Introducing GreenSource Initiative™
2009-01-19

Madera, California - January 19, 2009 - When rising energy and unstable fuel prices started affecting every sector of the economy, B-K Lighting and TEKA Illumination were already implementing plans for an environmentally friendly and cost effective way to conduct business. GreenSource Initiative™ allows us to reach that goal using innovative manufacturing practices and alternate energy sources.

As a result of GreenSource Initiative™ innovations, the Central California facility housing B-K Lighting, TEKA Illumination and affiliate Star Finishes is powered by the sun.

A photovoltaic solar system transformed the rooftop into a state-of-the-art renewable energy source. With over 1,200 Mitsubishi Electric 170-watt panels, the roof supplies two-thirds of our overall yearly electrical power.

“In the summer time, our meters will spin backwards and forward in the winter. The use of renewable energy is contributing to our ability to manufacture products ‘off the grid’ while providing a true savings to our bottom line and supporting out commitment to be green,“ said Doug Hagen, CEO and President of B-K Lighting and TEKA Illumination.

The energy generated by our solar panels is continuously updated and available online 24 hours a day at our website, www.bklighting.com.

Additional alternative energy sources incorporated into the newly expanded facility include solar skylights with GPS tracking systems designed to follow the sun with a single mirror that reflects sunlight into the building. The system produces up to ten times more light than a passive skylight without any draw from line voltage.

At B-K Lighting and TEKA Illumination, wasted lighting energy is eliminated with occupancy sensors and control dimmers installed in all restrooms, supply closets, offices and throughout manufacturing spaces. These and many more improvements dramatically reduce our electricity costs and emissions.

GreenSource Initiative™ goes beyond use of alternative energies; we pride ourselves on using up to 80% recycled aluminum, re-claimed brass, copper and bronze in the manufacturing process. Instead of going into the trash bins, aluminum waste from the manufacturing process is captured for recycling purposes. An average of 4,800 pounds of aluminum are collected monthly and reclaimed.

A ‘greener’ building means a lighter ecological footprint. A healthier and more productive place to work is good news for the company’s bottom line and for employee morale and productivity. Employees are encouraged and compensated to reduce the number of vehicle miles traveled by carpooling and planning ahead to combine trips.

Responsible use of resources is also part of GreenSource Initiative™. Paper, glass and aluminum recycling bins are conveniently placed throughout the building. Programmable, motion-activated thermostats and live plants help to recycle the air. Electronic communication such as e-mail, on-screen review of documents, electronic faxes and digital file storage significantly reduce the use of paper products.

B-K Lighting and TEKA Illumination will unveil GreenSource Initiative™ to its national network of sales representatives through special sections of our web sites, www.bklighting.com/greensource. and www.tekaillumination.com/greensource, later this month. To increase interest in the program, we are sending sales representatives environmentally-friendly water bottles and reusable lunchbags along with our GreenSource Initiative™ brochure.

Preserving the environment comes instinctively to our companies as we commit to investing in green manufacturing practices, adopt basic business habits and reclaim our products. Our daily actions visibly demonstrate our dedication to lighten our ecological footprint and reduce lighting energy consumption by offering sustainable luminaires.

About B-K Lighting: Since 1984, B-K Lighting has been dedicated to providing the lighting industry with the highest quality, most innovative and fairly priced outdoor
lighting fixtures available. B-K Lighting manufactures standard and custom fixtures for outdoor and landscape lighting including path, sign, area, flood, recessed building mounted, and in-grade applications. B-K Lighting products are installed in high-end residential and landmark applications around the world.

QUALITY, SERVICE, INNOVATION, and VALUE all add up to make B-K Lighting the number one choice in outdoor lighting.

About TEKA Illumination: Since 1993, TEKA Illumination has been driven to manufacture sustainable luminaires. All TEKA Illumination products are manufactured from copper, brass and bronze, three of the oldest natural and manmade materials. These materials are extremely resistant to environmental corrosion and physical abuse attributing to their sustainability. Enduring metals. Elemental designs. New technologies. These are the inspirations of TEKA Illumination.

B-K Lighting and TEKA Illumination have a long history of supporting green manufacturing.

As members of the USGBC (United States Green Building Council) and IDSA (International Dark Sky Association) they have led their industry in providing earth-friendly designs and manufacturing concepts.

For more information about B-K Lighting and TEKA Illumination products and representatives, visit our web sites at www.bklighting.com and www.tekaillumination.com. Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST at 559-438-5800 or fax 559-438-5900. Located at 40429 Brickyard Drive, Madera, CA 93636.

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