DCAS Begins Installation of Energy Efficient Colored Lights at City Hall
April 18, 2022
NEW YORK – NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock today announced that installation has begun for new energy efficient exterior lights on the balcony of New York City Hall. Announced to kick off Earth Week, the LED lighting system will cut energy consumption by 90%, require less maintenance, and decrease costs for replacing antiquated bulbs. The system will also improve lighting quality and allow for custom colored lighting to recognize special occasions.
“As we mark the start of Earth Week, it is critical that the city set the tone for fulfilling our sustainability goals and reducing our city’s carbon footprint,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “The new energy-efficient colored lights at City Hall will help reduce energy usage while pointing the way toward a brighter, more colorful future for all New Yorkers.”
“City Hall is the people’s house, and it’s fitting that the new lighting system will set the standard for energy efficiency,” said DCAS Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock. “The new exterior lights will not only reduce energy use and save money, but will also allow us to use custom colors to mark special occasions.”
The new lighting system, designed by Color Kinetics and being installed by DCAS electricians, is the same system that was installed at the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building in 2019. The new system features six strips of lights, including 180 individual bulbs spanning the balcony of City Hall. Currently, when City Hall is illuminated with colored lights, it requires a manual set-up. The new system will be fully automated. The new lighting system costs $15,000 and will debut to honor Memorial Day.
The previously-installed lighting system at the municipal building has reduced energy use from lighting by 46% and the colored lights have provided a point of civic pride. The building was recently lit blue and gold in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, and pink and blue to recognize Trans Day of Visibility. The building has a custom lighting schedule for various holidays and special occasions.
The new lighting system at City Hall will allow for custom lighting with better, more vibrant lighting that also reduces energy use. Pictured here, City Hall and the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building were lit for Trans Day of Visibility on March 31, 2022.
About the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) provides effective shared services to support the operations of New York City government. Its commitment to equity, effectiveness, and sustainability guides its work with City agencies on recruiting, hiring, and training employees; providing facilities management for 55 public buildings; acquiring, selling, and leasing city property; purchasing more than $1 billion in supplies and equipment each year; and implementing conservation and safety programs throughout the city's facilities and vehicle fleet. Learn more about DCAS by visiting nyc.gov/dcas or by following us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and listening to the Inside Citywide podcast.
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