Dedicated to revitalizing East Bay neighborhoods, CESC helps people enhance their working and living situations through more sustainable technologies. Find out how small businesses and individuals are benefiting from health, safety and energy enhancements from the CESC.

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Lower Energy Costs through the Smart Lights Program
by Nick Setka

Black Oak Books is an independent book store located in Berkeley, CA. As one of ten pilot sites for the Smart Lights Program, Black Oak Books has seen lower energy bills every month. According to Nick Setka, Facilities Manager, Black Oak Books, "The real benefit is that not only are we doing something we should be doing to conserve energy, especially in a time like this, but we are saving money." When Setka compared his January 2001 energy bill to his energy bill this January, he noticed immediately a 34% reduction. "In 2001, we were using 287.7 kilowatt hours of energy per day and in 2002 [with the new fixtures from the Smart Lights Program], we are only using 189.6 kilowatt hours per day … To give a practical example, the amount of energy Black Oak is saving is enough kilowatt energy to power 3 ½ households or [put another way] the emissions that will not be produced by power generation are equal to taking one car off the road."

With the energy savings, cost savings, and better quality lighting that Black Oak Books has experienced, Setka says, "I don't see any downside to the Smart Lights Program, actually ... I strongly encourage all of our fellow businesses to join the program and reap the benefits we now enjoy."

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Better Lighting with the Smart Lights Program
by Orrel Lanter

Uncommon Grounds is a coffee roaster for Gourmet Coffees located in Berkeley, CA. As a Smart Lights Program Pioneer, Uncommon Grounds has experienced better lighting conditions and , subsequently, better working conditions. According to Orrel Lanter, President of Uncommon Grounds, "Uncommon Grounds roasts, packages, and ships Gourmet Coffees and all three phases of our operation depend on adequate workplace lighting. Smart Lights showed us how we could maintain, or even increase, our existing lighting levels, while dramatically reducing our electricity use and expense. Better lighting at a lower cost … it's illuminating!!!"

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Freedom through the Home Health and Safety Program
by John Wong

83-year-old Berkeley resident John Wong benefits from an accessibility project at his home. Mr. Wong, a respected elder and activist in local Chinese community affairs, is overjoyed with his new freedom of mobility. This was made possible through the collaborative efforts of CESC and The Center for Independent Living.

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