, Harmony has made plans to upgrade the rest of the lights in the coop to LEDs to reduce energy use. But who knows where else we will go! Harmony’s 2014 CERTs Seed Grant for an energy audit not only identified opportunities for reducing its energy footprint, but snowballed into many other outcomes such as the formation of a sustainability committee, community education opportunities, installation of a photovoltaic awning, and EPA ENERGY STAR certification.