BLOOMINGTON, Minn., April 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- On Earth Day, Mall of America® announces its plan to replace 5,400 metal halide and high pressure sodium fixtures in the parking ramps with specially designed new fixtures featuring Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology from Acuity Brands, one of the world's leading providers of luminaires, lighting control systems and related products. The installation will begin in July of 2011.

"To continue with our dedication to being environmentally responsible, we are thrilled to announce a project of this magnitude," said Rich Hoge, director of technical operations for Mall of America. "It is incredible to be able to reduce our parking ramp energy demand by two-thirds or in excess of an 800KW demand reduction."

This conversion project, the largest of its kind in the United States, will reduce energy consumption in the ramps by two-thirds. The energy saved is enough to run Nickelodeon Universe for six years or power more than 11,000 homes for a year. The benefits of LED beyond lower energy consumption include better performance in cold temperatures, a life expectancy of more than 50,000 hours, no use of mercury and directional efficiency. LED lamps are also a powerful way to reduce light pollution, which has become a concern across the country.

Michael Naylor, Acuity Brands lighting vice president and general manager, outdoor products, emphasized Acuity Brands' pleasure in supporting the Mall of America's vision of environmental responsibility. "We are delighted to support the Mall of America in this important lighting renovation project. We are dedicated to advancing the conversion to LED lighting to deliver innovative, sustainable, quality lighting solutions. The size and scope of this project has allowed us to advance the technology for the Mall as well as for future applications."

Mall of America is located in the City of Bloomington's South Loop district. The City of Bloomington has made energy conservation and increased sustainability a primary focus for future developments and retrofits to existing facilities in this district. The City of Bloomington and Mall of America are finalizing terms for a Special Assessment Funding Agreement that will make this project possible.

This project was also made possible by a grant of $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Minnesota Department of Commerce through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and an energy conservation rebate from Xcel Energy.

"Energy conservation is a proven way to reduce consumption," said Mike Rothman, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce, which oversees the Division of Energy Resources. "With federal stimulus funds, we have helped large, commercial buildings like Mall of America – some of the biggest users of energy in the country – invest in energy-efficient technologies. The Mall of America project is a great example of how public funds and private investment can combine to make meaningful energy-efficiency improvements that will conserve energy for years to come."

Since opening, Mall of America has heavily invested in capital and team resources to reduce its operating footprint across many activities. The Mall recycles more than 60 percent of its waste, an average of 32,000 tons per year. This includes more than 2,400 tons of food waste to a local hog farm, 6,000 tons of cardboard and paper, and 50 tons of glass every year. This LED project is part of a multi-faceted sustainability program that will emerge over the coming months. Anticipated completion will be fall of 2011.

About Mall of America®

Mall of America is the nation's largest retail and entertainment complex. At 4.2 million square feet, MOA is home to more than 520 world-class shops; Nickelodeon Universe®, the nation's largest indoor family amusement park; Underwater Adventures® Aquarium, a 1.2 million gallon walk-through aquarium; Moose Mountain Adventure Golf; Theatres at Mall of America® - a 14-screen movie theater with VIP theatre and more. The Mall opened in August of 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. For more information visit www.mallofamerica.com.

About Acuity Brands

Acuity Brands, Inc. is a North American market leader and one of the world's leading providers of luminaires, lighting control systems and related products and services with fiscal year 2010 net sales of over $1.6 billion. The Company's lighting and system control product lines include Lithonia Lighting®, Holophane®, Peerless®, Mark Architectural Lighting™, Hydrel®, American Electric Lighting®, Gotham®, Carandini®, RELOC®, Antique Street Lamps™, Tersen®, Winona Lighting®, Synergy® Lighting Controls, Sensor Switch®, Lighting Control & Design™, ROAM® and Sunoptics®. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Acuity Brands employs approximately 6,000 associates and has operations throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

SOURCE Mall of America